Experienced Fresno Airplane Accident Lawyer
Fresno Airplane Accident Lawyer
Find out why we are some of the best Fresno Airplane Accident Lawyers
Understanding Airplane Accidents
Airplane accidents are incidents involving aircraft that can cause significant damage, injury, or loss. They can occur during takeoff, landing, or while the aircraft is in flight and involve various types of aircraft, such as drones, helicopters, military planes, private planes, and commercial airliners.
The chances of being on a commercial airline flight that experiences a fatal accident are very slim. In fact, your chances are 1 in 20 million. This means that you would have to take over 20 million flights before you would be likely to experience a fatal accident.
In addition, 98.6% of plane crashes do not result in any fatalities, meaning that of the 140 plane accidents that occurred between 2012 and 2016, only two involved fatalities. [1]
During takeoff and landing, airplanes are particularly vulnerable to accidents due to factors such as weather conditions, equipment malfunctions, or pilot errors. In-flight accidents may occur due to mechanical failures, design defects, or other factors that can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Causes of Airplane Accidents
Different types of aviation accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and understanding the causes behind them is necessary to prevent future incidents.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a new dashboard tool that provides a comprehensive overview of flight accident data from 2012 to 2021. The dashboard shows that there were a total of 12,368 accidents during this period, resulting in 3,817 fatalities. [2]
Pilot Error and Negligence
Pilot error and negligence are significant factors contributing to airplane crashes. These occurrences are often a result of overcorrection, misjudgment, poor task performance, and failure to follow guidelines.
Overcorrection refers to when a pilot reacts excessively to a situation, which can lead to loss of control or instability of the aircraft. Misjudgment occurs when a pilot inaccurately assesses factors like altitude, speed, or distance, resulting in improper decision-making.
Poor task performance refers to the failure to execute necessary procedures accurately or efficiently, such as maintaining the appropriate aircraft configuration during critical phases of flight. Neglecting established guidelines contributes to errors and accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Maintenance failures are one common type of mechanical failure. These failures can include improper maintenance procedures, inadequate inspections, or negligent repairs. If critical components are not properly maintained, they can malfunction or fail during flight, leading to catastrophic injuries.
Another type of mechanical failure is the failure to warn or provide adequate instructions. Aircraft manufacturers have a responsibility to warn operators and pilots of any known risks or limitations associated with their products. If they fail to do so, accidents can occur due to the lack of appropriate warnings or instructions.
Design Defects
Design defects by airplane manufacturers can violate existing guidelines and regulations set by aviation authorities. These guidelines are in place to ensure that aircraft are built to meet certain standards of safety and performance.
When a design defect is present, it means that the aircraft does not meet these established standards. This can lead to an increased risk of accidents and jeopardize the lives of those onboard.
Manufacturing defects are flaws that occur during the production of the aircraft. These defects can impact the integrity of parts and systems, making the aircraft more susceptible to failures or malfunctions.
Manufacturing defects can range from faulty materials to errors in the construction process, compromising the overall quality and safety of the aircraft.
Air Traffic Controller Errors
Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of aircraft both on the ground and in the air.
When air traffic controllers fail to properly maintain separation, two or more aircraft may end up on the same runway. This can result in chaotic situations and increase the risk of accidents.
Runway incursions occur when an aircraft, vehicle, or person enters a runway without authorization. This can lead to collisions or forced evasive maneuvers by pilots, potentially causing a crash.
Examples of air traffic controller errors include failure to properly communicate with pilots, providing incorrect instructions or clearances, or not alerting pilots to potential conflicts with other aircraft.
These errors can lead to confusion, misjudgment, and an increased risk of accidents. Any violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations by air traffic controllers can compromise safety measures and contribute to accidents.
