Flying the Unfriendly Skies: Common Injuries for Flight Attendants

Flight attendants offer comfort, support, and help to those who are taking trips on planes. They are always there with a smile, an encouraging word, and whatever you need to make your flight more enjoyable. But often, flight attendants experience injuries while performing their jobs. A passenger may ask for assistance with baggage or personal items, and a flight attendant might hurt his or her back and have difficulty standing or walking.

Flight Attendants Are Prone to Injuries

One in four flight attendants will become injured on the job this year, and most will experience back injuries. However, flight attendants will suffer many different types of injuries, including:

• Injuries from falling baggage
• Slip and fall injuries in airports during layovers
• Back or spinal injuries from lifting passenger baggage
• “Sick airplane syndrome” from poor air quality in the aircraft
• Back problems from reaching into the overhead bin
• Injuries from an assault from an unruly passenger
• Arm, wrist, or back injuries from pushing or pulling heavy meal carts that may not work properly
• Injuries on shuttle buses from airports to hotels
• Head, neck, or shoulder injuries from rough landings
• Herniated discs or hip injuries from in-flight turbulence

When You Are Too Injured to Work

If you are hurt on the job and your recovery requires time away from work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ comp. If your employer tries to deny your benefits, or if you are having problems receiving workers’ comp, the attorneys of Johnson and Gilbert want to help. Contact us today to learn more.