Fayetteville Aviation Accident Attorney

Aircraft accidents, while relatively rare, can be a disaster. These accidents, unfortunately, usually result in catastrophic or fatal injuries. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, or you have lost a family member in an aviation accident, you and your family deserve justice. The legal team at McMath Woods can help you pursue fair compensation for all damages.

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Types of Aviation Accidents

Aircraft can run into trouble, no matter the size, from commercial jets to small, single-engine planes. The aircraft type will factor into the legal actions involved in pursuing compensation. The types of planes that could have led to severe injuries or death in a crash include:

Commercial Airliners
Regional Aircraft
General Aviation Aircraft
Business Jets
Military Aircraft
Helicopters
Cargo Aircraft
Amphibious Aircraft

Causes of Aviation Accidents

An aviation accident can occur due to various causes, including:

Pilot Error
Air Traffic Control Error
Weather Conditions
Lack of Aircraft Maintenance
Aircraft System Failure
Aircraft Design Defects
Aircraft Instrument Failure

The first step in seeking compensation for all damages is investigating the facts of the accident. In aviation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the agency tasked with determining the cause of the accident. The investigation may require from 12 to 24 months to be completed. The report will include information, analysis, findings, and probable cause. This report allows victims and their families to file a claim against the negligent parties.

Who is Liable in an Aviation Accident?

The parties named in a claim may include:

Plane Owner: If an aircraft owner operated the plane unsafely, leading to a crash, that party could be liable for all the losses sustained by victims of the crash.
Manufacturer: The aircraft manufacturer could be liable if the plane had a defect or design flaw.
Airline Company: The airline company may be liable in a plane crash.
Aircraft Parts Manufacturer: If an aircraft fails due to a faulty part or safety system, the parts manufacturer may be named in a claim.
Aircraft Maintenance Provider: The plane maintenance provider could be liable if the aircraft fails due to lack of maintenance.
Air Traffic Controller: If the crash resulted from errors in air traffic control, the claim will be filed against The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). This agency manages most air traffic controllers in the USA.
Private Air Traffic Controllers: Some private companies staff control towers, and some airports employ private air traffic controllers.

What Damages Can Be Pursued in an Aviation Accident?

The compensatory damages pursued in a claim can include the following economic and non-economic losses suffered:

Cost of Medical Care: Past, present, and future medical bills.
Funeral and Burial Costs: If a loved one dies in an aviation accident, the costs associated with a funeral and burial are part of the damages pursued.
Lost Wages: The loss of income the victim would have earned had the accident not occurred.
Reduced Earning Capacity: In cases of catastrophic injuries, the victim may no longer be able to earn a living in their chosen profession or at all.
Pain and Suffering: The emotional anguish associated with the injuries or loss of life.
Disability or Disfigurement: Aviation accidents can lead to permanent disability or disfigurement, and the amount of compensation will reflect the altered life and future of the individual.
Loss of Consortium: The victim’s spouse could seek compensation for the loss of companionship caused by the extent of the injuries.
Emotional Anguish: Compensation for the losses to the individual that include issues such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD from the aftermath of the aviation accident.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages can be pursued. These damages are intended to punish and deter others.

Why Choose McMath Woods?

McMath Woods is among the most respected personal injury law firms in Arkansas. Our team of trial attorneys has achieved many high-value settlements and jury awards in complex cases. Beyond the legal skills and experience of the Fayetteville aviation accident lawyers at the firm, the entire legal team and support staff deliver personalized one-on-one legal representation. The firm takes on a limited number of cases to better serve its clients.

With fewer clients, McMath Woods provides a higher level of service during one of life’s most challenging and emotional times. Most client contact will be directly with the attorneys rather than staff or case managers. Almost all aviation accident cases will be represented by more than one of the seven trial attorneys at the firm. For superior legal support from one of the state’s most revered trial law teams, contact McMath Woods today for a free case evaluation.