Experienced Portland Airplane Accident Lawyer
Portland Oregon Airplane Accident ATTORNEY
Find out why we have some of the best Portland airplane accident attorneys
What is an Airplane Accident?
An airplane accident refers to any incident involving an aircraft that results in damage, injuries, or death. [1] These accidents can occur during takeoff, landing, or while the plane is in the air and can take various forms.
Types of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can encompass a wide range of incidents, each presenting unique challenges and potential causes. The types of aircraft accidents include:
- Crashes: Crashes occur when an aircraft makes a sudden, uncontrolled descent and impacts with the ground or water. These accidents can be caused by pilot error, mechanical failure, adverse weather conditions, or air traffic controller error.
- Collisions: Collisions involve two or more aircraft impacting each other while in flight or on the ground. These catastrophic crashes can occur during mid-air traffic, ground collisions on runways or taxiways, or even collisions with objects or structures on the ground.
- Runway Incursions: Runway incursions happen when an aircraft or vehicle unintentionally enters an active runway without clearance, posing a significant risk of collision with other aircraft. These accidents can be caused by miscommunication between air traffic control and pilots or mistakes made by ground crew members.
- Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I): LOC-I accidents occur when a pilot is unable to maintain control of the aircraft, leading to a sudden and dangerous deviation from the intended flight path. Factors contributing to LOC-I include pilot disorientation, improper aircraft handling, or mechanical malfunctions.
- System Failures: System failures can involve a wide range of technical malfunctions, such as engine failures, electrical failures, or instrument failures. These incidents can lead to loss of power, loss of communication, or loss of critical flight controls, posing significant risks to the aircraft and its passengers.
Common Injuries in Airplane Accidents
Airplane accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe injuries. The most common accident injuries in airplane accidents include:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are the leading cause of death in airplane accidents. They can be caused by impact with the aircraft interior, debris, or other passengers. Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be caused by impact with the aircraft seat, debris, or other passengers. They can also be caused by the sudden deceleration of the aircraft during a crash. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or other neurological impairments.
- Burns: Burns can be caused by contact with flames, hot metal, or fuel. They can also be caused by the inhalation of hot smoke or toxic fumes. Burns can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns. [2]
- Broken bones: Broken bones are a common injury in airplane accidents. They can be caused by impact with the aircraft interior, debris, or other passengers. Broken bones can range from minor fractures to severe compound fractures.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can be caused by impact with the aircraft interior, debris, or other passengers. They can also be caused by the sudden deceleration of the aircraft during a crash. Internal injuries can include damage to the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and intestines.
- Emotional Trauma: Airplane accidents can be traumatic experiences that can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems.
The severity of airline injuries sustained in an airplane accident can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of aircraft, the speed of the aircraft, the location of the impact, and the use of safety equipment.
Oregon Statute of Limitations for Airplane Accidents
In the state of Oregon, be aware of the statute of limitations when it comes to airplane accidents. For most plane crash lawsuits and in-flight injury lawsuits, the plaintiff has a period of two years to file a claim from the time they were injured. However, if the plaintiff was under the age of 18 at the time of the injury, the two-year clock does not start until they turn 18.
Time is of the essence when it comes to filing a lawsuit related to an airplane accident. Waiting too long to take legal action can result in the inability to seek compensation for your injuries.
In cases involving wrongful death, where a loved one has tragically lost their life in an aviation accident, the statute of limitations allows the plaintiff three years from the date of the accident or crash to file a wrongful death claim. This provides some leeway for grieving families to make decisions and gather necessary information before pursuing legal action.
Potential Compensation Claims Following a Plane Crash
Following a plane crash, there are several potential compensation claims that victims or their families can pursue. The most common ones are:
- Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one dies in a plane crash, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. This claim seeks compensation for the loss of financial support, companionship, and other damages caused by the death.
- Survivorship Claims: In cases where a victim survives a plane crash but sustains injuries, they may file a survivorship claim. This claim seeks compensation for the victim's pain and suffering, medical expenses, and other damages related to the crash.
- Negligence Claims: Negligence claims can be filed against various parties, such as the airline, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance crew, or air traffic control. These claims assert that the responsible party failed to meet the standard of care and that their negligence resulted in the crash.
- Product Liability Claims: If the crash was caused or contributed to by a defect in the aircraft or its components, a product liability claim can be filed against the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance providers responsible for the defective parts.
- Pilot Error Claims: Pilot error is a common cause of plane crashes. In cases where pilot error is suspected, legal claims may be brought against the pilot, their employer, or the airline for their failure to operate the aircraft safely.
- Airline Liability: Airlines may be held liable for accidents due to issues such as inadequate training, improper maintenance, or negligent hiring practices. Passengers may seek compensation from the airline for these failures.
- Air Traffic Control Liability: If an air traffic control error contributes to a plane crash, a legal claim may be filed against the relevant air traffic control authorities or personnel.
- Emotional Distress Claims: Passengers and survivors may experience emotional distress following a plane crash. In some cases, they may seek compensation for the emotional or mental anguish caused by the incident.
Why Should I Hire a Portland Oregon Airplane Accident Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in an aviation accident in Portland, Oregon, here’s why hiring Goldberg & Loren dedicated attorneys will be beneficial to you:
Expertise in Aviation Laws:
Airplane accidents involve a unique set of legal considerations. Our experienced airplane accident attorneys understand the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, industry standards, and other laws specific to aviation. This knowledge helps to build a strong case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies:
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts to accident victims. Our skilled attorneys know how to negotiate with these companies and fight for fair compensation. We can navigate the complexities of insurance policies and ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
Navigating the Legal Process:
Aviation accident cases can be complex and involve multiple parties, including aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and aviation authorities. Our attorneys, with experience in this area, can efficiently navigate the legal process, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and handle all the necessary paperwork.
Seeking Fair Compensation:
Whether you’ve suffered physical injuries, emotional trauma, or financial losses, our airplane accident lawyers will fight for fair compensation. We will assess the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an airplane accident in Portland, Oregon, contact our hard-hitting personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Sources:
[1] Aviation accidents and incidents. (2023, October 22). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_accidents_and_incidents
[2] Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Burns. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you've been injured in an airplane accident in Portland, you might be entitled to compensation. Reach out to us to determine the validity of your case and explore your options for potential compensation.
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