While the causes of private plane crashes can vary, the most frequently cited causes are pilot error, faulty equipment and a violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The NTSB investigates every aviation accident in the United States. Determining the causes of a plane crash, is important to get civil justice.
About Aviation Accidents
The airplane industry has convinced travelers that flying is completely safe. However, aviation accidents do happen. When they do, it is usually devastating. This includes loss of life, injuries, and property damages. We have over 20 years helping victims and their families. There can be complex litigation rules involved. It is important to pick a litigation team that will fight for you and your loved ones.
Liability for Private Plane Crashes
There are two main groups responsible for private plane crashes. These are aircraft owners and operators, aircraft manufacturers, and even both parties.
Aircraft Owner
There is a high standard of care that aircraft owners and operators must uphold. An owner can be held liable for damages if there is negligence. This is even true if the owner was not the pilot. The law uses “vicarious liability” to hold him or her responsible.
Aircraft Manufacturer
A manufacturer is liable if injuries came from an airplane defect. The General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA) helps shield manufacturers of aircraft carrying less than twenty passengers from liability for most crashes where aircraft parts are eighteen years or older at the time of the accident. Not all plane crashes are covered under this legislation though. An attorney can help investigate liability for you.
Also, the court can hold both the aircraft owner/operator and manufacturer liable for a private plane crash. A jury will use comparative fault to decide how much liability to assign to each defendant.
Get Help
A catastrophic plane crash or accident causes mental and physical suffering. Many describe panic, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and survivor’s guilt. These feelings can change a person for the rest of his or her life. This is why it is important to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable complex litigation attorney. We will fight to recover damages owed after this devastating accident. Our consultations are free. Contact us today.