California Airplane Accidents Attorneys Fighting For Compensation For The Injured
Although not nearly as common as motor vehicle accidents, plane accidents, when they do occur, can cause an individual to sustain serious injuries. As well as the apparent physical injuries that may result, in many cases, the accident victim will also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can make it extremely difficult for accident victims to travel either by plane or other means of public transportation in the future.
In addition to the mental and physical toll that being involved in a plane accident can have on an individual, there are also the costs associated with medical bills and other expenditures related to their recovery. In most cases, plane accident injuries are severe and can take months or even years to heal completely. These expenses quickly add up and sadly can put injury victims in a financial crisis as they struggle to pay for care and their everyday bills.
If you have been injured in an airplane accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands how to handle these cases. In addition, because of potential multiple liability issues, several entities or individuals may be held liable for the damages you have suffered. KRA Legal, PC, of Torrance, California, is a personal injury law firm dedicated to assisting those injured in plane airplane accidents as they seek fair compensation for their injuries. Contact our law office and ask to schedule a free initial consultation.
Who May Be Held Liable In Airplane Accidents?
Many airplane accident injury victims often wonder who can be held liable when they have been injured in an airplane crash. To successfully win a personal injury claim, you must be able to prove who was at fault for the accident. In cases of aviation accidents, the following may have a degree of liability:
- Private airline
- Commercial airline
- Manufacturer of the airplane
- Manufacturer of the parts of the airplane
- Pilot
Because it can be confusing to know who should be held accountable, it is vital that you hire an airplane accident attorney who understands aviation law. A vast majority of personal injury attorneys do not have the skills or experience necessary to handle aviation accident claims.
Why Do Airplane Accidents Occur?
Even though strict state and federal safety standards regulate aircraft, airplane accidents are still a regular occurrence. Although numerous other factors may contribute to an airplane accident, there appear to be some that are more common than others.
Some of the factors that contribute to accidents include:
- Fatal errors or decisions by the pilot or co-pilot
- Lack of adequate or proper aircraft maintenance
- Violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
- Defects in equipment or aircraft design
- Negligence on the part of air traffic controllers
After an airplane accident, the FAA conducts a thorough investigation to determine what happened and who may be at fault. Suppose you have been injured in an aviation accident. In that case, it is imperative that you choose a lawyer who is familiar with the terminology and functions involved in the operation of an airplane. A skilled airplane accident attorney can use the FAA reports to strengthen your case and provide you with solid representation.
Can You File A Wrongful Death Claim If Your Loved One Was Killed In An Airplane Accident?
As a family member, you are entitled to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of your deceased loved one. However, you, the plaintiff, must be able to prove that the defendant’s negligent actions caused the victim to die. To prove negligence in California, certain elements must exist:
- Duty: the defendant owed the victim a duty to use reasonable care
- Breach: the actual wrongful or negligent conduct
- Causation: the breach is what caused the plaintiff to be injured
- Damages: the injuries, bills and other expenses that you have to deal with as a result of the accident
If three of these elements can be proven, then you have a good chance of being able to obtain financial compensation for the death of your loved one. Some of the damages that are often awarded in wrongful death suits include:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or guidance
It should also be understood that there are only certain members of the deceased’s family who are eligible to file a claim. This includes a spouse, registered domestic partner, children/stepchildren or dependent parents.
California also has strict laws in place regarding the amount of time that you have to file a wrongful death claim. Under state law, family members have up to two years from the date of death to file a claim. Even though this may seem like a long period of time, if you feel that you have grounds to file a wrongful death claim, you need to speak with a personal injury attorney immediately. Witnesses may move away, memories fade, and with airplane accidents, there are numerous other legal factors that may come into play.
Why Do You Need An Airplane Accident Attorney After You Have Been Injured?
If you or a family member has sustained injuries in an airplane accident, it is crucial to your case that you obtain legal representation from a qualified airplane accident attorney. Airplane accidents can be extremely complex and difficult to navigate due to the various state and federal regulations that govern air safety. As a result, you need an attorney who understands aviation law and can fight for your rights.
At KRA Legal, PC, of Torrance, California, we recognize the fact that airplane accident victims are most likely traumatized from their experience and need time to heal after being injured. We are attorneys who pride ourselves on offering our clients compassionate legal service in their time of need. We strive to take some of the pressure off of you by filing the necessary paperwork, thoroughly reviewing all of the evidence and FAA reports, and providing you with the representation that you deserve.
Free Consultation; Contingency-Based Representation
Our overall goal is to obtain the maximum compensation available for our clients. Contact our law office by calling 310-774-4260 or sending an email inquiry to schedule a free consultation.