What You Should Know

Jet bridges are not owned or operated by just one party.
Depending on the circumstances,
responsibility for a jet bridge injury at RDU
may rest with an airline, the airport authority,
a third-party contractor, or more than one entity.
Early assumptions about liability are often incorrect.

Why Jet Bridge Injury Cases Are Different

Jet bridges occupy a unique space between the terminal and the aircraft.
They involve mechanical systems, ground crews,
airline policies, and airport infrastructure.

Unlike slips inside a terminal,
jet bridge injuries may implicate aviation safety procedures,
maintenance protocols, and operational control issues.

Potentially Responsible Parties for Jet Bridge Injuries at RDU

Liability depends heavily on who controlled the jet bridge
at the time of the incident.

Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The Airline – Airlines often control jet bridge positioning,
  timing, and passenger boarding or deplaning procedures.
• The Airport Authority – The entity that owns or maintains
  airport infrastructure may be responsible for structural defects
  or maintenance failures.
• Ground Service Contractors – Third-party companies
  sometimes handle jet bridge operation or maintenance.
• Equipment Manufacturers – In rare cases,
  design or manufacturing defects may contribute to injuries.

Common Causes of Jet Bridge Injuries

Jet bridge injuries at RDU may result from a range of issues,
many of which are not visible to passengers.

Common causes include:

• Uneven surfaces or gaps between the aircraft and bridge
• Sudden jet bridge movement
• Mechanical malfunction or misalignment
• Inadequate lighting or warning signage
• Wet or slippery conditions

Why Control and Maintenance Matter

Liability often turns on who had operational control
and maintenance responsibility at the moment of injury.
This may involve reviewing contracts,
maintenance logs, and operational protocols.

Passengers rarely have access to this information,
which is why jet bridge cases require careful investigation.

Injuries Commonly Reported on Jet Bridges

Because jet bridges involve elevation changes and confined spaces,
injuries can be more serious than they initially appear.

Common injuries include:

• Falls resulting in fractures
• Head and traumatic brain injuries
• Knee, ankle, and foot injuries
• Back and spinal injuries
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions

What Injured Passengers Often Overlook

• Assuming the airline is always responsible
• Failing to report the incident immediately
• Not seeking medical evaluation right away
• Believing jet bridge incidents are “minor”

These assumptions can complicate later claims.

What to Consider After a Jet Bridge Injury at RDU

Passengers injured on a jet bridge may want to:

• Report the incident to airline staff and airport personnel
• Document the condition of the jet bridge if possible
• Seek prompt medical attention
• Preserve boarding passes and travel documents
• Be cautious with recorded statements

This article provides general information, not legal advice.
Every situation depends on its specific facts.

Personal Injury Guidance for Airport and Jet Bridge Accidents

Burts Law, PLLC represents individuals injured in airport-related accidents,
including jet bridge injuries.
Our focus is on identifying who had control,
understanding how aviation operations intersect with premises liability,
and helping clients navigate complex claims.

Contact Burts Law, PLLC to discuss your situation
and learn what considerations may apply to a jet bridge injury at RDU.