Aviation accidents are catastrophic events. They differ fundamentally from standard personal injury cases. When an aviation accident occurs in or near Beverly Hills, victims face severe injuries. Complex federal regulations and sophisticated insurance companies defend liable parties. At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand the devastating impact aviation accidents inflict on families. Our attorneys represent clients injured in aviation accidents. We pursue fair compensation for injuries and losses. Our aviation accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim.
This includes investigating the accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing litigation when necessary. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. Case costs and expenses may apply. These are typically deducted from any recovery, depending on your agreement. Contact (310) 736-2866 today for a free consultation.
Why Aviation Accidents Require Experienced Legal Representation
Aviation accidents involve federal regulations and agencies. Standard personal injury cases do not. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets and enforces federal aviation safety standards. These cover aircraft certification, pilot licensing, maintenance, and flight operations through the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR). The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates every civil aviation accident in the United States. They also investigate certain select incidents to determine probable cause. These federal agencies create a complex legal environment. You need knowledge of aviation law to navigate it.
When an aviation accident occurs, multiple parties may share liability. The pilot may have made errors in judgment. They may have failed to follow proper procedures. The aircraft manufacturer may have produced a defective plane or component. Maintenance companies may have failed to properly service the aircraft. Air traffic control facilities may have provided incorrect guidance. Airport operators may have failed to maintain safe conditions. Insurance companies employ sophisticated defense strategies. They work to minimize payouts to injured victims.
Without legal representation, many aviation accident victims accept settlements far below what their cases are worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They exploit victims’ lack of knowledge about aviation law. They take advantage of emotional distress following the accident. An experienced aviation accident lawyer levels the playing field. We investigate the accident thoroughly. We gather evidence of negligence. We identify all liable parties. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Our goal is to secure compensation. This fully addresses your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents result from various causes. Understanding these causes helps establish liability in your claim. The most common causes include:
- Pilot error and crew negligence—including fatigue, inadequate training, poor decision-making, and failure to follow proper procedures
- Mechanical failure and maintenance defects—including engine failures, structural problems, and component malfunctions
- Adverse weather conditions and inadequate weather briefing—including severe turbulence, icing, and visibility issues
- Air traffic control errors—including incorrect guidance, failure to warn of hazards, and communication failures
- Manufacturing defects in aircraft or components—including design flaws and defective parts
Each of these causes creates liability for the responsible party. Pilot error establishes liability for the pilot. It may also establish liability for the airline or charter company that employed or contracted with the pilot. Mechanical failures establish liability for the maintenance company. They failed to properly service the aircraft. Manufacturing defects can support strict products liability claims against manufacturers. The injured person must still prove the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control. They must also prove it caused the injury. Federal defenses may also apply in some cases. These include GARA’s statute of repose. Weather-related accidents may establish liability for air traffic control. This occurs if controllers failed to provide adequate warnings or guidance. Our Beverly Hills personal injury attorneys investigate each potential cause. We identify all liable parties. We pursue maximum compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Aviation Accidents
Multiple parties may share liability for an aviation accident. Identifying all liable parties is critical. This maximizes your compensation. Potentially liable parties include:
- Pilots and Flight Crews. Pilots have a duty to exercise reasonable care in operating the aircraft. Pilot error—including poor decision-making, fatigue, inadequate training, or failure to follow proper procedures—establishes liability for the pilot. It may also establish liability for the airline or charter company that employed the pilot.
- Aircraft Manufacturers. Aircraft manufacturers have a duty to design and manufacture safe aircraft. A manufacturing defect can support a strict products liability claim against a manufacturer. The injured person must still prove the defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control. They must also prove it caused the injury. Federal defenses may apply in some cases. These include the General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA). GARA may limit certain product-liability claims against general aviation aircraft manufacturers. This applies when an accident occurs more than 18 years after the aircraft’s first delivery (49 U.S.C. § 40101 note). Exceptions can apply. These include when a newer replacement part contributed to the accident. Dordick Law Corporation identifies other liable parties to maximize your recovery.
- Maintenance Companies. Maintenance companies have a duty to properly service and inspect aircraft. They must follow federal maintenance regulations. Failure to perform required maintenance establishes liability. Improper repairs establish liability. Failure to identify mechanical problems establishes liability for the maintenance company.
- Air Traffic Control Facilities. Air traffic controllers have a duty to provide accurate guidance. They must warn pilots of hazards. ATC errors can support a claim in some situations. However, claims against the United States typically must follow Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) procedures. You cannot immediately sue the government; you must first file a strict administrative claim (using Standard Form 95) with the FAA and meet unyielding deadlines before proceeding to federal court. Communication failures and failure to warn of weather or other hazards may establish liability. This depends on the specific facts and applicable procedures.
- Airlines and Charter Companies. Airlines and charter companies have a duty to hire qualified pilots. They must provide adequate training. They must maintain aircraft properly. They must establish safe operating procedures. Negligence in hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance establishes liability for the airline or charter company.
Why Choose Dordick Law Corporation for Your Aviation Accident Case
At Dordick Law Corporation, we bring extensive experience handling aviation accident claims. Our attorneys understand federal aviation regulations. We know NTSB investigation procedures. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts. We have recovered substantial compensation for clients injured in aviation accidents throughout Southern California. View our case results and client recoveries to see our track record.
We handle your case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk. We work efficiently to resolve your case quickly. We ensure we obtain fair compensation. You can contact us 24/7 through our answering service. We return calls as soon as possible. We schedule consultations during business hours.
