What should I do if I was sexually assaulted on a flight?
If you feel safe doing so, report the assault to a flight attendant immediately and ask that the incident and the offender’s identity be documented.
Once the plane lands, you can also report the assault to local police, airport authorities, or the FBI. Reporting as soon as possible can help preserve evidence in your case.
You can also contact an airplane sexual abuse attorney to see if you may be able to take legal action against your abuser or the airline you were traveling on when the abuse occurred.
Can I still take legal action even if I didn’t report the assault during the flight?
Yes. After an assault, many survivors are frightened or in shock, making it difficult to report an assault while still on the plane. However, you may still be able to take legal action even if you didn’t file a report right away. An attorney can review the details of your situation and help you understand your options.
Can an airline be held accountable for sexual assault by another passenger?
Yes, potentially. If airline staff failed to properly prevent, intervene, or respond to an assault, you may be able to hold them legally accountable.
This includes over-serving alcohol to a visibly intoxicated passenger, ignoring a complaint during the flight, failing to report the incident to law enforcement, or allowing a previously reported offender to continue flying.
Is sexual assault on an airplane a federal crime?
Yes. Sexual assault committed during a flight can be prosecuted as a federal crime, and it is typically investigated by the FBI.
That criminal case is separate from any civil lawsuit. Even if criminal charges are never filed, you may still be able to pursue compensation from a civil lawsuit against the offender and the airline.
How much does an airline sexual assault lawyer cost?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our airline sexual assault lawyers. We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means we receive a percentage of the compensation secured in your case.
If we don’t secure compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing. Call (866) 418-2146 now to see if we may be able to fight for you.
