Suing After a Plane Crash: What to Know About Hiring an Aviation Accident Lawyer

Michael GrossmanMarch 05, 2021 4 minutes

Planes and helicopters have come a long way through the years and are generally deemed safe and reliable. Still, in some instances, aviation accidents occur, leaving severe injuries and irreparable harm.

While financial recovery cannot fix everything, it can ease some of the burdens experienced after a plane crash. After an aviation accident, contact Grossman Law Offices.

Aviation Accidents Are Unlike Other Kinds of Accidents

Aviation accident cases can be very unique due to their complexity. Plane crashes often require a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the accident. Small planes differ from larger commercial planes in a variety of ways, a major one being the lack of regulation. Diminished record-keeping and maintenance frequency can significantly affect a small plane’s efficiency, therefore leading to unfortunate accidents.

Because small plane accidents are so specialized, it is vital to seek an attorney with the knowledge and experience required to handle these challenging cases. If you or a loved one has experienced an aviation accident, do not hesitate to contact an airplane accident attorney as soon as possible.

Types of Aviation Accidents We Handle

Our firm regularly handles various types of aviation accidents, including those involving:

  • Private planes,
  • Propeller planes, and
  • Helicopters. 

Some accidents include aircrafts privately chartered, while others involved aircrafts for tours. Whatever the case, if you’ve been involved in an aviation accident, we want to hear about it. Contact Grossman Law Offices to schedule your consultation. 

Causes of Aircraft Crashes

Planes are complex machines, requiring regular maintenance and expert operation. Some of the most common causes of plane crashes include:

  • Pilot negligence,
  • Pilot misconduct,
  • Lack of or insufficient training,
  • Air traffic control negligence,
  • Bad weather,
  • Mechanical issues, and
  • Inadequate maintenance.

Helicopters are different from planes but still require some of the same care and details as small planes. Common causes of helicopter crashes include:

  • Pilot negligence,
  • Pilot misconduct,
  • Improper maintenance,
  • Electric malfunctions,
  • Mechanical problems, and
  • Unsafe weather conditions.

Aircrafts are very intricate machines, and issues can arise for many different reasons. Because of the circumstances surrounding plane crashes, accidents often result in serious injuries and damages. 

Aviation Crash Injuries

Resulting injuries after a plane crash can range in severity but may be serious and require extensive medical treatment. Common airplane crash injuries include:

  • Burns,
  • Lacerations,
  • Fractured or broken bones,
  • Head and neck injuries,
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs),
  • Spinal cord injuries,
  • Paralysis, and
  • Injuries leading to amputation.

Aside from physical injuries, aviation accidents can also lead to mental and emotional harm. In the most unfortunate cases, plane crashes result in death. No matter the resulting injury, be sure to consult with a plane crash attorney immediately. 

Determining Liability After an Accident

Airplane crash cases can present many challenges, and determining liability is typically one of them. Planes and helicopters require plenty of attention and maintenance, along with skilled operation. Therefore, more than one party can play a part in a plane crash. Some of the parties often found at-fault for aviation accidents include:

  • Pilot,
  • Charter company,
  • Owner of the aircraft,
  • Maintenance company,
  • Manufacturer, and
  • Air traffic controller. 

In some cases, one party is completely responsible, and in others a combination of parties are at fault. Your airplane accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to help uncover the cause of the crash and who needs to be held liable. 

Damages Available for Plane Crashes

If you’ve been involved in a plane crash, you may be entitled to financial recovery. Damages available to you depend on the details of your accident and resulting injuries. In Texas, your plane crash lawyer may seek economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages include:

  • Medical expenses,
  • Lost wages, and
  • Loss of earning potential. 

Non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering,
  • Mental and emotional anguish,
  • Disfigurement, and
  • Loss of consortium.

If a plane crash resulted in a death, the family can sue for wrongful death and receive damages. A financial award may help with expenses directly related to the accident, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.

In certain cases, a plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are a special type of damages only available when a defendant’s intentional or malicious actions caused an accident and resulting harm.

An aviation accident lawyer will consider the details of your case to help calculate the appropriate amount of damages. Your attorney will then work diligently to get you the fairest possible settlement for your claim. 

Statute of Limitations for Aviation Accidents

After a plane crash, you may have a claim, but you will not have forever to file it. Statutes of limitations are imposed to limit the amount of time a plaintiff has to file their lawsuit.

In Texas, the statute of limitations for aviation accidents is two years from the date of the accident. You are still allowed to file your lawsuit after the two years, but your case is likely to be dismissed and you will no longer have the chance to seek financial relief. 

Do not risk forfeiting your right to recovery. Contact a plane crash attorney as soon as possible.

How a Plane Crash Attorney Can Help You

You are not legally required to have a lawyer represent you for your claim. However, because aviation accidents can be so difficult and overwhelming, having the help of a knowledgeable and experienced aviation accident attorney is invaluable. Your attorney will handle every aspect of your case, including:

  • Conducting a thorough case investigation;
  • Evidence collection;
  • Expert interviews;
  • Communication between parties involved;
  • Calculating damages;
  • Settlement negotiations; and
  • Trial, if necessary.

You will work closely with your lawyer, and they will answer questions and address concerns along the way. Having the representation of a qualified airplane crash attorney can provide much-needed comfort during trying times. 

Contact an Aviation Attorney Today

Grossman Law Offices has the pleasure of representing injured clients throughout the State of Texas. In our nearly 30 years, we’ve handled thousands of cases, helping clients get the relief they need. We provide care and compassion while aggressively advocating for our clients and their right to maximum compensation. Our firm offers free case evaluations. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.