Representing Victims of Small and Large Plane Crashes.

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Aviation Accident Attorneys

Each year, Americans are injured and killed in private or charter airplane crashes. Aviation is a complex industry and when you’ve been the victim of an airplane or helicopter crash, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help.

Whether you were injured in a private plane accident or a major airline crash, you can trust that the nationally-recognized aviation accident lawyers at Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen will help you find the right legal strategy for your needs.

Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen stands ready to help. Contact our experienced team today to schedule a free consultation.

Causes of Aviation Accidents

Airplane crashes and accidents may be caused by one big mistake, or by multiple smaller factors that combine to cause disaster. Bringing a case first requires identifying who—and what—is liable.

Pilot Error

Pilots are required to train extensively before they are allowed to fly on their own, but even good training is not enough to prevent every mistake. Especially when pilots find themselves in challenging situations such as bad weather, they are more likely to make the sort of mistakes that cause accidents.

An NTSB survey of aircraft accidents found the 5 most common pilot errors were:

  • Loss of control (on ground)
  • Loss of control (in flight)
  • Abnormal runway contact
  • Poor fuel management (running out of fuel)
  • Runway excursion

When a pilot’s lack of knowledge or judgment contributes to an accident, damages may be collected from the individual, their employer, or their insurance companies.

Airplane Malfunction

The recent Boeing 737 MAX crashes aside, malfunctions in commercial jets are rare. This is the outcome of decades of work to create fail-safes and redundancies, so an in-flight breakdown is not catastrophic. Smaller planes, like the ones used for private or charter flights, do not have these safety features, meaning flying in one is much more dangerous.

Failures of power and other components are the most common non-pilot related causes of accidents, according to the NTSB study cited above. Depending on the circumstances of an accident caused by a malfunction, you could be able to bring a suit against:

  • The company that designed or manufactured the plane
  • The owner of the plane
  • Anyone responsible for maintaining or repairing the plane or its components

Other Potential Sources of Liability

You may find yourself bringing a suit against a third party in cases of:

  • Organizational lapses, like failure to communicate potential dangers or institute necessary safety fixes
  • Air traffic controller error
  • Failure to maintain runways, jet bridges, or other airport features
  • Failure to properly repair the plane

Finding the cause of an airplane accident can be difficult given that in many cases the airplane itself is destroyed in the crash. We have knowledgeable investigators who can partner with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other organizations, if necessary, to get to the bottom of the crash.

Serious Injuries Caused by Aviation Accidents

Airplane crashes often cause severe harm to all involved. We can help you obtain compensation for injuries like:

  • Asphyxiation
  • Bone crush injuries
  • Burn injury
  • Complex/multiple fracture
  • Loss of limb
  • Organ rupture
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury

Any of the above injuries can result in missed work and high medical bills. The more serious ones can mean a life of pain and disability. Patients who are facing widespread disruption in their lives due to these types of injuries should speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement.

We Fight for Aviation Accident Victims

Especially after a serious injury, filing an injury claim can feel overwhelming. Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen will handle your case efficiently. We will keep you in the loop while handling the hard work for you.

Whenever someone is injured or killed due to negligence, we urge the victims to consider holding the responsible parties accountable. Not only can compensation provide an essential lifeline to you and your loved ones as you try to figure out your next steps, but it is often the only form of accountability big companies take seriously.

Potential Compensation for Aviation Accident Victims

Medical Expenses

Compensation may cover all medical expenses related to your injuries, including hospital bills, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.

Lost Wages

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both current and future lost earnings.

Pain and Suffering

You can seek damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. This compensation aims to address the non-economic impact of your injuries.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.

Challenges in Aviation Accident Claims

Jurisdictional Issues

Aviation accidents can involve multiple jurisdictions, especially if the flight was international or crossed state lines. Determining the appropriate jurisdiction for filing a claim is a critical aspect of the legal process, as it can influence the laws that apply to the case and the potential compensation available.

Complexities of Aviation Law

Aviation law encompasses a wide range of regulations and international treaties, making it a particularly complex field. Issues such as air traffic control, pilot licensing, aircraft maintenance standards, and international aviation agreements can all play a role in determining liability and compensation.

Multi-Party Liability

Aviation accidents often involve multiple parties who may share responsibility for the incident. These can include pilots, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies, and even government entities. Identifying and pursuing claims against all liable parties is crucial for maximizing compensation.

Handling Media and Public Relations

In high-profile aviation accidents, media coverage can be intense. Managing public relations and media inquiries is an important aspect of handling these cases. Your lawyer can help you navigate these challenges, ensuring that sensitive information is protected and that your rights are not compromised.

Aviation Accident Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to resolve an aviation accident claim?

The timeline for resolving an aviation accident claim can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial. It can take anywhere from several months to a few years to reach a resolution.

Can I pursue a claim if a loved one died in an aviation accident?

Yes, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies in an aviation accident. This claim can seek compensation for loss of support, companionship, and other damages.

What if the pilot was at fault in the accident?

If the pilot's negligence contributed to the accident, they could be held liable. However, other parties, such as the airline or maintenance provider, may also share liability depending on the circumstances.

Are there special laws for military aircraft accidents?

Yes, military aircraft accidents are subject to specific laws and regulations. Claims involving military aircraft can be complex and may involve different legal procedures and limitations.

How can I prove negligence in an aviation accident?

Proving negligence requires demonstrating that a party failed to meet a standard of care, leading to the accident. This can involve showing errors in operation, maintenance, or manufacturing. Expert testimony and thorough investigation are often crucial.

What should I bring to a consultation with an aviation accident lawyer?

When meeting with an aviation accident lawyer, bring any relevant documents, such as accident reports, medical records, insurance policies, and any correspondence with insurance companies or other parties. This information will help the lawyer assess your case and advise you on the next steps.

Why Choose GRYC?

TEAM APPROACH

Every GRYC case is handled by a team of lawyers supported by in-house investigators and legal professionals with extensive experience in the medical, law enforcement, and insurance sectors.

WINNING RESULTS

We have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and compensation for our clients, fighting for full and fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical suffering, and emotional trauma.

CHANGING THE LAW

We fight to change the laws and policies that hurt our clients to protect other innocent people from harm.

NO UPFRONT FEES

We take all cases on a contingency basis, which means that we pay all fees upfront, and only get paid if we win.

We fight every day to bring justice and truth back into the lives of unheard victims. We use our passion to improve the lives of our clients and our communities. GRYC is a force for justice, focused on you.

There are no upfront legal fees.

To speak to someone on our highly skilled team, fill out the form below, or call 800-206-4004 for a free case review.

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GRYC has been a voice for injured victims in the South Florida area since 1988. Together, we will be heard. Together, we can make change happen.