Learn how to find out the ones responsible for your injuries and how to get the maximum compensation.
An airline accident is tragic, with most happening due to human error—an unintentional mistake contributing to the unfortunate incident. If you have been injured in an airplane accident, a personal injury lawsuit is the legal vehicle that an accident victim or family member can use to obtain compensation from those whose actions or choices resulted in an airplane injury.
What Factors May Contribute to an Airplane Accident?
Various factors can cause an aviation accident. The most common factors include:
Pilot Error
A pilot is highly trained and is required to operate the aircraft safely and reasonably. As licensed professionals, they must also maintain proper certifications to fly in specific conditions.
Maintenance Breakdowns/Failures
Potential maintenance failures that may be responsible for the accident occur when:
- The owner has failed to comply with a mandated maintenance schedule.
- The necessary work isn’t performed correctly.
Flawed Design
When a plane’s design is faulty, this can lead to flight or mechanical issues that may result in an accident and cause your airplane injury.
Inadequate Communication
An aircraft pilot must maintain clear communication with ground control. If the pilot or ground control staff members fail to communicate or provide incorrect information to each other, this communication breakdown may ultimately be the cause of an airplane accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Airplane Injury?
Independent of who was responsible for the accident, the reality is that someone (or several entities) may be liable for the airplane accident and resulting injuries/damages:
Pilot or Crew
They might be responsible due to pilot error, insufficient training for in-flight crew members or similar problems.
Commercial Airline Carriers
Commercial airlines are required to comply with stringent operating and safety standards because they serve the public. The FAA sets forth these standards, which are more restrictive than those imposed on private carriers. A commercial airline carrier may be liable for an airplane injury if it violates these government-established rules.
Aircraft Manufacturers
Whenever a product is deemed defective, a manufacturer, under the legal concept of strict liability, can be held responsible for the injuries that its defect causes. This legal principle applies to aviation equipment and most other products.
Aircraft Maintenance Companies
Companies that service an aircraft may be held responsible for the accident if it is shown that improper maintenance contributed to the airline accident.
Air Traffic Control
If the accident happened due to a member of air traffic control’s errors or negligence, they can also be liable for damages.
Ground Services
Ground services—which include the plane’s fueling, loading and unloading of baggage and in-flight necessities, and so on—may be responsible if their actions contributed to the accident and are found to be negligent or reckless.
In addition, an accident victim may also find these companies or agencies responsible for an aviation injury:
- Weather Services – if inaccurate weather information contributes to the accident
- Third Parties – which refer to contractors or subcontractors associated with the incident
- Regulatory Authorities – if those responsible fail to maintain safety oversight by enforcing existing regulations
Liability in an airplane accident often depends on:
- The actions or negligence of individuals and entities
- The relevant laws and regulations
Injured parties or their families may pursue legal action to gain compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and other damages. Contact ResQ Legal at (800) 300-0001 or complete a free consultation form to learn more about your case.