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You have likely heard the statistics that say flying is safer than driving. However, this does not mean that air travel is free from danger. In the event of a crash, serious injuries and fatalities are highly likely.
If you were injured in an aviation accident or you lost a loved one in a plane crash, you need experienced legal counsel on your side. At Patrick Daniel Law, our team is meticulous, strategic, and merciless in handling complex accident claims on behalf of our clients.
For a free case review with our skilled aviation accident lawyer, please call (713) 999-6666 today. Patrick Daniel Law serves clients throughout the greater Houston area and all of Texas, as well as clients throughout the country.
As the home of the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, many types of aircraft fly in the skies above Houston. Some of these aircraft stay local, while others fly to all corners of the globe. The wide variety of air traffic means that many types of aircraft may be involved in aviation accidents.
Our lawyers handle claims involving many types of aircraft accidents, including:
Aviation accidents vary in scope from a single victim to hundreds of victims. Patrick Daniel Law has the experience, tenacity, and resources to help you and your loved ones regardless of the magnitude of the tragedy.
Like many motor vehicle accidents, a host of factors can cause aircraft to crash. These factors may include:
Private and commercial pilots are subject to strict regulations governing preflight checks, takeoff and landing procedures, speed and safe operation of the aircraft, and much more. Even seemingly minor errors can put pilots, their passengers, and other aircraft in danger, as well as people on the ground.
Commercial pilots must also abide by regulations on the hours they can fly. Fatigue is a major cause of pilot error, and it may be indicative of negligence on the part of the pilot’s employer as well.
Airlines and other carriers are businesses. Staying on schedule is a major concern for companies that transport passengers and cargo, which often translates into pressure on pilots and flight crews to make deadlines in whatever way possible. This may translate into pushing pilots to disregard duty limitations, as well as other safety violations on the part of the company.
The carrier may also try to save money by hiring unqualified or underqualified pilots and flight crew, failing to screen for alcohol and drug use, or cutting corners in maintenance of the aircraft. Each of these factors can increase the likelihood of an aviation accident.
Even single-engine planes are complex machines reliant on a variety of component parts. For the craft to be airworthy, each of these parts must be in good working order.
Unfortunately, mechanical failures continue to be a major source of plane crashes and other aviation accidents. In many cases, the failure is the result of one or more defective components.
Defects can impact multiple systems of the aircraft, including:
Malfunctions resulting from a defective aircraft component may be the result of a manufacturer error (product liability). They may also be the result of negligent maintenance by the owner of the aircraft.
Of course, the crew members on an aircraft are not the only ones responsible for its safe flight. Fuel handlers must see that the plane or aircraft is properly fueled for the distance it has to fly. Baggage handlers must load and secure cargo and ensure that the load is balanced.
These and other parties may be employed by the airline or airport. In the event of an aviation accident, it is important to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash to determine who may be at fault.
So-called “acts of God,” such as adverse weather conditions or birds in the flight path, may also be responsible for aviation accidents. Although the term may suggest that no one is at fault, accidents arising from these circumstances may still be attributable to pilot error.
Pilots and their employers are responsible for checking weather reports ahead of a flight to make sure conditions are safe. In the event of bad weather or another “act of God,” a qualified pilot should be able to adjust course and take evasive maneuvers to mitigate or avoid the danger.
An aircraft doesn’t have to crash for occupants to sustain serious injuries. Flying through extreme turbulence or being forced into an emergency landing can result in brain injuries, broken bones, and trauma to soft tissues of the neck and back.
In the event of a crash, catastrophic injuries and fatalities are the rule rather than the exception. Crew and passengers may sustain injuries such as:
In the event that your loved one is killed in an aviation accident, Patrick Daniel Law can file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of your family.
Due to the extent of injuries that can occur in an accident involving an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft, extensive compensation may be available for serious injuries or wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, you may be able to recover compensation for damages including:
If your loved one was killed in an aviation accident, the damages you may be able to recover in a wrongful death lawsuit include:
Patrick Daniel Law is strategic, meticulous, and merciless in acting on behalf of victims and their families. Our aviation accident lawyer builds a case that is unique to your circumstances, then strives to get you the compensation you deserve.
Aviation accident litigation is a complex area of law. The Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies will investigate the accident, and a complex network of regulations will apply in your case. Furthermore, many of these cases involve taking action against major airlines and other companies that hire teams of attorneys to resolve claims quickly and for much less than they are usually worth.
Patrick Daniel Law has extensive experience in cases involving complex liability. Our legal strategy in each claim is unique to the facts at hand and built upon meticulous investigation of the evidence.
We partner with experts in various fields of aviation to analyze the accident from all angles. This may include reviewing data from the aircraft’s flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder, reconstructing the accident, inspection of the aircraft, and more. We also work with your doctors and other medical experts to understand the extent of your injuries and what expenses and challenges you might face in the future.
