Visitor Question

Am I liable if someone trips over my bag at the airport?

Submitted By: Concerned (Virginia)

At the airport baggage claim area, I left my bag on the floor to retrieve my other bag on the rotating belt. I was facing the rotating belt when I heard a commotion behind me. A man had tripped and fallen and appeared to be in pain. I did not see if he tripped on my bag, but he may have.

I waited around with other passengers to make sure he was okay and then a TSA officer arrived, at which point we all left the airport. I do not know if he needed medical care or what else occurred at that point. Could I be held liable for his injuries if he did in fact trip over my bag? Thanks for the information.

Disclaimer: Our response is not formal legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It is generic legal information based on the very limited information provided. Do not rely upon the information in our response, or anywhere else on this site, when deciding the proper course of a legal matter. Always get a personalized case review from a local attorney.

Answer

Dear Concerned,

You really have nothing to be concerned about. Baggage areas are known to have bags on the floor around them. People collecting their bags have a duty to watch out for other bags or luggage carts in the area. Unfortunately, the slip and fall is the fault of the man who fell and not yours. He had a responsibility to look when he was walking, especially in the airport baggage area.

The man may have a claim against the airport authority. His claim may be based on faulty design, inadequate signage or other factors. To pursue his claim he would have to file a government tort claim and go through their bureaucratic administrative procedures. At worst you might someday be called as a witness. That’s unlikely though, especially since you weren’t identified at the scene.

You would be best served by putting this matter behind you. There’s really nothing to be worried about.

Learn more here: Claims for Injuries on Public Property

The above is general information. Laws change frequently, and across jurisdictions. You should get a personalized case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

Find a local attorney to give you a free case review here, or call 888-972-0892.

We wish you the best with your claim,

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