10 Common Airplane Accident Injuries

Flying is one of the safest ways to travel, but when things go wrong, the consequences can be serious. Whether it’s a major aviation accident or a smaller in-flight incident, injuries that happen on airplanes can be severe — and sometimes life-altering. In a previous post, we covered some of the most common causes of aviation accidents and injuries. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the types of injuries people most often sustain in these situations.

Whether you’re a passenger, crew member, or someone with a loved one involved in an aviation incident, understanding these common injuries can help you know what to expect and what steps to take next. We encourage you to speak with one of our Calgary aviation injury lawyers to see if your injuries are grounds for a claim.

1. Head and Brain Injuries

Head injuries are among the most serious outcomes of an airplane accident. In situations involving turbulence, hard landings, or collisions, passengers can hit their heads against overhead bins, seatbacks, or cabin walls. These impacts can lead to:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Symptoms might not appear immediately, so it’s important to seek medical attention after any incident involving head trauma.

2. Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

The force from a crash landing or sudden jolt of turbulence can cause significant strain on the back and spine. Common spinal injuries include:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Fractured vertebrae
• Nerve damage
• In severe cases, partial or complete paralysis

Even a rough landing can result in long-term back problems if not properly addressed.

3. Broken Bones and Fractures

During severe turbulence or emergency landings, passengers may be thrown against the seat in front of them or the aircraft interior. This often leads to broken bones, particularly in the:

• Arms
• Legs
• Ribs
• Facial bones
• And other areas

In more serious crashes, multiple fractures can occur simultaneously, increasing the risk of complications.

4. Burns and Scalds

Fires during a crash or contact with hot liquids during flight can lead to burns. While post-crash fires are less common due to modern aircraft safety features, incidents involving spilled hot beverages, faulty cabin equipment, or electrical issues can still result in:

• First-degree burns (minor)
• Second-degree burns (blisters and swelling)
• Third-degree burns (deep tissue damage)

Scalding injuries from spilled coffee, tea, or soup are surprisingly frequent on commercial flights.

5. Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries

Sharp objects, broken glass, or torn metal can cause deep cuts and soft tissue injuries during an accident. Even personal items like laptops or carry-on baggage can become dangerous projectiles in rough conditions, resulting in:

• Lacerations requiring stitches
• Bruising and contusions
• Torn ligaments and muscle sprains
• And more

These injuries may appear minor, but can lead to infections or long-term discomfort if not properly treated.

6. Whiplash and Neck Injuries

Similar to car accidents, airplane crashes or hard landings can cause whiplash. When the head is rapidly thrown forward and backward, the soft tissues in the neck can overstretch, leading to:

• Neck strain
• Stiffness and reduced mobility
• Chronic neck pain

These injuries often go unnoticed initially but can worsen over time if left untreated.

7. Internal Injuries

The blunt force trauma associated with aviation accidents can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs. This is especially dangerous because symptoms aren’t always immediately obvious. Common internal injuries include:

• Ruptured spleen
• Liver or kidney damage
• Internal hemorrhaging

Prompt medical attention is crucial, even if the victim seems unharmed on the surface.

8. Psychological and Emotional Trauma

Not all injuries are visible. Survivors of aviation accidents often experience significant psychological effects, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Depression
• Fear of flying
• And more

These mental health challenges can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and may require long-term counselling or therapy.

9. Hearing Damage

Explosions, cabin decompression, or sudden loud noises can cause damage to the eardrum and inner ear structures. This can lead to:

• Temporary or permanent hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Balance issues

Even minor changes in cabin pressure during an incident can contribute to ear problems.

10. Fatal Injuries

Sadly, some aviation accidents result in fatalities. Despite ongoing improvements in aircraft safety technology and emergency response procedures, high-impact crashes can be unsurvivable. In these tragic situations, families may face not only the devastation of loss but also complex legal and financial challenges in seeking compensation through wrongful death claims.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Aviation Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in an airplane accident (whether on a commercial flight, private plane, or helicopter), it’s important to:

1. Seek immediate medical care, even if injuries aren’t obvious
2. Document the incident as thoroughly as possible (e.g., take photos, gather witness statements, capture flight details, etc.)
3. Keep track of all medical records, expenses, and lost income related to the incident
4. Speak to a personal injury lawyer with experience handling aviation-related claims

Aviation accident cases can be complex. They often involve multiple parties, including airlines, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. Having a legal team in your corner can help you understand your rights, navigate insurance claims, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Need Help? Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers Alberta

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating injuries resulting from aviation accidents can be – physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a family member has been injured in a plane crash or in-flight incident, our experienced personal injury team is here to help.

Because aviation accident claims can be highly complex, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you get a clearer picture of the types of compensation you might qualify for and the documentation required to move your claim forward.

We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Reach out today to discuss your situation and find out how we can support you through the recovery process.

You can reach us anytime—day or night—by calling our toll-free number, 1-888-494-7191. You’re also welcome to visit our downtown Calgary location. Our team is always here to answer your call and guide you through the next steps.