Our thorough investigation enables us to build a strong case on your behalf. Then, we mercilessly pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses. This may involve negotiations with the attorneys representing the airline, an airplane or parts manufacturer, and other parties. The prospect of negotiating a fair settlement with these powerful parties does not frighten us, nor does the possibility of going to trial on your behalf.
Throughout the course of your case, our Houston aviation accident lawyer and staff will be available to answer your questions and discuss any concerns you may have. We will notify you of any settlement offers, and discuss whether it is in your best interest to accept an offer or proceed to trial.
Negligence in aviation law refers to situations where an aviation entity, such as a pilot, airline, or manufacturer, fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent entity would under similar circumstances, leading to an accident or injury. This could involve pilot error, improper aircraft maintenance, or defective parts.
Victims of such negligence can seek compensation for their injuries and losses. In these cases, a Houston aviation accident lawyer can provide essential guidance. They can help to determine fault, interpret complex aviation regulations, and pursue rightful claims for damages sustained due to this negligence.
Yes, you can sue if your plane crashes if there is evidence of negligence or fault by the airline, manufacturer, or another party.
Compensation for a plane crash varies significantly depending on the specifics of each case. Factors influencing the amount include:
In fatal cases, wrongful death damages must be considered.
Each claim is unique, requiring a detailed assessment to determine appropriate compensation. An airplane accident lawyer can help evaluate these damages and ensure you pursue the compensation you deserve based on the circumstances of the crash.
Airlines are not strictly liable for crashes in most cases. Liability typically depends on proving negligence or fault. Strict liability may apply in certain circumstances, such as when transporting hazardous materials or under specific international agreements. Determining liability requires a detailed investigation into the crash to identify whether negligence played a role.
Determining liability in an aviation accident often involves multiple parties depending on the cause of the incident. Potential liable parties can include the airline for operational failures, the aircraft manufacturer for defective components, or maintenance providers for improper service. A thorough investigation is vital to establish who is at fault.
If a third party caused an airplane accident, that entity could be held liable. This could include a maintenance contractor who failed to properly service the aircraft, a manufacturer of a faulty component, or even another aircraft that caused a collision.
Identifying and proving third-party liability requires a detailed investigation into how the third party’s actions or products contributed to the accident. An aviation accident attorney can help establish liability and pursue appropriate compensation from the responsible parties.
If a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the aircraft or the parts could be held liable. Additionally, if improper maintenance contributed to the failure, the service provider might also be responsible.
Air traffic control errors can lead to liability for the air traffic control services, often a governmental or private entity responsible for airspace safety. Their failure to manage airspace properly or provide accurate information can be grounds for a claim.
While weather conditions cannot be controlled, liability might still arise if pilots or airlines fail to adequately prepare for or respond to severe weather, demonstrating negligence in decision-making or failure to follow safety protocols.
To start a lawsuit against an airline, first gather all relevant evidence you have that’s related to the incident, including:
Then, consult with a Houston aviation accident lawyer with experience in airline litigation, like Patrick Daniel Law. We will review the evidence, determine the viability of your claim, and guide you through filing a lawsuit. We will handle all legal filings and represent you in negotiations or court.
The time limit to file a lawsuit after an airplane accident, known as the statute of limitations, varies by jurisdiction. In Texas, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
It’s crucial to consult a Houston airplane accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within these legal deadlines. Delaying can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.
Aviation accident victims should be cautious about working directly with an airline to reach a settlement. Airlines often aim to minimize payouts, and initial offers may not fully cover the long-term consequences of the accident.
It is advisable to consult with an aviation accident lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that any settlement reflects the true extent of your damages and losses. An experienced attorney will protect your interests and advocate for a fair resolution.
Choosing Patrick Daniel Law to handle your airplane accident case means selecting a firm that is Strategic. Meticulous. Merciless. in its pursuit of justice. Our Houston-based team takes on complex aviation accident claims, leveraging deep legal knowledge and extensive resources to advocate effectively for our clients.
We understand the profound impact of aviation accidents on victims and their families and are committed to seeking the compensation you deserve. With personalized attention and relentless advocacy, Patrick Daniel Law stands out as a trusted ally in your legal journey.
The aftermath of any aviation accident is overwhelming. Whether you or a loved one was injured or a family member died in an accident or crash involving a jetliner, small plane, helicopter, or any other aircraft, you need experienced legal representation on your side.
Patrick Daniel Law has 15 years of experience representing clients in complex injury and accident claims. Our aviation accident lawyer and staff are meticulous, strategic, and merciless, and we will pursue all avenues of recovery to ensure you and your family are provided the full compensation you deserve.
Please call Patrick Daniel Law at (713) 999-6666 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Our law firm serves clients in aviation accident claims in Houston and all of Texas, as well as nationwide.
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