Aircraft travel should be safe, and in most cases, it is. However, when an aviation accident occurs, it is often catastrophic.
When you experience an aviation accident, you’re likely to suffer significant injuries and face a long road to recovery. Along with the physical and mental stress, you may also have to deal with financial burdens. Fortunately, you don’t have to handle the aftermath of an aviation accident alone.
If you or a loved one have been harmed in an aviation accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced Maryland aviation accident attorneys will fight to make sure you get the justice and financial recovery you deserve. To learn how we can help you, contact Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP today for a consultation.
How do aviation accidents occur?
Much like other types of accidents, including vehicular collisions, there are several reasons why aviation accidents happen. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
- Loss of control of the aircraft
- Pilot error
- Lack of training and inexperience
- Mid-air collisions
- Design defects
- Mechanical failures
- Air traffic control errors
- Runway defects
- Violations of FAA regulations
When pursuing compensation for an aviation collision, it is vital to determine what caused your accident. Figuring out the reason for your crash can help determine liability. You can rely on your aviation accident lawyer to thoroughly investigate your situation to get the answers you need most.
Injuries Resulting from an Aviation Crash
Injuries from an aviation accident are based on the details of your collision. Still, these injuries can be severe and life-altering.
Some of the injuries that often result from aviation accidents include:
- Head and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
In the most serious cases, injuries from an aviation collision can leave you facing further health complications, including brain damage, nerve damage, and amputations.
The more substantial your harm, the greater the need for medical attention. Unfortunately, medical treatment is costly, and bills can quickly add up. This is one of the reasons why having a qualified aviation accident attorney on your side is important. Your lawyer can fight diligently to get you the financial recovery you need.
Who’s responsible for an aviation accident?
Determining who is at fault for your collision is critical. Any party that played a role in your accident could be liable to you for your injuries and other damages.
Liable parties in an aviation crash could include:
- Pilots
- Airlines
- Aircraft mechanics
- Aircraft owners
- Airplane charter companies
- Air traffic controllers
- Flight schools
- Air ambulance companies
In some cases, only one party is responsible for a collision, while in others, several parties share liability. It’s vital to figure out the cause of the accident to better determine who could be held responsible.
Potential Compensation for an Aviation Collision
Damages can help compensate you for the injuries and losses you sustained during an aviation accident. The damages you’re entitled to receive depend on the specifics of your case and could include the following:
- Past and future medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Loss of wages
- Lost or diminished earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
It’s worth noting there is no “average” settlement an aviation collision victim can expect to receive. Instead, your damages are based on multiple factors affecting your compensation, including the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your medical treatment, and how your injuries and losses will affect your life in the future.
If you’ve lost a loved one in an aviation accident, this loss could impact your life in many ways, including financially. Therefore, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation. An aviation accident lawyer in Maryland can assist you with your lawsuit.
One of the goals of filing a legal claim after an aviation accident is to recover full and fair financial recovery for your collision-related losses. A skilled aviation accident attorney can accurately calculate the value of your case and fight diligently for your right to compensation.
Time Limits on Aviation Accident Cases
When filing a civil lawsuit, statutes of limitations exist to restrict the amount of time a plaintiff has to file their claim in court. Lawsuits for aviation accidents are no different.
Under Maryland law, you must file your aviation accident lawsuit within three years of the date of your accident. Failing to do so can have serious consequences on your ability to recover monetarily for your losses.
Few exceptions to the statute exist, so you must prioritize filing your claim on time. An aviation accident attorney can help ensure your case is handled appropriately, which includes filing your lawsuit in court before time expires to avoid potential problems in the future.
Consult with an Aviation Accident Attorney in Maryland Today
If you or a loved one have suffered harm in an aviation accident, you are not alone in your struggles. The Maryland aviation accident lawyers at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP have the experience, skills, and resources to protect your rights and fight aggressively for the most favorable result.