Flying is considered one of the safest forms of transportation in the world, but major accidents still happen — frequently leading to loss of life. While the National Safety Council has shown a decline in accidents, there is still a risk when you board a plane. Many travelers only look at the rate of accidents involving large commercial carriers, but these incidents can involve smaller planes, helicopters, and other aircraft types. When these mishaps occur, they are often labeled as a disaster, with significant loss of life.
When any incident happens during a flight, there is the risk of serious injuries and even death. Unfortunately, surviving family members are often left searching for answers as they must deal with losing a loved one. While carriers, pilots, airports, and others ensure they are not held liable for accidents, those negligent parties must be held responsible for the events that lead to an accident and the subsequent damages they cause.
Aviation accidents financially and emotionally impact the victims and their families. You need someone to fight for your legal rights in these cases. A skilled Atlanta aviation accident lawyer at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm has the experience to help you seek justice and due compensation.
Lead Attorney Ali Awad and his legal team will review your case, allowing you to pursue your entitled compensation under the law. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Atlanta aviation accident attorney today.
Do You Need to Contact an Atlanta Aviation Accident Attorney?
Do You Need to Contact an Atlanta Aviation Accident Attorney?You expect to arrive safely at your destination when you board an aircraft. The flight crew, plane manufacturers, and airport staff are responsible for your safety before, during, and after a flight. In the event of an aviation accident, passengers can be injured or killed, leaving their family members and survivors to find answers to their questions.
Who is responsible for these accidents?
When it comes time to navigate these cases, it can become a complicated matter, as several parties may be involved, and they may even share liability. Those individuals and family members seeking a claim need to hire a legal team since these cases require extensive legal research and analysis of evidence. With that in mind, victims and loved ones are advised to contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney immediately after any aviation accident to help them through this legal process.
Determining the causes of an aviation crash is challenging, as all the parties may try to shift blame to others. The experienced Atlanta aviation accident lawyers at CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm are ready to assist with your case.
We will use our resources and experience to uncover any evidence of negligence in these incidents. Our legal team will not only offer support, but we will also fight to help you seek the appropriate compensation under the law.
Who Is Liable After an Aviation Crash?
When a plane takes flight, it requires multiple parties to get it off the ground. Everyone from the pilot to the maintenance crew is responsible for the integrity and safety of the aircraft. In some instances, negligent actions on behalf of one or several parties can lead to an aviation accident in Atlanta.
Below are some of the possible responsible parties in an aviation accident.
The Pilot and Employing Airline
If the accident is caused by the negligence of a pilot or co-pilot, then those individuals and their employees can be held accountable for any injuries and deaths from the accident. While you may believe that your aircraft is in capable hands, there are times when the pilot makes reckless mistakes.
All pilots must adhere to the guidelines and training materials issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Failing to do so can lead to an accident, opening the doors for a case of negligence.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
The Federal Aviation Administration is responsible for imposing and overseeing all regulations for airlines, airports, repairs, and air traffic management. All aircraft in the United States must adhere to these rules and regulations.
Along with regulating American airspace, the FAA also works with other international agencies to guarantee the safety of all aircraft across the globe.
When an unregistered aircraft or unlicensed pilot causes an accident, this governmental agency may be liable for any injuries or damages. Further, a failure of the FAA to properly manage air traffic or otherwise prevent an accident from occurring may make them liable, in part or in full.
However, holding the FAA responsible for any incidents can be a challenging case to prove. These personal injuries or wrongful death suits often require assistance from an experienced aviation accident law firm.
The Owner of the Plane
Whether the aircraft is a commercial jetliner or a small private jet, the owner has the duty of care to maintain safety standards. In the event of an accident, these individuals or entities can be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or deaths that stem from an aviation accident.
Additionally, these parties are also responsible for the actions of their employees, including pilots, maintenance crews, flight attendants, ground crews, and anyone else who has come in contact with the aircraft.
The Plane Manufacturer
Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Electric, and other manufacturers may be held liable for any incidents with their aircraft. A defective design, part, or manufacturing process can sometimes lead to an aviation incident. When these companies know about a flaw in the plane’s design and do nothing to prevent an incident, they can be liable for any injuries or deaths from an accident.
Plane Maintenance Crews and Storage Facilities
Along with the groups mentioned above, others may be liable for aviation accidents. These groups include those who provide maintenance or offer the storage of planes or aircraft. Once again, the Federal Aviation Administration sets the rules for aircraft repairs and proper storage methods. If any maintenance or repairs are not completed to these standards, those parties may be linked to the primary cause of an aviation accident.
