Airline Employees File Personal Injury Claims Over Toxic Fumes

Several personal injury claims have recently been filed against certain airlines for toxic exposure to contaminated air, causing victims to suffer from Aerotoxic Syndrome. Aerotoxic syndrome results from breathing in airliner cabin air after it has been contaminated with toxic levels of engine oils or other chemicals. Symptoms reported include light-headedness, nausea, and motion sickness.

The news reports that today, around half of the air onboard commercial jets is drawn through the engines (called “bleed air”), such that if there is a leak, fumes can end up inside the aircraft (known as “fume events”). The theory is that, when this occurs, poisonous gases can reach the cabin, potentially altering the pilot’s judgment and placing passengers in danger.

Evidence of Danger

The airline industry has long maintained that there is no evidence of long-term health effects from potentially inhaling these fumes, however, this spring pilots reported approximately 170 cases of toxic cabin fumes in just four months. In addition, last month, an American Delta flight from Florida to New York filled with black smoke, forcing pilots to make an emergency landing in South Carolina. Several of these cases have been so severe that pilots have had to request priority landings, flight diversions, and even an emergency mayday call.

The first official recognition of aerotoxic syndrome occurred in 2012, when pilot Richard Westgate died after suffering from severe headaches, nausea, and chronic fatigue for years. The coroner determined that his body showed symptoms consistent with exposure to organophosphate poisoning in aircraft cabin air. Since then, members of cabin crews and pilots have reported suffering from similar symptoms.

Litigation Moving Forward

More needs to be done to fully comprehend this mysterious issue that some pilots call the airlines’ “dirty little secret.” Some courts in other areas of the world have upheld damages related to health problems resulting from exposure to contaminated cabin air. Although the damages awarded were less than, for example, a typical asbestos exposure case, this precedent is important because it adds credence to the scientific claim that some individuals on planes are being exposed to these chemicals, and they are causing long-term negative health consequences.

In light of these findings, more courts could begin to award monetary damages for health problems associated with exposure to toxins from cabin air. The recent lawsuits filed in U.S. courts against airlines and manufacturers are an indication of this movement. In addition to potentially finding that some existing levels of contaminants could be dangerous to human health, passengers may also claim that the airlines had a duty to warn them about the dangers of such contaminants. There is a legal precedent for such claims, and it strongly favors plaintiffs.

Legal Representation in Personal Injury Claims and Chemical Exposure Cases

Simply taking reasonable and common sense steps could have prevented many personal injuries. Harrell & Nowak represents people who have been injured by the pollution and release of toxic chemicals in the air, soil, and water. These releases can be from explosions, leaks, spills, or fires. We have helped many victims in New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, and throughout Louisiana obtain financial compensation for their injuries. Our attorneys will work to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair recovery for your personal injury. Contact us today.