Although airplane crashes tend to make the news, they aren’t common. However, these crashes are generally newsworthy because they result in deaths more commonly than other modes of transportation when a crash occurs. In fact, for the most part, airplanes are considered to be pretty safe.
But because nothing is perfect, crashes do still occur and when they do there are sometimes survivors. Take for instance the headline-making case in 2009 in which Captain “Sully” Sullenberger miraculously landed an airplane on the Hudson River.
Causes of Plane Crashes
So although uncommon, survivors of airplane crashes do exist. But what can they do afterward? Who can be held responsible for your injuries from a plane crash? Although some plane accidents occur due to acts of terrorism (as was the case with 9/11) or severe weather, aviation accidents tend to occur due to one of the following causes:
- Pilot error
- Violations of FAA regulations
- Design/structural defects of the plane
- Faulty equipment
- Negligence of federal air traffic controllers or flight service station employees
When a crash occurs in the U.S. there are two federal agencies responsible for investigating it: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). While the FAA sets the safety standards related to the manufacturing, operations, and pilot behavior and holds those who fail to follow these standards accountable, the NTSB takes care of investigating accidents and recommending changes to prevent future accidents of the same kind.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
So what does this mean for those who are injured in a plane crash? They can choose to file a personal injury claim against these agencies and others. However, in order to obtain the best outcome, it is in their best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced aviation attorney in order to understand all of your options.
The outcome of each case is heavily dependant upon the entity or individuals responsible for the accident. This could be a number of people including the manufacturer of the plane or its individual parts, the individuals responsible for maintaining the condition of the aircraft, the owner of the plane, the pilot of the plane, or in some cases, even the federal government.
Although aviation law can be confusing and personal injury claims surrounding it can be complicated, it’s important that you are compensated for your injuries so that you can move forward with your life.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Been Injured in a Plane Crash
If you or a loved one has been injured in a plane crash, it can result in devastating injuries. Between medical bills, lost wages, and financial difficulties, it can prove extremely stressful. But you should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of personal injury accidents and understand the impact that these injuries can have on just about all aspects of your life. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Airplane Accidents