Airports are bustling hubs where employees face heavy machinery, constant movement, and fast-paced operations. In South Carolina, workers at airports in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach often perform physically demanding and hazardous tasks. Unfortunately, airport work injuries are common – ranging from minor strains to catastrophic accidents.
Common Causes of Airport Work Injuries
Airport employees work in diverse roles – baggage handlers, ground crew, maintenance staff, TSA officers, and food service workers. Each role comes with unique risks. The most frequent causes of injuries include:
- Baggage handling accidents – lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy luggage often leads to back injuries and muscle strains.
- Slip-and-fall accidents – wet floors, uneven pavement, and cluttered walkways in terminals can cause severe falls.
- Equipment and machinery injuries – accidents involving conveyor belts, tugs, forklifts, and jet bridges can cause crushing or amputation injuries.
- Vehicle collisions – ground crew face risks from baggage carts, fuel trucks, and aircraft tugs operating in crowded areas.
- Exposure to toxic substances – jet fuel, cleaning chemicals, and de-icing fluids may cause burns or long-term respiratory issues.
- Noise-induced hearing loss – constant exposure to jet engines can damage hearing without proper protective gear.
Workers’ Compensation for Airport Employees
In South Carolina, most airport employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This no-fault system provides benefits regardless of who caused the accident, including:
- Medical treatment and hospital costs
- Partial wage replacement while recovering
- Disability benefits for long-term injuries
- Vocational rehabilitation in severe cases
However, workers’ comp does not always cover the full scope of damages, particularly pain and suffering or emotional trauma.
When a Lawsuit May Be Possible
In some cases, injured airport workers may pursue a personal injury lawsuit in addition to workers’ comp. This may apply if:
- A third party (such as a subcontractor, vendor, or equipment manufacturer) caused the accident.
- Faulty machinery, defective safety equipment, or poorly maintained airport facilities contributed to the injury.
- Gross negligence by an outside contractor created unsafe working conditions.
Through a lawsuit, workers may recover damages beyond workers’ comp, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of earning capacity
- Full compensation for lost wages
Proving an Airport Work Injury Case
To succeed in court, plaintiffs must show:
- A duty of care existed (e.g., an employer, vendor, or third party had a responsibility to keep the workplace safe).
- That duty was breached through negligence, recklessness, or unsafe practices.
- The breach directly caused the accident.
- The worker suffered measurable damages.
Evidence that strengthens these claims includes incident reports, medical records, eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, and expert safety analysis.
Steps to Take After an Airport Injury
If you’re injured while working at a South Carolina airport, take these steps immediately:
- Report the injury to your supervisor and ensure it is documented.
- Seek medical attention and follow treatment plans.
- Keep copies of all medical records, bills, and lost wage documentation.
- Avoid signing releases or settlement offers before consulting legal guidance.
- Contact an attorney to explore both workers’ comp and potential third-party claims.
Conclusion: Protecting South Carolina Airport Workers
At Ted Law Firm, Airports are vital to South Carolina’s economy, but they also create dangerous working conditions for employees. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. From slip-and-fall accidents to equipment injuries and long-term occupational hazards, workers deserve protection, fair compensation, and safe environments. Contact us today for a free consultation
