Although air travel is relatively safe when compared to travel by automobile or train, aviation injuries do occur. Aviation injuries may be as minor as a twisted ankle suffered in attempting to reach the bathroom, as severe as serious head injuries during air turbulence, or even death in a plane crash. There’s a reason behind every accident – whether it’s improper maintenance, defective equipment or machinery, reckless behavior, pilot error, or tower miscommunication, it’s our job to take a hard look at what happened and determine if it was preventable.

Aviation accident law covers both major air carrier and general aviation accidents. General aviation includes all non-commercial aircraft, including small planes, jumbo business jets, charter flights, pleasure crafts, helicopters, and hang gliders.

The most common causes of both major carrier and general aviation accidents include:

• Pilot error;
• Faulty equipment;
• Federal Aviation Administration regulations violations;
• Structural or design problems;
• Negligence of Flight Service Station employees;
• Negligence of Federal Air Traffic Controllers; or
• Negligence in a third party’s selection of a carrier

Aviation litigation is complex and involves many potential theories of liability under state, federal, and international law. There are several potential defendants to choose from, and a number of different courts in which a trial may take place. In order to hold someone legally responsible for an aviation accident, it is our job to prove the person responsible failed to meet an industry-standard related to the operation of the aircraft, engineering, or specific regulatory issues. That’s where we come in. We work hard to make sure those who made decisions that lead to catastrophic injuries and deaths are held accountable.

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an aviation accident, call us today to find out about Hamilton Wingo’s deep aviation litigation experience and our passion for protecting our clients. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to represent your claim.