What to Know About Airplane Accident Lawsuits
Although traveling by plane is considered to be one of the safest travel methods, crashes can and still do occur on rare occasions. Because planes are going hundreds of miles per hour, crashing from the air usually results in fatalities. There are some instances where individuals survive with severe or catastrophic injuries. In the event of survival, it’s important to understand the cause of the accident, and the proper protocols for airplane management to win a lawsuit.
Common Causes
Most airplane crashes are caused by pilot error, mechanical failure, or defective parts. In some cases, more than one of these issues coincide, which can make the investigation more complex when determining who is liable and at fault for the accident.
Basic Airplane Protocol
There are specific regulations and protocols all airplane pilots and maintenance workers must abide by. The crew must make sure the fuel is replenished before flights; the team must also run tests to ensure all the parts are working effectively and are correctly placed. When it comes to fuel replenishment, there’s an entire process to follow. The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for verifying the type of fuel being poured into the plane.
Everybody who helps operate the plane must go through specific training and receive certification.
Understanding Legal Options
If injured in a plane crash, aviation accident law is designed to help handle the legal process for airplane crashes. Injured persons and the family members of deceased persons have access to filing a personal claim against the responsible airline, aircraft manufacturer, and the pilot. The success of the claim relies on proving the cause of the accident.
There are some cases where the federal air traffic controllers are responsible for an airplane crash. If this occurs, injured persons or family members of deceased persons can look into the Federal Tort Claims Act. This act requires the following of different rules and procedures when suing an employee of the federal government. Injured persons can sue a federal employee if the crash happened in midair or if the collision is the result of misrouted air traffic.
For those who’ve lost family members due to airplane accidents, the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act was created to make sure the government provides support to suffering families. The act also places specific requirements on the airlines. Furthermore, the act requires the National Transportation Safety Board to offer particular services to the families who have lost loved ones in an airplane crash. These requirements include providing counseling for suffering families, and a safe place for families to grieve without being bombarded by the press.
Los Angeles Injury Lawyer
Although airplane crashes hardly ever occur, it’s essential to still be aware of the specific causes, and legal options to take to win a case. We understand the frustration and fear airplane accidents cause, which is why our lawyers are trained to understand the complexities of airplane lawsuits to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their losses. If you, or someone you love, has been involved in almost an airplane accident, call the Los Angeles Injury Group at 310-954-7248 for a free consultation.