Flight Attendant Workers Compensation

Flight Attendant Workers Compensation Benefits

Flight attendants are one of the most essential components of the airline industry, responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. Unfortunately, the flight attendants’ job also comes with certain risks, and flight attendants are at risk of suffering from a variety of workplace and work-related injuries.

In this article the specialized flight attendant workers compensation attorneys at Cantrell Green discuss the most common types of flight attendant injuries and explain

Most Common Flight Attendant Work Injuries

One of the most common workplace injuries suffered by flight attendants is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These injuries can be caused by repetitive motions, awkward postures, and lifting heavy objects such as luggage. According to a report by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), MSDs accounted for 33% of all reported injuries and illnesses among flight attendants between 2012 and 2016.

In addition to MSDs, flight attendants are also at risk of suffering from slips, trips, and falls. This can occur due to turbulence, wet or slippery surfaces, or cluttered work areas. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), slips, trips, and falls were the second most common type of accident among flight attendants in 2019, accounting for 16% of all reported accidents.

Another common work-related injury suffered by flight attendants is exposure to harmful substances. This can include exposure to engine exhaust fumes, cabin air contaminants, and cleaning chemicals. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, flight attendants are at an increased risk of developing respiratory and neurological problems due to their exposure to these substances.

The prevalence of certain types of flight attendant injuries will vary depending on the airline, the type of aircraft, and many other factors. Nonetheless, it is clear that flight attendants face a variety of risks on the job, in many cases more than other professions.

Flight Attendant Workers Compensation for Assault

Unfortunately, flight attendants are now at a higher risk of being assaulted by passengers while on the job. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there has been a significant increase in the number of passenger-related incidents on airplanes in recent years, including incidents of physical assault against flight attendants.

In 2020, the FAA reported 4,385 incidents of unruly passengers, with 3,199 of those incidents involving passengers refusing to comply with the federal mask mandate. Of the total incidents, 1,303 involved physical assault against flight attendants, with 77 of those incidents resulting in serious injury. In 2019, there were 146 reported cases of physical assault against flight attendants, as compared to 105 reported cases in 2018.

The types of injuries suffered by flight attendants as a result of assaults can vary widely depending on the circumstances. Some flight attendants may suffer minor injuries such as bruises, cuts, or sprains, while others may experience more severe injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, or even spinal cord injuries. In addition to physical injuries, flight attendants may also suffer from emotional trauma as a result of the assault.

The FAA has taken steps to address the issue of passenger assaults against flight attendants, including implementing a zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers and issuing fines and other penalties for those who violate federal regulations. And airlines are taking steps to improve communication with law enforcement officials and implementing stronger security measures on airplanes.

However, flight attendants continue to face risks on the job, and it is important for flight attendants to understand their rights to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they are the victim of an assault.

Flight Attendant Workers Compensation for Psychological Disability / PTSD

Flight attendants are not only at risk of physical injuries on the job but also psychological or mental disabilities that can result from exposure to traumatic events or long-term job-related stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one such condition that can affect flight attendants, particularly those who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events such as in-flight emergencies, turbulence, or assaults by passengers.

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, flight attendants who had experienced a traumatic event on the job had a higher prevalence of PTSD symptoms compared to those who had not experienced such an event. The study also found that flight attendants who reported high levels of job-related stress were more likely to experience PTSD symptoms.

Another study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that flight attendants who experienced higher levels of job demands and emotional labor were at a higher risk of developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

It is important to note that statistics on the prevalence of mental health disabilities among flight attendants are limited. The airline industry has been historically reluctant to address mental health issues, and many flight attendants may be reluctant to report such issues due to concerns about stigma or job security.

Nonetheless, it is clear that flight attendants face significant risks to their mental health on the job, and it is important flight attendants to understand their right to collect workers’ compensation benefits if they suffer from work related psychological disability.

Workers Compensation for Flight Attendants

Flight attendants are generally covered by the workers’ compensation laws of the state in which they are based or employed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all airlines to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, including flight attendants, who are injured or become ill as a result of their job duties.

The workers’ compensation benefits available to flight attendants can vary depending on the state, but typically include coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits. Flight attendants may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services to help them return to work following an injury.

It is important to note that flight attendants may face unique challenges when it comes to workers’ compensation claims, particularly when injuries occur during layovers or while on international flights. In such cases, it may be necessary to navigate complex legal and jurisdictional issues in order to obtain the appropriate benefits.

Due to the unique and complex issues facing airline employees, flight attendants who have been injured on the job should consult with a specialized workers’ compensation attorney with extensive experience representing airline employees, like the lawyers at Cantrell Green.

Jurisdiction for Flight Attendant Workers Compensation Cases

Many flight attendants are unsure of where (in what State) they are allowed to file a workers’ compensation claim. This is called “jurisdiction.” Jurisdiction for flight attendant workers’ comp claims may legally be:

1. In the State where the flight attendant’s injury occurred
2. In the State where the flight attendant’s contract for hire was entered into
3. In the State in which the airline’s principal place of business lies
4. In the State in which the flight attendant is “based”

For this reason, it is extremely important to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who specializes in flight attendants and airline employees, like the workers’ comp lawyers at Cantrell Green. If you are a flight attendant who was injured at work, our lawyers will be able to ensure that you file your workers’ compensation claim in the right State so that you meet the “jurisdictional requirement.”

Flight Attendant Workers Compensation Attorneys

If are you are a flight attendant and you were injured or made ill in the workplace, we recommend that you speak with one of our experienced workers compensation attorneys immediately. An experienced airline employee workers compensation attorney can help you identify minor issues before they become major problems – and make sure that you not only receive your benefits now, but for years to come.

Your consultation with our experienced airline employee workers’ compensation attorneys is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us. Our attorneys will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum workers’ compensation benefits for which you qualify.

Flight Attendants’ Workers Compensation Attorneys: 800-964-8047