Airplane Accidents

Airplane and Airline Crashes

Travel by airplane has become common in today’s world and commercial airline travel is the one of the safest methods. But when an airplane crash or accident occurs, the results can be catastrophic and can result in broken bones, brain injuries, paralysis, head and spine injuries, and death. For survivors of airplane accidents, the injuries can be devastating and can require a lifetime of medical treatment and care.

After an airline or airplane crash, the airline will often send family care officials to assist victims and their families. Although family care officials and team members will sincerely attempt to help, they are hired by the airline, and the airline’s goal is to minimize the damages the company will have to pay as a result of the accident. They will also not discuss legal options with victims, so victims should discuss the full range of legal options available to them with an attorney that has no connection with the airline before reaching any agreement or accepting any payment from the airline.

After a major air carrier accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will provide information and assistance for family members and friends of airplane accident victims and survivors, and they will establish a Family Assistance Center to provide a meeting place for receiving information regarding the investigation and victim identification and to provide disaster crisis counseling, but legal advice will not be provided. Victims and family members should discuss the case with an independent lawyer to understand their rights and understand the rights they may be giving up if they sign documents or accept payments.

Free Case Evaluation for All Injury Cases

The attorneys at Varellas & Varellas are available to talk with victims and their families. They will investigate the accident and gather the information and evidence that will be needed to ensure claims against the responsible parties are properly filed and presented. An airplane accident can be caused by one or more factors and there may be more than one party responsible for the damages sustained, including the owner or operator of the aircraft, the manufacturer of the equipment, or Air Traffic Control, and it is imperative that the evidence is preserved and the claims are filed within the time limits set by law. Call or e-mail our lawyers soon after the accident for a free case evaluation.

Airline crashes can be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Pilot or other human error
• Weather conditions
• Air traffic control error
• Mechanical Failure
• Improper maintenance
• Violations of FAA regulations
• Defective parts or design
• Sabotage

Although crashes of commercial airlines receive the most news coverage, the NTSB has found that general aviation accounts for 97 percent of aviation fatalities. There is an average of five accidents per day involving small planes, with nearly 500 deaths occurring each year in small plane accidents. In 2013, the NTSB announced it is so concerned with general aviation safety, that it was placed on its “most wanted” list of transportation safety improvements.

For exceptional representation after a major accident, including an airplane crash or other aviation accident, call to talk with one of the attorneys at Varellas & Varellas or e-mail us today.