Airline Sexual Assault Claims

What Is Airline Sexual Assault?

Airline sexual assault generally refers to unwanted sexual contact or misconduct that occurs during a commercial flight. In many cases, the perpetrator is another passenger, but it could be an airline worker, such as a flight attendant. The sexual assault may involve groping, inappropriate touching, coercion, or other non-consensual acts. These incidents often occur in cramped seating arrangements, during overnight or long-haul flights, and sometimes involve alcohol consumption.

An investigation by CBS News highlighted that reports of sexual assaults on airplanes have been rising in recent years. Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) showed a notable increase in passenger-on-passenger assault investigations in recent years. Advocates and attorneys believe the problem may be significantly underreported, in part because there is no comprehensive, mandatory reporting system requiring airlines to disclose all complaints to federal authorities.

For survivors, the experience can be isolating and deeply distressing. You may have reported the assault to a flight attendant, a gate agent, or airport police, or you may have felt too overwhelmed or intimidated to report it at all. Regardless of when or how the incident was addressed, you may still have legal options to demand justice.

Why Airlines May Be Liable for Airline Sexual Assault

Airlines are considered “common carriers” under the law. That designation carries a heightened duty of care. When you purchase a ticket, the airline is responsible for taking reasonable steps to protect you from foreseeable harm during the flight.

While the individual perpetrator can face criminal charges, the airline may also bear civil responsibility if it failed to act reasonably under the circumstances.

Liability depends on the specific facts of your case, but airlines may be held accountable if they:

• Overserved alcohol to an intoxicated passenger who later assaulted someone
• Ignored visible signs of harassment or inappropriate behavior
• Failed to respond promptly and appropriately to a report of misconduct
• Did not enforce seating changes or other protective measures when concerns were raised
• Lacked adequate policies, training, or supervision to prevent foreseeable assaults

In some situations, there may be evidence that warning signs existed before the assault occurred. If crew members failed to intervene or dismissively handled complaints, that inaction may form the basis of a civil claim.

Airlines often have sophisticated legal teams and insurance carriers working to limit their exposure to lawsuits. Having experienced counsel on your side can help you more effectively prepare your claim and more confidently file it against the correct party or parties.

How We Help You Pursue an Airline Sexual Assault Claim

Bringing a claim against an airline is not the same as filing a standard injury case because many of these cases may involve federal regulations, aviation law, corporate policies, and complex jurisdictional issues. Because we handle cases nationwide and have extensive legal experience and resources, we can navigate claims that cross state lines and involve major corporate defendants.

When we represent you, we focus on preparing a thorough and well-documented case by:

• Conducting an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the assault
• Preserving and reviewing flight records, incident reports, and internal communications
• Examining alcohol service practices and crew response protocols
• Interviewing witnesses and identifying patterns of prior complaints, when applicable
• Working with experts when necessary to evaluate airline policies and industry standards

We also understand that these cases are about more than legal strategy. Sexual assault can have lasting emotional and psychological effects. We communicate with you clearly and respectfully, keeping you informed while minimizing unnecessary stress. Our goal is to pursue accountability through the civil justice system and to seek compensation that reflects the harm you have endured.

What Compensation May Be Available in an Airline Sexual Assault Case?

Every case is different, and the compensation available will depend on the facts and the impact the assault has had on your life. A civil claim cannot undo what happened, but it can provide financial recovery and a measure of accountability that may help you find a sense of closure.

In an airline sexual assault case, you may be able to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to physical injuries
• Counseling and therapy costs
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Lost income or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Other related out-of-pocket expenses

In some cases, punitive damages may also be sought if the airline’s conduct was particularly reckless or demonstrated a conscious disregard for passenger safety. Punitive damages are designed to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.

We approach each case with careful attention to the full scope of harm, both economic and non-economic, so that your claim reflects the real impact on your life.

Taking the First Step – Call Our Firm Today

If you were sexually assaulted on an airplane, you may feel uncertain about what to do next. You may wonder whether the airline could have done more to prevent what happened, or whether you have grounds to file a civil claim. By sitting down with our attorneys during a free initial consultation, we hope to help you find some answers to these questions.

At Matthews & Associates, we take these cases seriously. We represent clients nationwide and have the resources, experience, and determination to pursue claims against major corporations and airlines. All initial consultations are free and confidential, and we are prepared to listen to your story with the respect it deserves, so please reach out today.

Call us at (888) 923-7001 or contact us online for a free, confidential case evaluation with our respectful and trauma-informed airline sexual assault attorneys.