For instance, if you slip and fall on the walkway while boarding an airplane, you may have a valid complaint against the airline. If you slip and fall at the curb while waiting for a taxi, however, the airport, not the airline, would be responsible. In most instances, a formal claim should be filed with an airline within a relatively short time after the incident occurs. If you are injured during a flight, make sure a crew member writes an incident report and gives you a copy. You may also want to collect the names of any potential witnesses.
Statutes of limitations vary from state to state, but are usually between one and three years.
For injuries on international flights, many courts have held that a complaint must be filed within two years, or the court will not hear the case. Where to Sue Generally, it is easiest to sue in a court close to where you live. If the airline objects, the judge could move the case. Often, in lawsuits for injuries in airline transportation, the laws of several different states may apply. In such a case, you'll want your attorney to investigate the existing laws in all the possible states and file the case in the state where the case law is most heavily in your favor.