Compared to riding in a road-bound passenger vehicle, airplane travel is incredibly safe, but when an aviation accident does happen, its outcomes can be catastrophic for the victims involved.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Washington, D.C., aviation accident, do not wait. Reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP. Our knowledgeable team will review the facts of your airplane mishap case and fight effectively for your rights.
Why Choose Our Firm For Aviation Accident Claims in D.C.
- Our firm has had numerous successful outcomes against major corporations, obtaining a total in compensation of over $1 billion for our clients.
- We bring more than 38 years of experience to every case.
- We will work tirelessly to get you the medical help and compensation you deserve after an aviation accident.
- You only pay legal fees if we win.
Situations that May Result in Aviation Accident Claims
Accidents that happen on or near airplanes may result in a wide variety of successful civil claims. Depending on the extent and nature of the damage that is caused by the incident, victims may be owed significant financial compensation.
Some of the most common types of aviation accidents in Washington, D.C., that may be grounds for a tort claim are as follows:
Claims of Negligence
The legal concept of “negligence” is the basis for many tort claims, including certain aviation accident cases. A claim of negligence may arise when one party fails to exercise reasonable care and thus causes harm or injuries.
Parties who may be liable for injuries caused by negligence in the context of aviation mishaps include any of the following:
- Pilots
- Arline owners or operators
- Maintenance personnel
- Air traffic controllers
- Flight attendants
Negligence can occur as the result of either action or inaction. For instance, inadequate maintenance or improper inspections on airplanes (or related machinery) may constitute negligence, while other examples include pilot errors and air traffic controller mistakes.
If you have been harmed because of someone’s recklessness or lack of care, do not hesitate. Make sure to speak with a legal professional to pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Product Liability Cases
A product liability claim arises when a flaw in an aircraft or the components of the plane contribute to a harmful accident. When victims suffer personal injuries, property damage, or emotional trauma, those responsible can be held accountable.
Some of the examples of liable parties in aviation accident product liability claims include:
- Manufacturers of equipment
- Suppliers of aircraft components
- Distributors of engines or other machinery
- Safety equipment designers
The companies responsible for the equipment and components necessary for air travel may owe victims compensation when their products cause harm. The two primary types of product liability claims are manufacturing defects and design flaws.
Additionally, when equipment comes with inadequate instructions or warnings, those responsible for putting together said instructions might be legally vulnerable to a claim. If a faulty airplane engine, defective control system, or flawed safety component has led to your injury, you may have a valid claim.
Strict Liability
In Washington, D.C., the legal principle of strict liability applies to aviation accidents. In other words, a party may be liable for financial damages regardless of whether they were negligent or at fault for the accident.
Consider the following example: If a faulty airplane component causes an accident that results in injuries, the supplier or manufacturer may be strictly liable for damages, even if they took precautions to ensure their product’s safety.
Wrongful Death
Sadly, some aviation accidents result in casualties, and when they happen, a wrongful death claim can be pursued by the decedent’s surviving family members, which works much like a personal injury claim. The party responsible for the death may be required to provide the victim’s estate holders with financial compensation for their losses.
Some of the most common financial damages in wrongful death cases include:
- Emotional turmoil and distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of relationship or consortium
- Loss of parental guidance
- Funeral expenses and burial costs
A compassionate wrongful death attorney can help your family recover financially following a fatal aviation accident.
Damages in Aviation Accident Claims
The amount and nature of the compensation you can recover through an aviation accident claim will depend on many factors. In many cases, victims can pursue both “economic” and “non-economic” damages. While the former compensates for direct monetary costs associated with the accident, the latter makes up for the intangible losses victims sustain.
Examples of economic damages include any of the following:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Expected future medical care losses
- Costs of repairing or replacing property
- Missed wages and lost income from inability to work
Some forms of non-economic damages from aviation accident claims are as follows:
- Emotional distress
- Psychological trauma
- Long-term decreases in life satisfaction
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or scarring
To accurately determine the value of your Washington, D.C., aviation accident or injury claim, it is critical to speak with a knowledgeable legal professional. Do not allow a tightfisted insurance company or aircraft component manufacturer to deny you adequate compensation.
Contact a Washington D.C. Aviation Accident Attorney
When you need legal representation following an aviation mishap, look no further than Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis. We work hard on behalf of injured aviation accident victims and surviving family members. We may be able to demand justice and maximum compensation for your aviation accident. Learn more today by requesting a free consultation with our local lawyers. Contact our DC office at (202) 796-3291 or by submitting our online form.