Flight attendants have physically-demanding jobs and unique challenges because they're working thousands of miles in the air. If they suffer an injury, they have the added danger of not being able to seek immediate medical care.
In addition, the risks of workplace injuries don't stop once they land. There are many hazards in the terminal and while they're on layovers that could cause them to be seriously hurt.
Common Job-Related Injuries for Flight Attendants
Flight attendants must deal with stressful and hazardous conditions on a daily basis. Depending on the length of their flights, they could be working for long hours where they're responsible for providing for travelers' needs and responding to any in-flight emergencies.
Here are some common dangers they face and the injuries that result:
- Lifting. Flight attendants must help travelers lift their heavy carry-on bags in the overhead bins and take other luggage to be stored in the cargo area. As a result, they can suffer back and spinal injuries that can cause chronic pain and limitations in movements. These are some of the most common injuries flight attendants experience.
- Turbulence. When there's turbulence or a rough landing due to weather conditions, flight attendants can suffer bruises, lacerations, herniated disks, concussions, and neck and shoulder injuries.
- Shift Work Disorder. Because of changing shifts, night flights, and international flights across many time zones, a flight attendant can develop shift work disorder, which affects his or her circadian rhythms. This causes excessive sleepiness and insomnia, and can lead to other medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and metabolism problems.
- Slip and fall accidents. These often result in fractures, back, spinal, and neck injuries, traumatic brain injury, and other complications.
- Violence. Irate passengers pose an increasing danger to flight attendants. If they're attacked by a passenger, or while trying to restrain someone who is violent or agitated, they can experience bruises, broken bones, internal injuries, and brain injuries.
- Transportation. Flight attendants often use ground transportation during layovers. They can suffer many types of injuries in a vehicle accident—sometimes life-threatening.
If you're a flight attendant in Florida and suffer a workplace injury, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits while you're off work healing. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys can explain your rights to benefits and file a claim so you receive proper financial recovery. To learn more, call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
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