Types of Atlanta Aviation Accidents
Many factors can lead to an aviation accident. The FAA has determined that these accidents are usually tied to three primary causes: bad weather, pilot error, or aircraft failure. Along with that, some other issues can occur that lead to an aviation accident, such as:
- System component failure
- Fuel-related problems
- Loss of control
- Low-altitude operations
- Mid-air collisions
- Unintended flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)
Often, mechanical errors are the primary cause of aviation accidents. They can result from everything from negligent maintenance to failing to operate the craft according to the recommended standards. All these factors can lead to a disaster.
These occurrences often could have been avoided if the pilot, manufacturer, or maintenance crew had followed the proper procedure. In short, the injuries and deaths resulting from these aviation accidents may be the direct result of the recklessness or negligence of others.
The carelessness of a company or individual is avoidable in many cases. Unfortunately, some parties prioritize profits over safety. In those cases, it is crucial to contact an Atlanta aviation accident attorney to investigate the causes of the accident and start the process to seek compensation from these presentable parties.
The Prevalence of Aviation Accidents in the United States
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a tool that provides insights into accident data from 2012 – 2021. Over those years, the NTSB revealed that there were 12,368 accidents across all types of air travel during this period, resulting in 3,817 fatalities.
The majority of accidents occurred during landing, but they were mostly non-fatal. On the other hand, fatal accidents were most common during takeoff, cruising at altitude, responding to weather changes, and approaching the landing site. While the fatality rate has remained steady, the overall accident rate per 100,000 flight hours has decreased consistently since 2012.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Transportation, most aviation accidents do not result in injuries or fatalities. However, those incidents with injuries are more likely to result in deaths. As a result, individuals involved in a serious aviation accident are more likely to be killed than to survive with injuries.
For instance, in 2021, there were 1,157 recorded aviation accidents, which resulted in 221 serious injuries and 344 fatalities. The rate of serious injuries per 100,000 flight hours was 1.01, while the rate of deaths was 1.57.
Atlanta Aviation Accident Claim Damages
While aviation accidents may not occur frequently, they often have deadly consequences. Families affected by the serious injury or death of a loved one may face significant damages due to the loss of income and emotional trauma.
When seeking damages in an aviation accident case, the amount will depend on the personal losses the victim or their family suffered. There are common categories of damages that can be sought in these claims.
Economic damages are the financial costs that the injured party incurred due to the accident. These typically include expenses such as:
- Emergency medical transport
- Hospital care
- Medical treatment
- Medication
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Other future treatment costs must be considered. Physical therapy and lost wages may also be included in this category. Replacement of lost personal effects is also a common economic damage.
On the other hand, non-economic damages are difficult to quantify, but they can still significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of ability to enjoy family companionship
In cases where the injured victim dies due to the accident, the surviving family members have the option to file a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks restitution for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship
- Personal pain and suffering
- Loss of domestic services performed by the decedent
- Loss of the decedent’s income to the household
- Other reasonable and necessary costs
Statute of Limitations for Atlanta Aviation Accident Injury or Wrongful Death Claims
In the state of Georgia, aviation accident injury victims or their family members are given a two-year period from the date of the incident to file a claim.
However, in certain situations, this deadline can be extended. For instance, if the victim or eligible plaintiff was under 18 years old when the accident occurred, or the defendant cannot be located or is unresponsive, the statute of limitations may be extended.
If the victim was unaware of their injury until a later date or circumstances beyond their control prevented them from filing a claim earlier, such as the plane wreckage is missing, or the flight status is uncertain, the deadline could also be extended.
For the above reasons, you will want to consult with a law firm specializing in aviation accident cases as soon as possible after the incident. While it may be a difficult time for you and your family, an immediate response can bolster your case, as evidence is most likely to be readily available in the immediate aftermath of the crash.
If you cannot file your claim within the two-year window, you may still benefit from talking to an Atlanta aviation accident attorney, who can help you request an extension of the statute of limitations based on your specific circumstances.
Work With an Experienced Atlanta Aviation Accident Law Firm for Your Case
Dealing with an aviation accident can be overwhelming, leaving individuals unsure where to start the process. These types of incidents are not only scary but also have a significant impact on everyone involved in the incident. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers legal assistance to navigate these complex legal claims.
Lead Attorney Ali Awad and his legal team are dedicated to aviation accident cases, and we will use all necessary resources to gather evidence and investigate aviation accidents. We may also enlist accident reconstruction teams and other experts to support your case.
Additionally, we will explore all possible sources of compensation, potentially filing multiple claims to increase the chances of a successful recovery. Our goal is to provide you with the support you need to achieve the best possible outcome.
You may be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal aviation-related accident. At CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys can assist you with recovering damages for your loss. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our Atlanta aviation lawyers.
