Laws Regarding Airplane Accidents

There are several laws in play during an aviation accident lawsuit, one of them is the Montreal Convention. The Montreal Convention is an international treaty regarding passenger rights in case of suffering injuries, death, lost luggage, and other damages during an international flight. The Montreal Convention establishes strict liability, this means that passengers don’t have to prove what the airline or pilot did wrong. It is assumed that an accident isn’t caused by a passenger, therefore the airline is automatically liable.

Recovering Financial Compensation

Victims of aviation accidents can recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. Seek experienced legal representation to discuss your accident and determine the damages you are able to recover. Some of the most common damages victims could recover include:

  • Medical Costs

You could receive compensation to cover medical expenses such as hospital bills, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and for any future medical care you require for a long-term or permanent injury. You can also receive compensation to cover for medical care a loved one required even if they passed away after the accident.

  • Lost Income

The accident may have left you with severe or even permanent injuries which could affect your ability to work. You may have also lost income due to time away from work while recovering from the accident. This loss of income can also be included as part of the compensation you could receive, as well as your loss of future earning potential as a result of your injuries.

  • Damages for Wrongful Death

If you lost a loved one in an airplane accident or other type of aviation crash, the surviving family members can receive damages for burial and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and loss of expected income.

  • Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses you suffered from an aviation accident. Examples of these damages include psychological pain and suffering, emotional trauma, mental anguish, and others.

Notable Airplane Crashes

  • In January 2020, a private helicopter crashed in Los Angeles, all the passengers lost their lives, including notable NBA player Kobe Bryant and his daughter.
  • In 2018 and 2019, hundreds of passengers lost their lives in accidents aboard a Boeing 737 Max aircraft. It was later determined that the airplane had technical problems and should have been grounded.
  • In May 2016, an airplane carrying a Brazilian football team ran out of fuel mid-flight and crashed near Medellin, Colombia. 71 people lost their lives.
  • In 2014, Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared during flight. In 2015 a wing part from the aircraft washed up on Reunion Island.
  • In 2008, a Navy/Marine Corps jet’s fuel tanks failed, causing it to crash into a home in San Diego. Unfortunately, four people lost their lives in the accident.

Who Should You Contact After an Aviation Accident?

An airplane accident attorney has the experience and knowledge to defend your rights against big airline companies. If you or a loved one was involved in any type of aviation accident, it’s best to speak with a legal team as soon as possible to discuss your case and what damages you are entitled to receive from the at-fault party.