Flying on commercial airlines is incredibly safe, with fewer than 20 fatal accidents involving jet passenger aircraft worldwide annually. Yet when a crash or other airline accident does occur, passengers can sustain injuries or even lose their lives. If you are ever involved in a commercial plane accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights when seeking compensation.
Legal Recourse Against Airlines
Airline companies have a duty to safely transport paying passengers to their destinations. If an accident is due to negligence or inadequate safety protocols, the airline may face legal liability. Passengers have a right to take legal action against airlines for personal injuries, wrongful deaths, damage/loss of property, and other accident-related damages.
Proving Liability
To have a valid claim after an airline accident, injured passengers or surviving family members typically need to prove some form of negligence or liability. This can relate to improper aircraft maintenance, inadequate crew training, violations of aviation procedures, defective equipment, onboard errors, or other issues directly tied to the accident’s cause.
Compensation for Damages
If an airline is found liable for an accident, passengers have a right to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This can include reimbursement for medical bills, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, loss of companionship from the death of a loved one, and punitive damages in some cases.
Time Limits for Legal Action
Each state has statutory time limits, known as the statutes of limitations, dictating deadlines for taking legal action after an airline accident. These can range from 1-6 years depending on the state and specifics of the accident. It is critical that claims are filed before the statute of limitations expires or they may be dismissed.
Recovering After an Accident
Coping after an airline accident can be extremely difficult, especially for those who sustained severe injuries or lost loved ones. Passengers should prioritize medical treatment and also connect with grief counselors, therapists, victim support groups and other resources to aid in the recovery process while also pursuing legal options.
Seeking Compensation Through Litigation
Sometimes airline accident cases do go to court when a settlement cannot be reached. In these scenarios, having a quality legal team is essential. An aviation trial lawyer can build a strong case by gathering evidence, hiring appropriate expert witnesses, estimating total damages, negotiating firmly and skillfully presenting arguments in court. If a case does go to trial, it is crucial for injured passengers and grieving families to have an excellent attorney fighting for their rights.
Key Takeaways
Being involved in a commercial plane crash is extremely traumatic, but help is available. Injured victims have legal rights to pursue financial compensation for damages through experienced aviation attorneys. Lawsuits can recover damages for pain and suffering, lost income, hefty medical bills and loss of companionship. Don’t delay in seeking a free consultation with a specialized airline accident attorney from the Scarlett Law Group who understands these intricate cases. We can help you understand your rights and build the strongest possible legal case against negligent airlines.
Find us at 536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.