How an Aviation Attorney Can Help

Some people deal with airline companies on their own to get money for lost property or after suffering an injury on a plane. However, there are benefits to talking to an aviation attorney to help you handle a personal injury lawsuit or negotiate a settlement offer. In many cases, an attorney will take your case on a contingency basis, so you only owe something if they win your case.

This article provides general information about how an aviation attorney can help. However, personal injury laws are different in every state. You should contact an aviation lawyer in your area for legal advice about your case.

When Do You Need an Aviation Attorney?

Most of us only consider turning to an attorney once something goes wrong. This can be true for problems involving commercial airlines or aviation accidents. Most aviation law issues for passengers involve personal injury claims, property damage, breach of contract, or canceled flights.

You may be able to benefit from the help of an aviation attorney if you have a problem with the airlines and they are not treating you fairly. An aviation lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit against the airlines to recover compensation for your damages.

Aviation Accident Injuries

When major airlines suffer a crash, it is a big news event. However, major commercial aircraft crashes for U.S. air carriers are very rare. Large plane crashes are more likely to happen in other countries. However, there are still small plane crashes that happen across the country. Aviation accidents can include:

• Small plane crashes
• Helicopter accidents
• Charter plane crashes
• Corporate jet accidents
• Emergency aircraft accidents
• Sightseeing tour aircraft accidents
• Military aircraft accidents

Crashes are not the only source of plane injuries. Passengers can suffer severe aviation-related injuries even before the plane takes off. Accidents can happen during boarding, on take-off, or landing. Examples of airplane-related injuries could include:

• Burn injuries
• Tripping on torn carpet
• Head trauma from falling baggage
• Assault by another passenger
• Fractured cabin window
• Runway overrun crashes

If you or a loved one was injured in a plane accident, you could file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. Damages can include any money you had to spend on medical care, time off of work, pain and suffering, and mental distress. A personal injury lawsuit can hold the airlines responsible for causing injuries to passengers.

Compensation for Lost Luggage and Damaged Property

Lost luggage is one of the passengers’ most common complaints about commercial airlines. Airlines may have baggage delays requiring the passengers to buy toiletries and new clothing. The airlines could also lose your luggage, including any valuable contents and personal items.

Airlines are required to compensate passengers for lost or damaged property. However, the airline may not fully compensate you for your losses. In these situations, an aviation lawyer can negotiate with the airline company to try and obtain fair compensation for your losses.

Other Aviation Law Legal Issues

There are many other aviation law issues related to the airline industry, aircraft owners, and commercial and recreational pilots. Other aviation law issues can include contract disputes, licensing, equipment leasing, regulatory matters, insurance, and other areas of law.

File a Lawsuit Against the Airline Company

An aviation attorney can be vital to your case if you want to file a lawsuit against the airline company. Your attorney can advise you on your rights, legal causes of action, and the process for filing a lawsuit against the aviation industry. If you were injured on a flight because of the negligence of a pilot or flight attendant or because of defective airline equipment, your attorney can file a personal injury claim against the airline.

Negotiating a Settlement Offer

You may not have to file a lawsuit to recover money from the airlines. If you hire an aviation attorney, they can negotiate directly with the airline to resolve your disputes. Your aviation lawyer can negotiate a settlement involving an injury claim, airline mistreatment, lost luggage, or property damage.