Michael Pines | December 12, 2025 | Premises Liability
Accidents happen in the airport much more often than you might realize. According to the FAA, nearly 10 million passenger flights are scheduled annually in the United States. Given this volume, it is likely that thousands or tens of thousands of passengers are hurt in airports every year.
If you are hurt at the San Diego International Airport, you may wonder who can be held responsible for your injuries. The answer likely depends on the circumstances of your accident. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about holding the responsible party accountable after an airport accident.
Who Is Liable for My Injuries After an Airport Accident?
Several different parties could face liability for your injuries after an accident at the San Diego International Airport (SAN). The specifics of your accident will play a key role in proving fault after your accident.
Some common parties who might be held accountable for your injuries include:
- The airport authority (City of San Diego): The city is typically responsible for the common areas of the airport, including concourses, parking garages, and baggage claim areas.
- Airlines: Specific airlines may be responsible for gate areas, jet bridges, and accidents occurring on the plane itself.
- Maintenance or service providers: If a contractor or other service provider caused an unsafe condition at the airport, they could be held responsible for your injuries.
- Other passengers: In rare instances, another passenger could be at fault for your accident and resulting injuries.
- Equipment manufacturers: If a defective product caused your injury, the product manufacturer could likely be held responsible for your losses.
- Retailers: Most airports have shops and restaurants located throughout the concourses. If you are hurt inside one of those places, the retailer might be responsible for your damages.
Most injury claims after an airport accident are based on premises liability.
Common Causes of Airport Accidents
The San Diego airport sees millions of passengers each year. With this volume of travelers passing through the airport, accidents are bound to happen.
Some of the most common causes of airport accidents include:
- Slip and fall accidents due to wet or slippery floors
- Loose carpeting or rugs
- Poor lighting
- Lack of handrails or guardrails
- Lack of proper warning signs
- Shifting cargo in overhead bins
- Negligent security
The City of San Diego and other entities doing business at the airport have a duty to maintain the premises in a safe condition. If they fail to do so, it could lead to an accident. You could also hold them liable for your injuries.
What To Do if You Get Injured at San Diego International Airport
Knowing what to do if you get injured at the airport can help protect your legal rights.
Here are some steps to consider taking:
- Seek medical treatment for your injuries. Getting medical treatment can provide an official diagnosis for your injuries, and your medical records will help serve as evidence of your damages.
- Report your accident to airport personnel. While you should avoid speculating about who was at fault, you should give them information about the date, time, and location of your accident.
- Consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you through every detail of your claim and help maximize the amount of compensation you might receive.
Getting compensation after an accident at the airport can be tricky, especially if the City of San Diego is involved in your claim. The steps you take immediately after your accident can be crucial for your ability to recover compensation.
Contact Our San Diego Premises Liability Lawyers at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you get hurt at the San Diego International Airport, you’re likely overwhelmed and not sure what to do first. Once you’ve gotten medical care for any injuries and reported the incident to the airport, your next action should be to call a San Diego premises liability lawyer.
The team at Pines Salomon Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through all your legal options and make sure that you retain your right to recover compensation for your injuries. Call to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve San Diego, San Diego County, and its surrounding areas:
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
835 5th Avenue #302, San Diego, CA 92101
(858) 551-2090
Available 24/7
Pines Salomon Injury Lawyers – La Jolla Office
4660 La Jolla Village Dr. San Diego, CA 92122
(858) 585-9031
Available 24/7
