Date: 201507
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Weather elements / visibility: Turbulence
Light: Night
Aircraft: EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Cruise
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Flight Attendant (On Duty)
Reporter qualification: Flight Attendant Current
Anomaly: Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Detector: Person Flight Attendant
When detected: In-flight
Result: General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Contributing factors: Weather
Primary problem: Weather

Narrative: The A-Flight Attendant (FA) and I were conducting main cabin beverage service. I was at row 20 taking drink orders when we encountered unexpected clear air turbulence. When the turbulence occurred; the A-FA and I quickly tried to secure the galley cart and prevent it from falling onto my two passengers. When the turbulence hit the right side of the aircraft; I lost my balance and hit the right side of my neck and the side of my head on the aircraft right overhead bins above [a nearby row]. We quickly pulled the cart back to the AFT galley and secured everything. The First Officer (FO) called to tell us that there was no indication of any turbulence from air traffic control or otherwise. I advised him of my injuries. Because I was in pain; the A-FA conducted the rest of beverage service by hand while I made the drink orders. This was the safest course of action in the event we encountered turbulence again.After we had landed; I notified the captain and FO of my injuries. They contacted dispatch to notify them of a crew injury. I put ice on my neck and took ibuprofen to help with the pain. I received a phone call from the company about my injury and told them what happened. I told them I was able to still work the remainder of my trip. Shortly after; I received a phone call from Nurse Line about my injury and told them what happened. I was told if my injury got worse to contact them at any time and let them know the change in my status. I resumed working the rest of my two-day trip; but still having some pain. If the situation becomes worse; I will follow up with my doctor and Nurse Line.The cause of the event was unexpected severe turbulence.  The pilots had no indication of it coming either.  The other FA and I were simply doing our jobs when it occurred. My A-FA and I followed all safety precautions and tried to secure the galley cart once it hit.  It all happened so fast that our gut instinct and our training told us to secure our galley cart and protect our passengers.  Unfortunately there is no way to predict when turbulence will strike.  Several of our flight attendants have been hurt in the past due to turbulence.  All we can do is protect ourselves.  This is what we were trained on. If we know or have an idea of when turbulence will occur; we need to stay seated in our jump seats with our seat belts securely fastened until it is safe to get up.  If we are doing service; try to secure the cart as fast and as safely as possible without injuring yourself and others around you.  Also be vigilant of your surrounding and of the aircraft itself.  If it feels that turbulence is coming; then secure yourself and everything else.  Like I said; sometimes there is no way to see if turbulence will hit until it's too late.




Synopsis: An EMB175 Flight Attendant describes an unexpected encounter with severe turbulence that causes them an injury.