Aviation accidents are among the most devastating events, often resulting in severe injuries or loss of life for those involved. When these tragic incidents occur, the lives of aviation accident victims and their loved ones are forever altered. If you or a loved one has been impacted by an aviation accident, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced aviation accident lawyer who can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
At The Gibson Law Firm, we understand the complexities and emotional toll of aviation accidents. As seasoned aviation accident attorneys, we provide compassionate and skilled legal representation, offering a free consultation to discuss your case with an aviation accident lawyer in Houston.
Why Choose The Gibson Law Firm to Be Your Aviation Accident Attorneys
Selecting the right legal team is crucial when pursuing justice in aviation accident cases. The Gibson Law Firm, led by Jason Gibson, combines extensive personal injury experience with a strong record of success. Our Houston-based aviation accident attorneys are skilled trial lawyers with a track record of advocating relentlessly for clients in high-stakes cases, highlighting our commitment to excellence in this field.
Recognized as a Top 100 Civil Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers every year since 2015, Mr. Gibson and his legal team have achieved substantial verdicts and settlements across complex cases, including wrongful death and catastrophic injuries. Our aviation accident attorneys pride ourselves on our ability to develop powerful cases that hold negligent parties accountable. This includes working closely with industry experts to investigate the causes of each incident and secure critical evidence.
Your experienced personal injury attorney will have a track record of providing aggressive legal representation and helping clients recover significant compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you are seeking a legal team committed to holding liable parties accountable and providing compassionate yet firm representation, choose The Gibson Law Firm to guide you through every step of your case. Whether you are dealing with a major airline crash, private plane accident, or helicopter incident, we are here to help you navigate the legal process.
Airplane Accident Lawsuits
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were 30 commercial airplane accidents in 2023. These accidents often lead to devastating outcomes, and pursuing an aviation accident claim is a critical step in holding responsible parties accountable and seeking compensation. Our airplane accident lawyers at The Gibson Law Firm specialize in representing individuals and families affected by aviation tragedies, including incidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
We have extensive experience managing aviation cases, focusing on obtaining justice for those impacted and achieving meaningful compensation for the losses endured. An airplane accident lawsuit typically involves:
- Investigating every facet of the incident
- Identifying who may be at fault
- Proving negligence or misconduct in a court of law
In aviation accident cases, liability may fall on multiple parties, including pilots, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Our personal injury law firm tirelessly analyzes all evidence, whether it involves human error, mechanical failure, design flaws, or violations of aviation safety standards. In some cases, the claims may extend to wrongful death lawsuits, where a personal injury lawyer represents the interests of surviving family members who have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.
Damages Recoverable in Aviation Accident Cases
In aviation cases, the compensation available aims to cover the full scope of financial, physical, and emotional damages suffered by victims and their family members. For those affected by serious injuries, the personal injury team at our law firm strives to obtain full compensation for both the physical and emotional toll the incident has caused. Common categories of recoverable damages under Texas law include the following:
- Medical expenses: Including current and ongoing care and future medical costs
- Pain and suffering: For physical pain and mental anguish
- Lost income and earning capacity: Including immediate loss of wages and diminished future earnings
- Loss of companionship and consortium: Including spousal damages and parental and family support
- Property damage: For survivors with personal property damaged or lost during the accident, such as baggage, valuables, or personal belongings
- Funeral and burial costs: The costs associated with a loved one’s funeral and burial in cases of fatal accidents
- Punitive damages: In rare instances when the accident involves severe negligence or misconduct by the responsible party
- Legal costs: Compensation for legal fees and other costs associated with filing the claim
The goal of filing an airplane accident personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is to ensure that victims and their families do not face the financial consequences of these devastating accidents alone. Our law firm works closely with experts who can help quantify damages, covering everything from medical expenses to long-term rehabilitation and loss of income. Our Houston personal injury lawyers consider the full spectrum of losses, giving our clients the opportunity to rebuild and move forward, knowing that we have pursued justice on their behalf.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
An aviation crash can arise from various causes, each with its own challenges when determining liability and pursuing justice. At The Gibson Law Firm, we understand the common causes of aviation accidents involving domestic and international flights and the complex scenarios they entail. Some of the leading causes of aircraft accidents and the unique legal considerations they bring include the following:
Mechanical Failures
Whether used for general or commercial aviation, aircraft depend heavily on flawless engineering and rigorous maintenance. Mechanical failure remains one of the most significant contributors to aviation crashes. These failures can stem from worn-out parts, poor maintenance practices, or design defects. When mechanical issues lead to an accident, manufacturers or maintenance providers may be held liable.
Human Error
Human factors, including pilot error and air traffic control mistakes, play a significant role in aviation crashes. Human error can encompass a wide range of mistakes, from navigational errors and improper decision-making to miscommunication between flight crew and ground personnel. Our Houston aviation accident attorneys are skilled at examining cases involving human error to identify points of failure and ensure accountability.
