Are people behaving worse on flights? The data says “yes.” According to data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 2024 saw a sharp rise in the number of incidents involving unruly passengers on commercial flights. You may be wondering: What are my legal options if I was assaulted on a plane? The short answer is that you have the right to bring a claim to seek financial compensation. Here, our Wisconsin airline accident attorney highlights your options if you were assaulted on a commercial plane that departed from or in landing in Wisconsin.
What to Do If Assaulted on a Commercial Airline
Were you or a loved one assaulted while on a commercial flight that was departing from or leaving in Wisconsin? You deserve justice. Here are four steps to take to protect your rights:
- Report the Attack: All assaults on commercial airlines should be reported right away. Indeed, you should immediately notify a flight attendant or airline crew member about the assault so they can take appropriate action and document the incident
- Seek Medical Care: Unfortunately, in some cases, assaults can lead to very serious injuries. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention as soon as possible to assess any hidden or delayed symptoms. Airlines may have basic first-aid resources on board—but you should visit a medical professional right away.
- Document the Incident: A physical assault on a commercial airline should be documented. You need as much evidence as possible—from photos of any injuries to the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you can, write down everything you remember about the assault while your memory is fresh, including the time, location, and any interactions with airline staff.
- Consult With a Lawyer: If you were assaulted on a commercial airline, your rights were violated. You should be able to travel safely. A legal professional with experience in aviation law and personal injury claims can help you understand your rights and options. Do not go it alone: Consult with a Wisconsin aviation lawyer as soon as possible after an assault.
An Airline May Be Liable for an Assault (Civil Claim)
If you were assaulted on a commercial airline, it is important to emphasize that the airline itself might be liable. Commercial airliners are responsible for ensuring passenger safety—including protecting people from other passengers. Negligence in handling or preventing an assault can create grounds for a civil legal claim. Liability may arise if airline staff ignored warning signs, failed to separate an aggressive passenger, or did not properly respond to your report of the attack. Beyond that, inadequate security measures—such as allowing an intoxicated or violent individual to board—could make the airline responsible for an attack. Every assault in a commercial plane should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Wisconsin aviation lawyer.
Recovering Compensation for an Assault on an Airline
In Wisconsin, airline assault victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for non-economic losses. Unfortunately, airlines and their liability insurers fight hard to pay out as little as possible in the claims process. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we put injured victims first. Along with other types of damages, our Wisconsin airline accident lawyers are committed to helping victims seek compensation for:
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical costs;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental anguish;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
How Our Wisconsin Airline Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or your loved one was assaulted on an airline, it is imperative that you are able to fight for justice and the maximum compensation. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we have extensive experience advocating for the rights of victims and families. With millions recovered for clients, our verdicts and settlements demonstrate what we can do for you. An initial consultation with our Wisconsin airline accident attorney is free, completely confidential, and carries no obligations.
Contact Our Wisconsin Aviation Accident Lawyer Today
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin aviation accident attorneys are committed to fighting for justice. Get in touch with us by phone now or contact us online to arrange for a no cost, no strings attached case review. With offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Onalaska, we handle aviation accident cases in Wisconsin and Minnesota.