Accident Victim Questions

Nurenberg Paris Aviation Attorneys

I survived a commercial airliner crash and want to file a lawsuit. What is the best way to proceed?

If you or someone you know suffered injury in an aviation accident of any level of severity, you may have the right to take action against those responsible. You might be entitled to financial compensation for physical and emotional trauma. Check with a knowledgeable aviation lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of your case.

What is the investigation process when a commercial airliner crashes?

The NTSB has established regulation guides and procedures for NTSB staff to follow when launching an investigation. At the beginning of the investigation process, the NTSB forms a "Go Team" that evaluates the accident scene as quickly as possible and determines the different types of technical expertise required to solve the complex problems of that particular case. Each Go Team has investigators responsible for closely examining the operations, structures, power plants, systems, air traffic control, weather, human performance, and survival factors related to the aviation accident.

In addition to the Go Team, the NTSB also designates other organizations or corporations as parties to many investigations. Cases that involve suspected criminal activity may require law enforcement agencies to become involved. Sometimes the investigation process takes months, with public hearings and stages of tests and analysis taking place before the final report is presented. The final report includes to NTSB’s conclusions, probable causes, and safety recommendations to avoid similar accidents from occurring in the future.

It is not uncommon for the final report to be released more than a year after a crash.

What is the airline company liable for if I went through a crash landing?

The answer is complicated and depends on many factors, including the state where the crash occurred and the state you live in, which is why litigation is sometimes brought against airlines by people who have survived a crash landing. Generally, an airline is liable to its passengers for an aircraft accident based upon its contract with the passengers, or an implied or express warranty regarding the safety of its aircraft. Additionally, if a person survives a crash, damages include pain and suffering, medical bills and loss of wages, both past and future. If there was a death, damages can include funeral expenses; medical bills; and lost wages; loss of support, companionship, comfort, and grief.

Is the airline liable if I am injured on board?

If you suffered injury in an aviation accident of any level of severity, you may have the right to take action against those responsible. In the case of commercial flights on airlines, responsible parties for your injury could include the airline, manufacturer of the airplane, and air traffic controllers, or the airplane crew.

When do I need an aviation lawyer?

If you feel you have been injured by an airline, airline manufacturer, airline employees, or airport employees, you might want to seek the counsel of an aviation lawyer. Aviation law is complicated and requires extensive knowledge and research in order to achieve your desired outcome.

Airline Accident Lawyers

If you were injured in an airline accident or you simply have aviation accident questions and would like to speak to an attorney, give us a call. Our firms’ experience both in and out of the courtroom has provided our aviation attorneys with the knowledge they need to answer any airline accident questions or concerns you may have. We’re here to help.