Accidents involving commercial or private planes and helicopters are relatively infrequent, but they are devastating. Aviation accidents often cause fatalities, and survivors may have catastrophic injuries.
If you sustained injuries or lost a family member in an aircraft crash, contact a DeLand aviation accident lawyer to help fight for the compensation you deserve. The personal injury attorneys at The Florida Firm are well-regarded in the community for our skill in managing complex litigation and our track record of achieving excellent results for our clients.
How Are Aircraft Accidents Investigated?
An independent federal agency, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), investigates all aircraft and commercial spacecraft accidents in the U.S. When the incident involves military aircraft, the appropriate branch is also involved in the investigation, but the NTSB still has primary authority.
The NTSB investigation focuses on clarifying what occurred and identifying likely causes. When appropriate, the NTSB will make recommendations regarding changes in laws, regulations, and safety procedures.
Our DeLand attorneys use the information in the NTSB report, but we may also conduct an independent investigation of the aviation crash. We have a network of engineers, materials scientists, and aircraft accident reconstruction experts that we could call on as necessary to uncover evidence, identify the responsible parties, and hold them accountable.
Identifying the Responsible Parties
Injury cases arising out of aviation accidents are complex. It takes specialized knowledge and skill to determine why the accident happened and who is responsible.
Human error often plays a role in aviation accidents. The pilot may have made a misjudgment or mismanaged the fuel, or an air traffic controller’s mistake could have caused the collision. Our aviation lawyers in DeLand could bring claims against the people whose errors caused the incident and their employers, if applicable.
Manufacturers often carry liability in aviation accidents. Aircraft are made of numerous components, and when a component is worn or defective, it affects the aircraft’s performance. The aircraft’s owner, operator, and maintenance contractor could also be liable for an accident if shoddy maintenance was an issue.
Compensation for Plane and Helicopter Crashes
When you are hurt in an aviation accident, you might have severe or even catastrophic injuries. The responsible parties must compensate you for the losses you suffered due to their actions.
When a crash is fatal, the family members of the deceased could bring a wrongful death lawsuit. You could make a claim against the responsible parties for the damages you experience from losing your loved one.
Damages for Crash Survivors
The responsible parties must reimburse your damages associated with the incident. These include:
- Medical care, including ongoing treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Incidental costs
- Future ability to earn a living
- Pain and suffering, including temporary or permanent disability, scarring, physical suffering, and emotional trauma
Our DeLand aircraft accident attorneys at The Florida Firm could assist you in making a claim for such damages.
Compensation for the Victim’s Family
Florida Statutes § 768.21 describes the damages family members can claim in a wrongful death lawsuit. If you are a family member who benefited from the deceased’s financial support, you could receive the value of that support. You can also seek the value of the services the deceased provided, such as driving, home maintenance, cooking, and tutoring. The responsible parties must cover the cost of burial or cremation and other funeral expenses.
If you are a surviving spouse, you can claim compensation for the loss of your loved one’s companionship and protection. Minor children can receive compensation for the loss of parental love and guidance. The deceased’s estate can also make a claim for the deceased’s pain, suffering, medical expenses, and any losses they experienced between the accident and the time of death.
Contact a DeLand Lawyer To Pursue Compensation After an Aviation Accident
Aircraft crashes are extremely traumatic for survivors and the families of those who suffered fatal injuries. It is important to seek help from a law firm with a reputation for personal service and support, as well as exceptional legal skills. Most of our clients are referred to us by other law firms because they trust us and know our track record of success. That is why it is essential to speak to a DeLand aviation accident lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright about seeking compensation for losses you suffered in a plane or helicopter crash. We do not accept costs or fees until we have secured the funds for you, so please call us today to schedule a risk-free consultation.