We investigate aviation accidents thoroughly. We gather police reports, NTSB investigation findings, toxicology results, witness statements, and medical evidence. This establishes liability and maximizes your compensation. We retain expert witnesses in aviation, engineering, and medicine. They support your claim. We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. We are prepared to pursue litigation if necessary. We work to secure fair compensation.
Compensation Available in Aviation Accident Cases
Aviation accident victims can recover compensation for various damages, including:
- Economic Damages. Medical expenses include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. You also recover lost wages and earning capacity. You recover property damage. You recover funeral expenses in wrongful death cases.
- Non-Economic Damages. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and permanent disability are all recoverable. These damages compensate you for the non-financial harm you suffered.
- Punitive Damages. In cases involving intentional misconduct or a conscious disregard for safety, you may recover punitive damages. Under California Civil Code § 3294, ‘gross negligence’ alone is not enough; you must prove the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice. These damages serve to punish the defendant and deter similar egregious conduct in the future. Availability of punitive damages depends on the specific facts of your case.
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of your injuries. It depends on the extent of your medical treatment. It depends on your lost wages. It depends on the liability of the defendant. Dordick Law Corporation works with medical experts and economists. We calculate the full value of your claim. We pursue maximum compensation.
Statute of Limitations and Legal Deadlines
California law imposes strict deadlines for filing aviation accident claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in California is two years from the date of injury. In many California personal injury cases, you must file within two years of the injury. Some cases have different deadlines or tolling rules. If a government entity is involved, separate administrative claim deadlines apply. Furthermore, if the accident occurred on an international flight, the Montreal Convention imposes a strict two-year deadline that, unlike standard California law, generally cannot be tolled (paused) for any reason. This makes acting quickly critical to preserving your rights. You must file a lawsuit within two years or lose your right to recover compensation. Federal aviation law may impose different considerations. The General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA) may limit certain product-liability claims. This applies to general aviation aircraft manufacturers. It applies when an accident occurs more than 18 years after the aircraft’s first delivery (49 U.S.C. § 40101 note). Exceptions can apply. These include when a newer replacement part contributed to the accident. This makes identifying other liable parties even more critical. Maintenance crews may be liable. However, the two-year California deadline is a primary deadline you must meet.
Acting quickly to preserve evidence is critical in aviation cases. Evidence deteriorates over time. Witnesses’ memories fade. Aircraft wreckage may be destroyed or altered. Documents may be lost or destroyed. Early legal representation allows us to preserve evidence. We interview witnesses while their memories are fresh. We obtain crucial documents before they disappear.
Delays in pursuing your claim weaken your case. Insurance companies use delays to their advantage. They argue that delayed claims are less credible. They challenge the accuracy of evidence gathered long after the accident. They argue that damages are speculative when claimed years after the accident. Early legal representation strengthens your claim. It maximizes your recovery.
Dordick Law Corporation acts immediately to protect your rights. We preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and obtain documents. We begin investigating your claim immediately after you contact us. We ensure your claim is filed within all applicable deadlines. We work efficiently to resolve your case quickly. We ensure we obtain fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if you feel fine. Some injuries manifest hours or days after an accident. Document the accident scene with photos and videos if safely possible. Collect contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to authorities. Avoid discussing fault or liability with other parties. Your statements may be used against you later. Contact an aviation accident attorney immediately. This protects your legal rights and preserves evidence.
How long do aviation accident cases typically take?
Timeline varies based on case complexity. It depends on whether litigation is necessary. NTSB investigations can take months to years to complete. Settlement negotiations may extend the timeline further. Litigation adds additional time for discovery, expert reports, and trial preparation. Cases may resolve within one to two years. They may take longer depending on complexity. Litigation may proceed to trial. Dordick Law Corporation manages timeline expectations. We keep you informed throughout the process.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. California follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover even if partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of damages. Dordick Law Corporation investigates all contributing factors. We minimize your liability percentage. We maximize your recovery. Our Southern California personal injury attorneys have extensive experience with comparative negligence cases.
What is the role of the NTSB in my aviation accident case?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates civil aviation accidents. They determine probable cause. While federal law (49 U.S.C. § 1154(b)) strictly prohibits using the NTSB’s final ‘probable cause’ conclusions as evidence in a civil lawsuit, the agency’s underlying factual investigative reports are invaluable. These factual reports document mechanical failures, maintenance issues, and weather data. Our attorneys use this admissible factual evidence, combined with our own independent aviation experts, to establish liability and support your claim. They support your claim for compensation. Dordick Law Corporation uses investigation findings strategically. We establish negligence. We maximize your compensation.
How much does it cost to hire an aviation accident attorney?
Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. We only get paid if you recover compensation. This occurs through settlement or verdict. No fees are owed unless we win your case. Case costs and expenses may apply. These are typically deducted from any recovery, depending on your agreement. This arrangement allows you to pursue your claim without financial risk. Contact us for a free initial consultation. We discuss your case and legal options.
What if the accident involved a commercial airline versus a private aircraft?
Different liability standards and regulations apply to commercial airlines versus private aircraft. Commercial airlines have specific insurance requirements and federal regulations. Private aircraft cases involve different regulatory frameworks. Dordick Law Corporation handles both types of aviation claims. We understand the unique legal issues in each scenario. We have experience pursuing claims against major airlines, charter companies, and private aircraft operators.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an aviation accident in Beverly Hills, contact Dordick Law Corporation for a free consultation. Our experienced aviation accident attorneys are ready to review your case. We answer your questions. We discuss your legal options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (310) 736-2866 today to schedule your free consultation. You can contact us 24/7 through our answering service. We return calls as soon as possible. Do not delay. Contact us immediately to protect your legal rights. Preserve evidence in your aviation accident case.