Weather Conditions
Sudden changes in weather, such as thunderstorms, ice, or turbulence, can put aircraft at risk, especially during takeoff or landing. In cases where weather conditions play a role, our legal team investigates whether negligence was a factor, including assessing whether pilots or airlines should have postponed or rerouted the flight.
Mid-Air Collisions
A mid-air aviation crash is among the deadliest types and can occur when two planes converge due to navigational errors or failures in air traffic control. These tragic events demand a thorough examination of communication and flight protocols, and any potential mistakes aviation personnel made.
Runway and Ground Collisions
Accidents can also happen on the ground, especially during taxiing or on crowded runways. Pilot inexperience, miscommunication, or air traffic control errors may cause these collisions. We work to uncover how these incidents occur and who may be at fault, especially in cases involving helicopter accidents and smaller aircraft on busy airstrips.
Design Defects
The design and engineering of an aircraft must meet strict safety standards. Design defects can lead to a serious aviation disaster, particularly when flaws in the aircraft’s structure or mechanics go undetected or unaddressed by the aviation industry. We collaborate with aviation experts to identify such defects and determine liability.
Inadequate Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for safe air travel, but inadequate maintenance remains a leading cause of general aviation accidents. In some cases, airlines or private owners may skip essential inspections or overlook necessary repairs to save costs. Our attorneys delve into maintenance records to find evidence of negligence or non-compliance with safety regulations.
Foreign Object Damage and Bird Strikes
Foreign objects, including birds, can collide with aircraft, causing an airline crash or helicopter crash. These incidents may result in severe mechanical failures that compromise flight safety. Our team investigates these cases to establish liability and pursue compensation for affected parties.
The Gibson Law Firm’s Houston aviation attorneys understand how to meticulously investigate these causes of airplane and helicopter crashes and determine where liability lies. We work to identify all responsible parties and hold each one accountable to maximize the compensation for our clients.
Liability for Plane Crashes
Establishing liability in a plane crash is a multifaceted process involving multiple parties and legal complexities. At The Gibson Law Firm, we recognize that each aviation accident presents unique challenges, often implicating various entities in the aviation industry, including:
- Airlines and operators: Commercial airlines and private plane operators are responsible for maintaining aircraft, training pilots, ensuring safe operations, and adhering to the stringent safety standards regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Any negligence in these areas could make them liable.
- Aircraft manufacturers and parts suppliers: If an accident is due to design defects, faulty components, or substandard parts, manufacturers or parts suppliers can be held accountable.
- Pilots and crew: Pilot errors, such as miscalculations or failure to follow safety protocols, can contribute to liability. Crew members who neglect their duties may also be liable.
- Air traffic control: Air traffic controllers guide planes safely through the airspace. Mistakes in instructions or oversight could lead to mid-air or runway accidents.
- Maintenance providers: Maintenance companies are responsible for ensuring all aircraft are in working order. Inadequate inspections or repairs can cause mechanical failures, resulting in liability.
- Government agencies: In some instances, agencies such as the FAA or NTSB may share liability if regulatory failures or oversight lapses contributed to the accident.
- Airport operators: If an accident occurs due to runway issues, inadequate lighting, or poor ground management, the airport or its operating body might be responsible.
Our experienced attorneys handle personal injury claims and wrongful death cases with the knowledge required to determine and prove liability under aviation law. In cases where someone else’s negligence causes an accident, whether in commercial aviation or small plane operators, our aviation lawyers can pursue claims against individual pilots, maintenance providers, and aircraft owners. Our attorneys are well-versed in handling claims involving insurance companies that attempt to undervalue or deny coverage to victims and their families.
Factors Affecting Liability in an Aviation Accident
Several factors can influence liability in an aviation accident, each requiring careful investigation by insurance companies and other agencies. Key considerations include:
- Cause of the accident
- Regulatory compliance
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Pilot and crew actions
- Design and manufacturing quality
- Air traffic control communication
- Environmental conditions
Each factor requires gathering evidence and working with experts in aviation law and accident reconstruction to determine liability accurately. Insurance companies may cover liability for accidents caused by negligence or other factors, so it is essential to have help from experienced Houston aviation lawyers to determine who is responsible for an aircraft collision.
Contact our Houston Aviation Accident Attorneys and Schedule a Free Consultation Today
A strong attorney-client relationship is essential to achieving success in aviation accident cases, and at The Gibson Law Firm, we prioritize transparency and open communication with our clients. Our Houston airplane accident attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that you and your family receive the support you need as we pursue compensation for your loss. Contact us to schedule a free consultation to review the details of the airplane crash and discuss your legal options.
With thorough knowledge of aviation regulations and extensive experience handling aviation accident cases, The Gibson Law Firm stands ready to protect our clients’ rights. Our Houston-based team of attorneys is committed to investigating every aspect of the incident to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Let us help you rebuild after this tragedy. With The Gibson Law Firm, you can know that an experienced legal team is fighting for your rights.