When a serious accident occurs at an airport—whether on the runway, during boarding, or inside a busy terminal—it is more than an inconvenience. It is a crisis that can alter lives in an instant. Injuries resulting from these incidents often involve powerful forces: moving aircraft, service vehicles, heavy machinery, or high-traffic areas where safety failures can have devastating consequences.
Georgia Airport Accident Lawyer
At McArthur Law Firm, the team understands what is at stake when an individual is injured in an airport environment. These cases go far beyond routine slip-and-fall accidents or simple insurance claims—they involve complex layers of corporate responsibility and intersecting state and federal regulations. Airlines, airport operators, maintenance crews, and contractors each have legal duties under Georgia law to protect passengers, workers, and visitors. When those duties are neglected, McArthur Law Firm is committed to holding them accountable.
In the sections below, McArthur Law Firm explains the key aspects of Georgia airport accident cases, including how such accidents occur, who may be legally responsible, what legal rights victims have, the types of compensation that may be available, and how an experienced airport accident attorney can advocate for justice and meaningful recovery on behalf of those affected.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your airport accident and/or injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Airport Accidents in Georgia
- Major Types of Airport Accidents
- Common Injuries Victims Suffer in Airport Accidents
- Where Airport Accidents Happen Most Often in Georgia
- Who Is at Fault for an Airport Accident in Georgia
- How a Georgia Airport Accident Lawyer Helps Clients Get Compensation
- Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Airport Accidents
- Resources
Major Types of Airport Accidents
Aircraft-Related Accidents — These accidents are often the most devastating and complex. They can involve collisions on the runway, mechanical failures during flight, or hard landings caused by pilot error or equipment malfunction. Whether it’s a private plane or a major commercial airline, aviation accidents usually require investigation by both federal and state authorities. In Georgia, busy airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon are constantly handling thousands of flights each day, which increases the risk of something going wrong when even a small mistake happens.
Ground Transportation and Vehicle Accidents — Many airport injuries happen not in the air, but on the ground. Buses that shuttle passengers between terminals, baggage carts moving too quickly, or service trucks operating near aircraft can all lead to serious collisions. These vehicles often share tight spaces with pedestrians, increasing the danger of accidents that can cause serious harm.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents — Terminals and concourses are high-traffic areas where spills, slick tile floors, or worn carpeting can easily cause a fall. Escalators and moving walkways can also malfunction, leading to injuries. Even minor-looking slip and fall incidents inside an airport can cause broken bones or head injuries that have lasting effects.
Luggage and Baggage Handling Accidents — Heavy luggage can fall from overhead areas, conveyor belts can jam, and baggage handling equipment can strike bystanders or employees. The fast-paced environment of luggage areas often leads to rushed work and unsafe conditions. These accidents are common for both passengers and airport workers, especially in crowded loading zones.
Airport Construction and Maintenance Accidents — Airports are always expanding or upgrading. Construction workers, maintenance staff, and even passengers may be exposed to unsafe zones where scaffolding collapses, machinery malfunctions, or debris causes harm. If proper safety measures are not followed, these areas can become dangerous very quickly.
Security and Boarding Area Incidents — Security screening areas and boarding gates are among the busiest spots in any airport. Equipment failures, crowding, or aggressive security procedures can all lead to accidents or injuries. In some cases, improperly maintained jet bridges or boarding stairs have caused passengers to fall or get trapped.
Helicopter and Private Charter Accidents — Georgia has several smaller airports and private airstrips used for charter flights and helicopters. Accidents here may involve pilot inexperience, maintenance issues, or unsafe weather conditions.
Common Injuries Victims Suffer in Airport Accidents
Common Physical Injuries — Airport accidents often cause serious harm to the body. An individual might experience broken bones, sprains, or back injuries from slips, falls, or vehicle collisions. In more severe cases, victims may face traumatic brain injuries, burns, or spinal cord damage that require long-term medical care.
Unique Aviation-Related Injuries — Certain injuries are specific to accidents involving aircraft or airfield equipment. Blast trauma, crush injuries from heavy machinery, and smoke inhalation from fires or fuel leaks are all possible. These injuries can be catastrophic and may require extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation.
Emotional and Psychological Injuries — Beyond the physical damage, many airport accident victims suffer from emotional trauma. Experiencing a crash, explosion, or even a severe fall can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. These invisible injuries are often just as painful as physical ones and may take months or years to recover from.
