Whether you're heading out on vacation or flying in for business, the last thing you expect is to get injured while walking through the airport. But slip and fall accidents happen more often than you think—even at major transportation hubs like the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). If you've been hurt in a slip and fall at PHL or another Philly airport, it's important to understand your rights and what steps to take next.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we help injured individuals throughout Philadelphia pursue the compensation they need after serious slip and fall accidents. Let’s walk through what happens if you trip and fall at the airport, how liability works, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at PHL
Airports are fast-paced, high-traffic environments. With thousands of travelers moving through PHL every day, it's no surprise that slip and fall hazards can pop up quickly. Some of the most common causes of slip and fall injuries at Philadelphia International Airport include:
- Spilled beverages or food in terminal restaurants or walkways
- Recently mopped floors with no warning signs
- Water tracked in during rainy or snowy weather
- Uneven flooring, loose tiles, or damaged carpeting
- Poor lighting in stairwells or walkways
- Escalator or elevator malfunctions
Even something as simple as a misplaced floor mat or power cord could cause a serious fall. While it might feel embarrassing in the moment, a slip and fall can result in significant injuries, such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or torn ligaments.
Who Is Liable for a Slip and Fall at the Philadelphia Airport?
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is owned by the City of Philadelphia and managed by its Department of Aviation, but many day‑to‑day operations are handled by private businesses. Liability for a slip and fall is usually tied to who had control over the area where you were hurt and whether that party failed to fix or warn about a dangerous condition.
- City of Philadelphia/Department of Aviation: Typically responsible for common areas it directly maintains—such as main concourses, restrooms, and parking garages—subject to notice requirements and exceptions to governmental immunity.
- Concessionaires and Restaurants: Each shop or eatery leases its own space and must keep that footprint reasonably safe. A spilled drink inside a coffee shop, for example, is the concessionaire’s responsibility.
- Third‑Party Maintenance or Cleaning Companies: The airport hires outside vendors for floor waxing, snow removal, and custodial services. When their negligence leads to a fall, they can be named as defendants.
Because multiple parties often overlap in PHL’s terminals, figuring out who is at fault requires a prompt investigation, a review of surveillance footage, and an analysis of lease or service contracts. An experienced slip and fall lawyer will identify every entity that had custody or control of the accident site and build a case showing how each one failed to act with reasonable care.
Proving Negligence in a Slip and Fall Claim
To hold a party legally responsible for a slip and fall, your legal team needs to prove negligence. This means showing that:
- A dangerous condition existed (such as a wet floor or broken tile).
- The property owner or manager knew or should have known about the hazard.
- They failed to fix the hazard or warn you about it.
- You were injured as a result.
It’s not enough to simply say you fell. You must be able to show that the fall occurred because of someone else’s failure to maintain a safe environment. That’s why it’s so important to document everything, gather evidence, and speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall at PHL
If you experience a slip and fall at Philadelphia International Airport, here are some steps you should take immediately:
- Report the accident to airport staff, security, or the business where it occurred. Make sure an incident report is filed.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including any visible hazards (like wet floors or broken tiles).
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw your fall.
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions, like concussions or internal injuries, may not be immediately obvious.
- Preserve your clothing and shoes in case they need to be examined later as evidence.
Taking these steps can make a big difference if you decide to file a personal injury claim later. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve critical evidence and build a strong case.
Similar Post: Why Evidence is So Important in Your Slip and Fall Claim
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Philadelphia?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims—including slip and fall cases—is two years from the date of the injury. However, if your claim involves a government entity, such as the City of Philadelphia, you may be required to file a formal notice of claim within just six months.
Missing a deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. That’s why it’s so important to consult an experienced Philadelphia slip and fall attorney early in the process.
What Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
If your slip and fall was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment)
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of your evidence. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we fight for every dollar our clients are owed.
Why You Need a Slip and Fall Attorney in Philly
Slip and fall cases are rarely straightforward. In an airport setting, multiple parties might be involved, and each will have their own legal team working to avoid liability. That’s why having a skilled slip and fall attorney on your side is crucial.
Our Philly-based legal team understands how to handle complex premises liability cases—including those involving public and private entities. We know how to investigate these accidents, uncover the right evidence, and build compelling claims for our clients.
You shouldn’t have to deal with airport authorities, insurance companies, or corporate defense teams on your own. Let our firm handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Similar Post: Navigating Slip and Fall Accidents Near SEPTA Stations in Philadelphia: What You Need to Know
Talk to an Experienced Philadelphia Slip and Fall Lawyer From van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Today
If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or another transit hub in Philly, don't wait to explore your legal options. You could be entitled to compensation, but time is not on your side.
Contact van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim today for a free consultation. We'll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
You didn't ask for this injury—but you don't have to face it alone.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.