Queens Airplane Crash

While airplanes are usually considered a safe way to travel airplane crashes can happen. Generally airplane crashes are caused by mechanical problems or pilot error. Dealing with the legal issues of an airplane crash can be complicated, as different laws and regulations can apply. An airplane crash can involve not only state and federal law, but international law as well. Regardless of the cause of the crash or the applicable law, victims of airline accidents often suffer serious injuries including a head injury, neck injury, spinal cord injury or back injury. Such devastating injuries not only involve extended recovery periods, but also significant financial distress. If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer because you are a loved one was injured in an airline accident, it is important to immediately contact an experienced Queens airplane crash lawyer before making decisions about your legal options in the aftermath of such a distressing accident.

Causes of plane crashes

In additional to large commercial planes that most people are familiar with, there are many other types of aircraft that can be involved in an airplane accident including small planes, large business jets, charter flights, helicopters, hang gliders, and other types of pleasure crafts. The most common causes of accidents for both large commercial planes and smaller private and recreation aircrafts include:

• Pilot error. There are many different types of poor decisions made by the pilot of an aircraft that could result in a crash. For example, there have been several small aircraft accidents that were a direct result of the pilot deciding to fly during inclement weather or because the pilot failed to follow FAA protocol. Another type of pilot negligence involves a pilot flying while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Faulty equipment. Next to pilot error faulty equipment is the second most common cause of plane crashes. Manufacturers of airplanes have the legal responsibility of ensuring that such airplanes are fabricated in such a way that pilots, crews and passengers are safe. Failure to do so may result in a plane crash leaving the manufacturer open to liability under the theory of product liability.
• Negligence of federal air traffic controllers. When air traffic controllers fail to properly perform their responsibilities, tragic accidents can occur.

Other causes of airplane and airport accidents include negligence of airport or airline employees and negligence on the part of a third party contractor.

The FAA and NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulate air travel and investigate every aviation accident. The FAA sets safety standards for pilot conduct and flight operations. It also sets standards for aircraft manufacturers and enforces FAA regulations through both civil penalties and criminal penalties. The NTSB is investigates every civil aircraft accident and recommends safety standards to prevent future accidents.

Types of damages

If you were injured in an aviation accident the legally responsible parties can vary depending on the cause of the accident. The possible responsible parties include the owner and operator of the aircraft, the manufacturers or maintenance suppliers, airport personnel, or the federal government.

Through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit there are a variety of types of damages that may be available to you based on the losses you suffered due to another person's negligence. For example, victims who suffer serious injuries after being injured in airplane accidents will undoubtedly face substantial medical expenses. These expenses include the fees your doctors charge, ambulance fees, emergency room fees, hospital fees, surgical fees, costs of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, costs of medical equipment, as well as fees associated with rehabilitation.

Whether you miss a few weeks or a few months of work, the negligent party is responsible for paying you the wages and other compensation that you lost. Pain and suffering is a legal term that encompasses not just physical pain, but also emotional and mental suffering such as fear, grief, worry, inconvenience and the loss of the enjoyment of life.

If a loved one dies in an airplane crash, the legal representative of that person has can sue to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates

Plane accident cases are extremely complicated and may involve state, federal as well as international law. To make sure that your case is properly handled, it is critical that you are represented by attorneys with experience handling airplane crash cases. Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates to discuss the details of your case. Our staff is experienced in handling claims that result from catastrophic accidents such as accidents involving commercial planes, private jets and helicopters. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.

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