Where Airport Accidents Happen Most Often in Georgia
Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport — As the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta handles more than 100 million passengers each year, making it a high-risk location for many types of accidents. With nearly nonstop activity on runways, taxiways, and terminals, even a small oversight can have serious consequences. Accidents here frequently happen in terminal walkways, where passengers rush between concourses and slip on spilled drinks or freshly mopped floors. The security checkpoints are another major hotspot—crowded lines, heavy bins, and hurried screening processes can lead to falls, dropped items, and collisions.
On the tarmac, workers face hazards from constant vehicle movement and high noise levels that can make it hard to hear warnings. Fuel trucks, baggage carts, and catering vehicles must navigate tight spaces between aircraft, increasing the risk of collisions or crush injuries. Accidents also occur during boarding and deplaning, especially on jet bridges that malfunction or are unevenly aligned with the aircraft door. In addition, the baggage claim and cargo handling zones see frequent injuries when conveyor belts jam or luggage falls from height.
Maintenance crews at Hartsfield-Jackson are also at risk. Hangar and service area incidents, such as electrical shocks, tool malfunctions, or slips on oil spills, are common. Given the airport’s massive scale and round-the-clock operations, any lapse in maintenance or supervision can lead to severe injury or property damage. Hartsfield-Jackson’s combination of commercial, cargo, and private operations makes it one of the most accident-prone environments in Georgia.
Macon’s Middle Georgia Regional Airport — Though smaller than Atlanta’s airport, Middle Georgia Regional Airport in Macon presents its own set of dangers. Its operations include commercial flights, private charters, flight training, and cargo transport, which means a variety of equipment and personnel work in close quarters. Accidents often happen in maintenance hangars, where mechanics service aircraft using lifts, power tools, and fuel systems. Poor lighting, limited staffing, or rushed repair work can increase the risk of falls, burns, and crush injuries.
The runways and taxiways at Macon’s airport can also be dangerous. Smaller aircraft, including training planes and private jets, may collide during taxiing or takeoff if visibility is poor or communication errors occur. Fueling areas and ground service zones are particularly hazardous when safety protocols are ignored, leading to fires or explosions.
Inside the terminal, slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of injury. These can happen near restrooms, waiting areas, or boarding gates—especially when rainwater or spilled beverages are left unattended. Baggage handling injuries are also frequent, as ground crews and travelers lift heavy or awkward luggage without proper equipment or assistance.
Who Is at Fault for an Airport Accident in Georgia
Airlines and Air Carriers — When a commercial airline’s negligence leads to an injury or crash, the company can be held responsible under Georgia’s general tort principles. Under Ga. Code § 6-2-6, liability for injury or death of passengers in an aircraft is determined by “the rules of law applicable to torts on land arising out of similar relationships.” This means that airlines must use the same level of care required of any transportation provider—keeping passengers reasonably safe throughout boarding, flight, and landing. Additionally, O.C.G.A. § 51-1-2 defines negligence as the failure to exercise ordinary care, and airlines that ignore safety regulations or maintenance duties can be held liable for the injuries that result.
Airport Authorities and Property Owners — Airport operators, including those managing Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Middle Georgia Regional Airport, have a duty to maintain safe premises for passengers and workers. Under O.C.G.A. § 51-3-1, property owners who invite the public onto their property must exercise ordinary care to keep it safe. If a hazardous condition—like a wet floor, broken escalator, or malfunctioning jet bridge—is ignored or left unrepaired, the airport authority may be liable for premises negligence.
Aircraft and Equipment Manufacturers — Defective aircraft components, ground vehicles, or baggage-handling machinery can cause serious accidents. Georgia law allows injured people to file product liability claims under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-11, which holds manufacturers accountable when a product is not “merchantable and reasonably suited” for its intended purpose and causes harm. This statute applies not only to airplanes but also to service vehicles, jet bridges, and maintenance equipment used on airport grounds.
Contractors and Airport Vendors — Cleaning services, maintenance crews, and fueling companies working at Georgia airports must comply with strict safety protocols. If a contractor fails to perform work safely—such as leaving spills uncleaned, using faulty tools, or neglecting equipment maintenance—they may be liable under O.C.G.A. § 51-1-6, which allows recovery when someone violates a legal duty that causes injury.
