Aviation Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers / Aviation Accident Lawyers

Statistically, you are more likely to be involved in a car accident than be injured in a plane crash. However, when plane crashes occur, the injuries tend to be severe and even fatal. Unlike car accidents, where only a few people may be involved in a collision, dozens of passengers and crew members may suffer when an aviation accident occurs.

At Munley Law, we work with victims and their families who have suffered tremendously after a plane or helicopter accident. We'll take on the commercial airlines, airplane manufacturers, and negligent pilots to ensure you get the compensation you need to recover.

The Role of an Aviation Accident Lawyer

Studies show that there are 0.01 injuries per 100 million passenger miles traveled by air, compared with 48 injuries for

the same distance traveled in cars and trucks. Despite their rarity, aviation accident cases do come up, and when they do, victims and their families are desperate for answers and support.

This is where an aviation accident attorney comes in. Lawsuits involving the aviation industry don't just account for state laws; federal regulations must be followed. These complex cases often encounter more red tape than other personal injury claims due to the number of people involved and the intricacies of air travel.

With a dedicated law firm by your side, aviation accident victims will have the support and guidance needed to:

• Investigate your aviation accident and gather evidence, including working with aviation accident experts and medical professionals
• Determine the cause of the accident, be it a helicopter crash, mid-air airline crash, private plane accident, etc.
• Calculate the value of your claim and seek compensation for your serious injuries and losses.
• Negotiate with the insurance company and airlines to ensure you get the compensation you deserve from all responsible parties.
• Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached

Not all personal injury attorneys can handle the complex nature of aircraft accidents. But at Munley Law, we have a track record of success, including a $32.25 million settlement for a tragic airplane crash.

To establish an attorney-client relationship with one of our aviation law professionals, call Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

When to Consult with an Airplane Accident Lawyer

To recover maximum compensation for your catastrophic injuries from an airplane accident, you should consult with a lawyer right away. This helps preserve critical evidence as well as begin what could be as very lengthy legal process.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Aviation Accident Attorney

Not all personal injury attorneys are equipped to handle the delicate nature of aviation accidents. The experienced aviation accident attorneys of Munley Law are.

When finding legal representation for your accident, you will want to consider experience in a wide range of aviation accidents. This includes international flights, where laws can be muddled between countries; private aircraft versus commercial airline crashes; and even recreational airplanes, including those used for skydiving and hang gliding.

Look for experienced aviation accident lawyers who have a track record of securing fair compensation against larger corporations and who have the legal prowess to determine who is at fault.

Types of Aviation Accidents

There are several aviation accidents that the experienced lawyers of Munley Law handle. The common types of aviation accidents we have handled over the years include:

Commercial Airplane Passenger Injuries

The Federal Aviation Administration is in charge of the regulations for civil aviation and U.S. commercial space transportation. Because of these regulations, passengers are kept safe–however, accidents still occur.

In 2022, there were no onboard fatalities–0.0 per 100,000 flight hours in the United States. However, there were 39 accidents internationally, with 158 fatalities.

While these accidents are rare, when they happen, they can impact all passengers and cause a loss of life and catastrophic consequences to those who survive. An airline accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of a lawsuit against major airlines.

Helicopter Accidents

Helicopters are utilized in both the public and private sectors. Despite their convenience, these aircraft can be dangerous when not maintained properly. Many helicopter accidents result from a malfunction or complete failure of the helicopter's rotor and main rotor, which can result in severe and sometimes fatal crashes.

Private Plane Crashes

Chartered private planes are held to the same standard as all other aviation in the United States. As such, these aircraft manufacturers and pilots are held to the same standard. Unfortunately, many private plane pilots are hired part-time, making them less experienced traveling in poor weather conditions.

At Munley Law, we represent victims of chartered planes who have been hurt.

Compensation in an Airplane Crash Case

No amount of money will make up for the trauma experienced in an aviation disaster. However, victims and their family members should contact an experienced aviation lawyer to learn what compensation they may be entitled to.

Damages in aircraft accidents include:

• Medical expenses, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, therapy, and medication
• Home health and nursing care
• Lost wages, including future lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish, including care for post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Wrongful death

Who is Liable For an Airplane Accident?

There are a number of parties who can be held liable for an airplane accident. They include:

• The commercial airline
• Commercial pilots
• Ground crew
• Aircraft manufacturer
• Air traffic control
• Maintenance crews
• The tourism company for crashes related to helicopter tours

Figuring out who is responsible can be a challenge. Munley Law is up to the task. We represent the victims and families whose lives have been changed because of an aviation accident.

Causes of Aviation Accidents

Common causes of aviation accidents include:

• Pilot error
• Human error by someone other than the pilot
• Air traffic control negligence
• Mechanical errors or faulty equipment
• Aircraft malfunction
• Inadequate maintenance
• Poorly trained personnel
• Lack of safety precautions
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations violations
• Design defect
• Poor weather conditions

• Miscommunications
• Electrical and mechanical failures
• Defective runways

If you've been involved in an aviation accident, you likely have questions on what your options are from here. Or, if you've lost a loved one due to a plane crash, you likely want to know what your next steps are.

How Are Private Aviation Accidents Different from Commercial Aviation Accidents?

Commercial aviation accidents are less common than private aviation accidents. Further, under the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996, the federal government must assist the families of victims of a major airplane accident.

Though not always the case, class action lawsuits against commercial airlines following an accident are utilized for victims to recover compensation. In contrast, private plane crashes may involve a lawsuit against the pilot or the group that chartered the plane.

What is the Statute of Limitations on an Aviation Crash Claim?

In general, you have two years to file an aviation accident claim. However, if the crash resulted in death, you would have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim.

There are exceptions to the statute of limitations. If the crash victim is a minor, the family can wait until the child ages to file a claim. So, once the child is 18, the statute of limitations begins, and the victim would have until they reach age 20 to make a case.

Should I Wait for the NTSB Report Before Deciding to Bring a Lawsuit?

The National Transportation Safety Board provides a report summarizing what caused an airplane crash. While it may sometimes be in a victim's best interest to wait for this report to be released before filing a lawsuit, these reports are often biased, making it difficult for victims and their families to secure compensation.

Instead, airplane accident victims should immediately consult with an attorney to begin an aviation accident lawsuit.

What Does an Aviation Attorney Cost?

Like other personal injury lawyers, most aviation accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs to you, and instead, you only pay if your case is won.

There may be some expenses related to filing fees and expert witnesses, but your airplane accident attorney will explain the payment structure to you.

How Long Will it Take to Resolve my Aviation Case?

It can take months to determine the cause of an aviation crash. In some instances, the case may be resolved in a settlement shortly thereafter, but generally, most aviation lawsuits take approximately two years to resolve.

How Do I Deal With Airlines and Their Insurance Companies?

You should not talk to the airline insurance companies alone after being involved in a crash. Instead, seek legal counsel to represent you.

Munley Law can guide you through the legal process if you or a loved one were injured in an airplane crash. Call today for a no-obligation, free consultation.