Types of Airplane Accident Injuries
When individuals are involved in an aircraft accident, they may suffer from injuries that lead to both physical and emotional pain. This pain often involves medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Physical Injury
Physical injury in an airplane accident case can vary depending on the severity of the incident. The following are examples of common physical injuries that victims may sustain, along with how these injuries can impact their lives:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These occur when the head suffers a severe impact or jolt, leading to damage to the brain. TBIs can result in cognitive difficulties, memory loss, seizures, mood changes, and even permanent disabilities. Victims may require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These occur when the spinal cord is damaged, resulting in partial or complete loss of function below the injury site. Spinal cord injuries may lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, causing the victim to lose mobility and independence. Physical therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications may be necessary.
- Broken Bones: In an aircraft accident, the impact forces can cause fractures in various parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, ribs, and spine. Broken bones can cause severe physical pain, require surgeries or immobilization, and may result in long recovery periods. Mobility limitations and the need for ongoing medical treatment can impact the victim's daily life and career.
These can result in a significant impact on an aviation accident victim’s life, leading to physical limitations, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
Seeking damages, such as compensation for medical bills, ongoing care, lost wages, and pain and suffering, can help victims recover and rebuild their lives after an airplane accident.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress damages, also known as non-economic damages, aim to compensate victims for the psychological impact of the accident. It is important to understand that emotional distress is not always readily visible but can have long-lasting effects on a person’s well-being.
Following an airplane accident, victims may experience a range of psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, shock, terror, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, relationships, and overall mental health.
Recovering emotional distress damages can help provide financial support for counseling, therapy, and other necessary treatments to address these psychological issues. These damages acknowledge the pain and suffering endured by the victim as a result of the accident.
Determining the Liable Party in an Airplane Accident in Fresno
Determining the liable party in an airplane accident in Fresno requires a thorough investigation of the incident and consideration of various factors. Several parties could be held responsible, including pilots, aircraft owners or operators, maintenance workers, and air traffic controllers.
Pilots may be considered liable if their errors in judgment or actions contributed to the accident. This could include mistakes in navigation, failure to follow proper procedures or lack of proper training. Aircraft owners or operators may also be held responsible if they fail to fulfill their duty of ensuring the aircraft’s safety and maintenance.
If maintenance workers are negligent or improper maintenance practices lead to mechanical failures or other issues that caused the accident, they could be deemed liable.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for safely directing and managing the flow of air traffic. If any errors or mistakes in their communication or guidance led to the accident, they could be held accountable.
Determining liability also involves considering various factors, such as pilot error, mechanical failures, and design defects. These factors may contribute to the cause of the accident and help in identifying the responsible party.
Leveraging the service of a Fresno Airplane Accident Lawyer
When it comes to aviation accident cases in Fresno, it is crucial to have the expertise of a Fresno airplane accident lawyer. We are a leading law firm in Fresno, and we excel in handling these complex cases, providing top-notch legal assistance to victims.
Aviation accidents can have devastating consequences, resulting in personal injuries and severe trauma. Recovering compensation in such cases is a complex process, as it involves identifying the liable parties and proving their negligence or responsibility.
Our Fresno personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience in aviation law to navigate through the intricacies of your personal injury claims. We will conduct a thorough investigation, working closely with experts in the field to determine the cause of the accident. Whether it is pilot error, mechanical failures, or design defects, our legal team will leave no stone unturned to establish the faulty parties.
Are you or your loved one a Fresno airplane accident victim?
Our Fresno airplane accident lawyers are here to help. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to advocating for victims of airplane accidents and ensuring they receive maximum compensation.
We understand the complex nature of these cases and have a track record of success in securing substantial settlements for our clients.
Don’t wait another day. Contact our Fresno airplane accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and financial compensation you deserve. Your road to recovery starts now.
Sources
[1] Plane Crash Statistics. (2020, April 16). FlyFright. https://flyfright.com/statistics/
[2] General Aviation Accident Dashboard: 2012-2021. (n.d.). General Aviation Accident Dashboard: 2012-2021. https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Pages/GeneralAviationDashboard.aspx
If you or someone you care about has suffered injuries in an airplane accident, you might have a right to seek compensation. Reach out to us to determine the validity of your case and explore your options for potential compensation.
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