The recent crashes and subsequent problems involving the Boeing 737 Max 8 have raised the issue regarding airline liability. Although traveling on commercial airplanes is considered safe, there’s always a chance an accident will occur. Unfortunately, even a minor incident in the air can lead to serious injury. When these accidents occur, passengers deserve compensation for their injuries. However, this is a complicated legal issue that requires in-depth knowledge of aviation laws and procedures. Let’s go over some important elements involved in filing an airline accident claim.
COMMON REASONS FOR INJURIES ON A PLANE
When an airline accident occurs, a number of different injuries can result. Some of the most common are broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and lacerations. But how do these injuries happen in the first place? Over half of all aviation accidents are caused by pilot error. This could mean failure to monitor speed and altitude, navigational errors, or failure to follow safety procedures.
Accidents can also occur due to turbulence caused by bad weather. Additionally, defects or mechanical issues with a plane can lead to accidents.
WHERE A LAWSUIT TAKES PLACE
If you’ve been injured while on a commercial flight, it may seem logical that a lawsuit would be filed in the state the injury occurred. However, airplane injury victims can file a lawsuit in their home state.
If a plane crashes or the injury occurred during landing, it may be more beneficial to file the lawsuit where the injury occurred. Even accident claims resulting from an international flight can be filed in the victim’s country and state.
AIRLINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS
Every accident that occurs in the United States is investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). They’ll also investigate international accidents involving a U.S airline. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will get involved in the investigation if FAA regulations were broken. While these organizations will perform thorough investigations, it’s important for injury victims to hire an airline accident attorney to protect their rights.
TYPES OF COMPENSATION AFTER AN AIRPLANE ACCIDENT
If you’ve been injured while on a commercial airplane, your attorney can seek damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. They’ll need to perform their own investigation into the events of the accident to determine if your injuries where a result of pilot error, negligence, or a defect with the plane.
If you’ve lost a loved one in an aviation accident, you can file a wrongful death suit against the airline. This involves seeking compensation for loss of financial support, pain and grieving, and loss of future earnings. Again, your attorney will need to prove the death of a loved one was caused by negligence or a problem with the airplane.
CONTACT A PHOENIX AIRLINE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY
Have you or a loved one been injured while traveling on a commercial airplane? If so, you need an attorney who understands both personal injury and aviation laws. They can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost wages. At Miller Kory Rowe, LLP, we’ve protected the rights of a number of airplane injury victims. Contact us today at (602) 648-4045 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.