An airplane crash can be one of the most terrifying experiences you may face, and a California personal injury lawyer can come alongside you during this difficult time. Meissner Law Firm can take the weight off your shoulders and handle every aspect of your case.
Why Choose Us at Meissner Law Firm?
Meissner Law Firm has over 40 years of experience fighting for clients when they have experienced deep injustices that impact their lives. When you choose to hire us, our award-winning team ensures you receive:
- Personalized support and customized strategies designed to secure results
- A compassionate and highly-skilled team of attorneys who provide clear counsel and advocate for you every step of the way
- Legal representation without upfront costs so you can get the support you need
Who Can be Held Legally Responsible for an Aviation Accident?
Aviation accidents can cause life-changing harm and injuries. These accidents can occur when equipment malfunctions, communication errors occur, pilots and personnel are poorly trained or inexperienced, FAA regulations are violated, and more. After an accident, the cause must be determined, and the at-fault party must be identified. In many cases, there are multiple parties who could be held responsible for an aviation accident.
Liable parties could include pilots, air traffic control, airlines, plane and part manufacturers, and aviation maintenance crews. Navigating the layers of liability and federal regulations can be complex, which is why hiring an experienced lawyer is crucial.
A lawyer can investigate the accident, the involvement of different parties, and access and preserve crucial evidence such as black box data, flight and communication logs, and other critical documentation. This ensures you hold the right party accountable and have the evidence you need to support your claim.
What Kinds of Compensation Are Available After an Aviation Accident?
After an aviation accident, compensation is vital for recovering the losses you have sustained and ensuring you can get the care you need without undue hardship. You can generally pursue both economic and non-economic damages as part of your settlement.
Economic damages can help you pay for the cost of medical care, rehabilitative therapies, damage to personal property, and lost wages or earning capacity. Non-economic damages can provide the means to get the support you need to ease your pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, emotional anguish, and loss of consortium.
In the event that the airplane crash leads to a death, a wrongful death claim may be brought by the close family members of the person who lost their life. Under the Code of Civil Procedure §377.60, the spouse of the person who lost their life has the right to seek legal action. This may include a legally recognized domestic partner as well. If these do not exist, the children may also seek legal action.
In situations where there is no spouse or child, the parents, and then the siblings, can seek a claim. Putative spouses, stepchildren, and others who are financially dependent on the individual may seek a claim. The executor or administrator of the estate can also file a claim against the at-fault party on behalf of the estate.
How Long Do I Have to File an Airplane Accident Claim in California?
If you have been injured in an aviation accident, you must generally file your claim within two years of the accident, according to California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. The same holds true if you are filing a claim on behalf of a deceased loved one.
However, aviation accidents may involve additional laws and timelines, especially when federal agencies or government-owned aircraft are involved. Some deadlines may be much shorter, depending on the type of case as well as the potential defendants.
Talk to our team immediately to understand how much time is available for you to act.
Call Our California Airplane Crash Lawyers Today
Call Meissner Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case with you and provide tailored insights and recommendations based on your circumstances. You do not have to deal with the life-changing moment alone.