When to Call an Airplane Accident Lawyer

Although air travel remains the safest mode of transportation, statistically speaking, more than 1,200 aviation accidents occur every year nationwide.

While the vast majority of passengers arrive safely at their destinations, some sustain injuries from a wide range of accidents. Victims often suffer significant injuries (severe lacerations, amputations, crushing injuries, etc.) or death. In 2022, 358 people lost their lives in plane accidents, with 357 dying onboard.

When these accidents happen, many injury victims turn to airplane accident lawyers to seek compensation and justice for the harm they’ve suffered. But how do you know whether you have grounds for a valid claim?

Causes of Airplane Accidents

Airplane accidents can occur in the air or on the ground for a number of reasons. Each cause presents its own set of legal complexities, which makes these incidents some of the most difficult to unravel. Some common causes include:

• Mechanical failures
• Structural failures
• Automated systems failures
• Runway conditions
• Turbulence
• Fire
• Icing
• Inclement weather
• Bird strikes
• Human error (e.g., pilots and air traffic control)

Not all accidents are catastrophic, fortunately. The statistics on flight injuries include incidents relating to loose baggage, food poisoning, in-flight infections, slips and falls, and assault and battery attacks as well.

When to Seek Legal Help for Airplane Accidents

It’s not always easy to determine when to get legal assistance. Here are two common signs that indicate it’s time to hire a lawyer:

Injuries or Death

If you sustained an injury or lost a loved one in an airplane accident, it’s the clearest sign that you may need an attorney who focuses on this practice area. They’ll use their knowledge of aviation laws and regulations, along with their experience with personal injury and wrongful death claims, to help you seek compensation for your losses.

Your injury could lead to expensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitative therapy, and medications. You might be left dealing with an amputation or a permanent disability. On top of that, you’ll probably miss time at work.

Through a personal injury claim, you can obtain compensation for these and other losses. Similarly, a wrongful death claim allows you to seek compensation to cover the deceased’s medical expenses, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial expenses.

Overwhelming Legal Complexity

Commercial and private aircraft operate under a complex series of federal and state aviation laws.

The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 was introduced to ensure that the nation’s airspace is managed safely and efficiently. It also created the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates passenger, aircraft, airport, runway, and airspace safety.

FAA regulations cover the entire lifespan of an aircraft, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and inspections. They govern carriers and operators, pilots, flight instructors, and commercial space transportation.

Needless to say, these laws can be quite complex. If you have little or no knowledge of them or how they might affect your case, it may be wise to retain an airplane accident attorney.

Investigating Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

If you or a loved one suffered injuries from an airplane accident, it’s imperative to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

Aircraft-related accidents fall under federal jurisdiction, meaning they automatically trigger a federal investigation. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) takes the lead on all investigations, but depending on cause indicators, other agencies may launch parallel investigations.

The NTSB often doesn’t release the findings of its investigations to the public until months after the fact. If you’ve been hurt in an airplane accident, however, you can’t afford to wait to seek legal assistance. The sooner you contact an airplane accident lawyer, the sooner they can gather evidence and conduct an independent investigation.

As part of their investigation, your lawyer will establish negligence. Mechanical failure may fall on the aircraft manufacturer, a maintenance company, a carrier, or all three. If it involved a pilot, maintenance employee, or air traffic control worker error, there may be multiple responsible parties.

Most accidents can be linked to pilot error. With small aircraft, the owner or pilot may have engaged in reckless behavior, failed to follow proper procedures, miscalculated weather conditions, or simply lacked adequate training.

Protecting Your Rights With Experienced Legal Representation

Airplane accident law is an extremely specialized field. A lawyer who works in this area will possess a deep knowledge of federal and state aviation laws and regulations. They’ll also have ample experience representing clients harmed in aircraft accidents.

Airplane accident attorneys understand the many types of aircraft, pilot qualifications, FAA regulations, air traffic control procedures, aircraft insurance policies, and international treaties. This makes them the ideal choice to handle accident claims.

Aircraft lawyers know how to investigate and analyze airplane accidents to establish probable cause and identify the liable party or parties. They assess vital evidence, such as air traffic control transcripts, radar data, voice and data recordings, weather reports, and airplane maintenance records. They also frequently collaborate with aviation experts, including engineers, mechanics, and meteorologists.

Your attorney will know which regulations were violated and who’s to blame. If more than one party is liable, they can file multiple lawsuits.

FAQ

How Many Helicopter Crashes Occur Annually?

There were 15 crashes in the U.S. in 2023, three of which resulted in fatalities.

Who Regulates Aircraft and Pilots in Ohio?

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation and the FAA are responsible for overseeing the activities of pilots and the aircraft they operate.

What Is Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years. However, several factors could affect this timeframe, so it’s important to seek legal help immediately following an accident.

Legal Guidance and Support Is Available After a Plane Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an airplane accident, you don’t have to deal with the difficult aftermath alone. Contact The Moore Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with a skilled Cincinnati airplane accident lawyer.