Collisions Between Aircraft — When two aircraft collide—either on land or in the air—Georgia law specifically addresses responsibility. Under Ga. Code § 6-2-7, liability for damages caused by aircraft collisions “shall be determined by the rules of law applicable to torts on land.” This statute ensures that ordinary negligence principles apply, meaning fault is assessed based on whether each party acted with reasonable care.
Federal Aviation Standards and Georgia Law — While a legal claim will rely on Georgia law, federal aviation safety standards enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may also come into play. These federal regulations help establish whether an airline, maintenance provider, or airport operator met its safety obligations.
How a Georgia Airport Accident Lawyer Helps Clients Get Compensation
Investigating the Cause — The lawyer begins by determining exactly what happened. They gather flight records, maintenance logs, video footage, and witness statements to establish how and why the airport accident occurred.
Dealing With Insurance Companies — Airport accidents often involve several insurers, including airlines, airport authorities, and contractors. The lawyer communicates directly with these companies to prevent low settlement offers and to ensure that the client’s medical bills and other losses are fully covered.
Filing Aviation and Personal Injury Claims — A Georgia airport accident lawyer prepares and files claims under state and, when necessary, federal law. They make sure all deadlines under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33 (the two-year statute of limitations for personal injury) are met and that the case complies with both aviation and tort requirements.
Pursuing the Right Damages — The attorney fights for all recoverable damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. In fatal cases, they pursue wrongful death compensation under O.C.G.A. § 51-4-2.
Handling Complex Aviation Issues — Airport accident cases differ from standard personal injury claims due to federal safety regulations, multiple defendants, and overlapping insurance coverage. A Georgia airport accident lawyer is skilled at coordinating experts and evidence across these complex areas.
Representing Clients in Court — When insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, the lawyer presents the case before a Georgia jury, utilizing aviation experts and safety documentation to prove fault and demonstrate the full extent of the client’s losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Airport Accidents
What should someone do right after an airport accident?
They should seek medical help immediately, report the airport accident to officials, take photos, gather witness names, and contact an experienced Georgia airport accident lawyer to protect their rights and begin their claim.
Who pays for injuries after an airport crash?
The responsible airline, airport authority, or contractor may be liable for the losses. A Georgia airport accident lawyer investigates liability and negotiates with insurers to secure full compensation for the injured party.
How long does a person have to file an airport accident claim in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, an individual generally has two years from the date of the airport accident to file a personal injury claim and pursue financial recovery.
Can an airline be sued for an airport accident injury?
Yes. If airline negligence caused the airport accident, the injured party may sue under Georgia tort law to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
What kinds of compensation are available after an airport accident?
Victims may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future care expenses related to the airport accident or wrongful death.
How does an airport accident lawyer prove fault?
The lawyer collects maintenance records, witness statements, and surveillance footage to determine who caused the airport accident and establishes negligence under Georgia’s aviation and premises liability laws.
Can airport workers file a claim after an accident?
Yes. Injured airport employees may file workers’ compensation claims and, in some cases, third-party airport accident claims if contractors, vendors, or equipment manufacturers contributed to their injuries.
What happens if multiple people caused the airport accident?
Georgia’s comparative negligence law applies. Victims can still recover damages if they are found to be less than 50% at fault for the airport accident that caused their injuries.
Why should someone hire a Georgia airport accident lawyer right away?
Evidence can disappear quickly after an airport accident. A Georgia airport accident lawyer acts immediately to investigate, preserve crucial proof, and ensure all legal deadlines are met for the claim.
Resources
Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division – Air Travel — This page from the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division explains travelers’ rights and responsibilities when flying. It provides information about booking and canceling flights, refund and ticket policies, handling baggage issues, and filing complaints about air travel problems.
ATL311 – How to Report an Incident at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport — This resource from ATL311 explains how to report emergencies and non-emergency incidents at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. It gives directions to the Airport Precinct, phone numbers for airport and city services, and instructions on reporting lost property.
Federal Aviation Administration – Airport Safety — This official FAA page provides information about the Airport Safety Program, which addresses safety standards for U.S. airports under federal regulations. It covers topics like runway safety, airport certification, wildlife hazard management, and emergency response programs.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Airport Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
