Airport Worker Injury Claims in New York

Yes. JFK and LaGuardia airports are owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a bi-state public agency. Before you can file a lawsuit against the Port Authority, New York law requires you to serve a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim against the airport operator, so acting quickly is critical.

Yes. Workers' compensation covers lost wages and medical bills regardless of fault, but it does not compensate for pain and suffering. If a third party — such as an airline, a ground-handling contractor, a cargo company, or an equipment manufacturer — caused or contributed to your injury, New York law allows you to pursue a separate personal injury lawsuit against that party while also collecting workers' comp benefits.

Newark Liberty International Airport is also owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, but it sits in New Jersey. Injury claims there are typically governed by New Jersey law, which has its own notice requirements and statute of limitations. If you were injured at EWR, you should consult an attorney immediately to determine which state's law applies to your specific circumstances.

Common airport worker injuries in New York include back and shoulder injuries from loading and unloading baggage, crush injuries from jet bridges or ground equipment, forklift and vehicle collisions on the tarmac, slip-and-falls on wet ramps or jet bridges, and repetitive stress injuries from manual cargo handling. When negligent maintenance, defective equipment, or an unsafe work environment caused the injury, a third-party personal injury claim may be available in addition to workers' comp.