Airport Expert Witness773-619-1226
Airport Accident Expert Witness

Airport Accident Expert Witness

Expert Opinions on Causation, Standard of Care & Breach of Duty in Airport Injury Cases

When an accident occurs at an airport — whether a slip and fall in a terminal concourse, a trip in a construction zone, or an injury at a baggage claim carousel — the key question is whether the airport operator met its duty of care. Our airport accident expert witness services provide the operational expertise and credible opinions that attorneys need to answer that question.

Common Airport Accident Case Types

Airport accidents occur across every area of the facility — from the moment a passenger enters the terminal to the moment they board their aircraft. Our expert witnesses have evaluated incidents in every area of the airport and understand the specific operational standards that govern each one.

  • Slip and fall on wet, polished, or contaminated terminal flooring
  • Trip and fall in construction zones, on thresholds, or at transitions
  • HVAC condensation creating invisible slip hazards on hard flooring
  • Baggage claim carousel impact and crowding injuries
  • Escalator and moving walkway malfunctions and fall injuries
  • Boarding gate area injuries from inadequate crowd management
  • Parking structure and curbside drop-off accidents
  • Restroom slip and fall from inadequate drainage or maintenance
  • Security checkpoint injuries from screening equipment or procedures
  • Wrongful death cases involving foreseeable hazards and inadequate response

What Makes an Airport Accident Case Different

Airport accident cases are more complex than typical premises liability matters because airports operate under multiple overlapping regulatory frameworks — FAA, TSA, ADA, OSHA, and local building codes — while also managing millions of passengers in a high-traffic, 24-hour operational environment. Proving that an airport operator breached its duty of care requires an expert who understands not just the applicable standards, but how those standards are actually implemented in airport operations.

Our Approach to Airport Accident Cases

Paul Gaston's 17+ years as General Foreman at O'Hare International Airport gives him direct, first-hand knowledge of the maintenance protocols, inspection procedures, and operational standards that govern airport facilities. When he evaluates an airport accident case, he is not applying textbook standards — he is applying the same standards he personally implemented and enforced during his tenure at one of the world's busiest airports.

  • Site inspection and incident scene reconstruction
  • Review of maintenance logs, inspection records, and incident reports
  • Analysis of applicable standards (ASTM, OSHA, ADA, FAA Advisory Circulars)
  • Causation analysis identifying the chain of events leading to the accident
  • Written expert report with clear opinions on breach of duty and causation
  • Deposition and trial testimony in federal and state courts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an airport accident expert witness and a general premises liability expert?

A general premises liability expert applies standard slip and fall analysis to any commercial facility. An airport accident expert witness brings specific knowledge of airport operational standards, regulatory frameworks (FAA, TSA, ADA), and the unique challenges of managing a 24-hour, high-traffic aviation facility. Paul Gaston's 17+ years at O'Hare provides the latter.

Can you evaluate accidents that occurred at smaller regional airports?

Yes. While our primary expertise is rooted in major hub airports like O'Hare, the operational standards and duty of care principles that govern airport safety apply to all commercial airports. We evaluate cases at airports of all sizes across all 50 states.

Retain an Expert

Initial consultation at no charge. CVs and prior testimony lists available upon request.

CALL 773-619-1226SUBMIT CASE INQUIRY
Fee Schedule
Retainer: $6,000 (non-refundable)
Hourly: $600/hr
Deposition: $2,500–$5,000
Trial: $5,000–$10,000

Expert Credentials

  • 17+ Years at O'Hare International Airport
  • City of Chicago Licensed General Contractor
  • OSHA 30-Hour Certified (Construction & General Industry)
  • ADA Compliance Specialist
  • Plaintiff & Defense
  • All 50 States