Los Angeles Aviation Accident Lawyer
Bisnar Chase has an experienced aviation disaster team that handles commercial plane accidents, private plane crashes, and suspicious helicopter accidents coming in or leaving Los Angeles. Additionally, if you are a resident of L.A. and were involved in an international or domestic plane crash you may be entitled to compensation.
Airline companies and their insurers have extremely skilled professionals looking out for their best interests soon after a catastrophic crash. In the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, most families are focused on caring for injured loved ones or arranging funeral services. Many victims and their families know little about their own legal rights under these circumstances.
Monetary damages may not be the first thing in your mind during this difficult time. But, negotiating directly with the airline or the insurance company may not result in a positive outcome for you or your family.
An experienced Los Angeles aviation accident lawyer who has obtained significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients and their families, can make a big difference in your case.
The skilled Los Angeles wrongful death lawyers at Bisnar Chase have the knowledge and experience it takes to ensure that your rights are protected. Los Angeles Aviation accidents often involve complex issues and a number of parties. Our law firm has access to nationally renowned engineers, pilots and other experts who can help bolster your case. We work on a contingent fee basis, which means you don't pay us anything until we recover compensation for you.
Please contact us at (323) 238-4683 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation pertaining to a plane crash from or to Los Angeles.
Causes of Aviation Accidents
Determining the cause of an aviation accident or a near crash that results in injuries can be complicated. The leading causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot error
- Defective equipment
- Poorly maintained equipment and faulty repairs
- Defective parts
- Defectively designed airplanes
- Structural issues with the plane
- Fuel problems
- Mistakes made by federal air traffic controllers
In many instances, there is a combination of factors that lead to the accident. The NTSB is charged with investigating aviation accidents, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) often get involved in the investigation of large aviation accidents. In some cases, the plaintiffs and their attorneys conduct private investigations as well.
Traveling by air is statistically safer than any other mode of travel. However, aviation accidents do occur and when they do, the results are often tragic and devastating. There is no such thing as a minor crash landing or an insignificant airplane collision.
These events are typically life altering. Aviation accidents could involve a mass carrier, a small private airplane or even a helicopter. It is crucial that victims and their families understand their legal rights and options in such cases.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were 1,471 general aviation accidents in the United States in 2012, which resulted in 432 fatalities. During the same year, there were 1,539 civil aviation accidents resulting in 447 fatalities. To compare, in the year 2011, there were 32,367 motor vehicle accident fatalities, 759 railroad-related fatalities, 800 boat accident fatalities and 494 aviation fatalities.
Potential Claims
An investigation into an aviation accident may not be resolved for several months. But the results of an investigation are crucial for victims' families because it helps them find answers to nagging questions about what caused their loved ones' injury or death. Injured victims or families of deceased victims can also file civil personal injury or wrongful death claims seeking compensation for their damages. These claims may be filed against a negligent or at-fault party. For example, if the crash occurred due to pilot error, a lawsuit can be filed against the pilot and his or her employer. If the accident occurred due to a defective airplane or faulty part, the manufacturer of the aircraft or the defective part can be held liable. When mistakes made by air traffic control contribute to an accident, victims or their families may be able file a lawsuit against the FAA under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). In such cases plaintiffs must show that the negligent or wrongful conduct of a federal employee led to the crash. In cases where reckless conduct on the part of a pilot or an airline leads to serious injury or death, criminal charges may also be filed by the state and/or federal government.
Assistance for Families
The federal government provides support to aviation accident victims and their families in the event of a major airplane accident. Under the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act, the NTSB is responsible for assigning a nonprofit organization to coordinate services for the victims. That independent organization will help the victims and their families receive mental health services and grief counseling as well. They will also help the families of victims with travel arrangements and provide them with daily briefings regarding the investigation. They can even provide assistance in arranging a memorial service and identifying the victims.
The airlines involved in the crash are responsible for providing a number of services as well. The airline must establish a free phone number for the families of the victims. They must provide a list of all the passengers on the flight to the families before releasing the list to the public. They must also notify families of deceased victims and assist them with room and board.
To learn more information about your rights contact our Los Angeles plane crash attorneys for a free case evaluation. Call 323-238-4683
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