Albrecht Law provides personalized and knowledgeable legal representation for clients in Spokane and Throughout Washington injured in aviation accidents or pursuing wrongful death claims due to aviation accidents.
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Aviation accidents may be rare, but when they occur, the outcome is often binary: people either survive or perish. If you’re here, you have likely experienced the devastating loss of a loved one or suffered severe injuries in an aviation accident. You’re probably dealing with overwhelming physical pain and emotional turmoil, and may be concerned about the financial burden that comes with the loss of income. It’s understandable that you are searching for a reliable personal injury law firm to assist you with your aviation accident claim.
If you, a family member or someone else you love has been a victim of an aviation accident, our aviation attorneys at Albrecht Law want to help. To us, you are more than just a case. At Albrecht Law, you are known.
Chronicled by the Aviation Safety Network, aviation accidents have decreased despite an increase in passengers, with pilot error being the main cause rather than terrorism. Civil aviation accidents typically occur during landing mistakes and errors in flight planning, fueling, take-off, and general aircraft handling.
Equipment malfunction is another common cause, often due to factors such as poor maintenance, insufficient training, or defective equipment. Determining fault and identifying all liable parties to seek compensation, recover damages, and increase your chances of a successful claim are crucial.
Bad weather is a third cause of aviation accidents. While some may think this is an “Act of God” and not eligible for a claim, it is not always the case. If a flight proceeds despite awareness of impending threatening weather, the pilot may be considered negligent for any resulting accidents. If you have been affected by an aviation accident, whether through injury or the loss of a loved one, our Spokane aviation accident lawyers are here to assist you in pursuing compensation.
Common injuries that can occur in aviation accidents include:
These serious injuries incur expensive medical bills for aviation accident victims and their families. Tragically, fatal accidents also occur in the aviation industry, leaving loved ones without a source of income.
At Albrecht Law, our airplane accident lawyers represent clients who have suffered injuries or the loss of a loved one in various types of aircraft and aviation accident cases, including:
Commercial aviation accidents refer to any incidents or accidents involving aircraft operated by airlines or other commercial entities for the purpose of transporting passengers or cargo. These accidents usually occur during the operation of scheduled or chartered flights, including domestic and international flights.
Commercial aviation accidents can encompass a wide range of incidents, including:
Air travel accidents can lead to various consequences, including injuries, fatalities, property damage, and psychological trauma. Regulatory bodies, such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have established strict safety regulations and procedures to minimize the occurrence of commercial aviation accidents and enhance passenger safety.
Small plane crashes refer to accidents involving smaller aircraft, such as private planes, recreational airplanes, or small commuter planes. These crashes can occur for various reasons and encompass different types of incidents, including:
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): CFIT accidents occur when an aircraft unintentionally collides with terrain, obstacles, or water due to pilot error, poor visibility, or navigation system failure.
Loss of Control Inflight (LOC-I): LOC-I accidents involve situations where the pilot loses control of the aircraft’s attitude or flight path, leading to a crash. Factors contributing to LOC-I include mechanical failures, extreme weather conditions, or pilot incapacitation.
Mid-Air Collisions: These accidents occur when two or more aircraft collide while in flight. Factors such as airspace congestion, pilot error, or inadequate air traffic control can contribute to mid-air collisions.
Runway Incidents: Runway accidents involve incidents during takeoff, landing, or taxiing. This includes runway excursions, where the aircraft veers off the runway, as well as collisions with objects on or near the runway.
Mechanical Failures: Small plane crashes can result from mechanical failures such as engine malfunctions, structural issues, or problems with control systems.
Small plane crashes can lead to injuries, fatalities, property damage, and emotional trauma. The severity of these consequences depends on several factors, including the type of crash, impact forces, and available safety equipment.
Regulatory bodies and aviation organizations work to support safety measures for small aircraft, an effort that includes pilot training and certification requirements, maintenance standards, improved technology, and airspace management.
Helicopter crashes are aviation accidents involving helicopters, which can occur for multiple reasons. Improving safety in helicopter operations relies on a thorough understanding of the causes outlined below:
Pilot Error: Pilot error is a leading cause of helicopter crashes, and includes such factors as spatial disorientation, loss of situational awareness, improper decision-making, or inadequate training.
Mechanical Failure: Like any aircraft, helicopters can experience mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Engine malfunctions, transmission failures, or problems with critical components can contribute to crashes.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, strong winds, or low visibility, can significantly impact helicopter operations and increase the risk of accidents.
Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT): Similar to small planes, CFIT accidents occur when a helicopter unintentionally collides with terrain or obstacles due to poor visibility, navigation errors, or inadequate terrain awareness.
Loss of Tail Rotor Effectiveness (LTE): LTE is a phenomenon specific to helicopters where the tail rotor loses its functionality, leading to an uncontrolled spin and potential crash. Factors like low airspeed, high power demands, or abrupt control inputs can trigger LTE.
Wire Strikes: Collisions with power lines or wires are a significant hazard for helicopters, especially during low-level flying or in remote areas without proper visual aids.
Human Factors: Other human factors, including fatigue, distractions, stress, or substance impairment, can contribute to helicopter accidents.
Safety Measures and Mitigation
Helicopter operators and regulatory bodies implement various safety measures to mitigate the risk of accidents. These measures include pilot training and proficiency requirements, regular maintenance and inspections, adherence to weather minimums, improved technology and equipment, and enhanced safety protocols during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing.
Investigation and Learning
Following a helicopter crash, aviation authorities conduct thorough investigations to determine the cause and contributing factors. Lessons learned from these investigations help improve safety standards, training programs, and operational procedures in the industry.
Our experienced aviation lawyers can represent you if you have lost a loved one in an aviation accident. Whether the fatal accident occurred in a private plane, a commercial air carrier, or a helicopter accident, the best law firms:
In certain states, the surviving family members of a deceased person can file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, in Washington, the responsibility to pursue most wrongful death claims falls on the personal representative (also known as the “executor”) of the deceased person’s estate. Typically, if the deceased person had a will, they would have designated a personal representative. In cases where there is no will or the named personal representative is unable to serve, the court can appoint someone to fulfill this role. Although the personal representative must initiate the wrongful death lawsuit, any damages awarded will benefit the deceased person’s survivors.
Our Spokane aviation accident attorneys can help victims of an airplane crash in multiple ways, such as:
Our personal injury lawyers have extensive knowledge of aviation law and years of experience representing victims of plane crashes. While it might be tempting to go it alone, statistics reveal that those who pursue a plane crash claim without the representation of experienced aviation accident lawyers most often receive much less in compensation than those who seek the help of a competent legal team.
Federal regulations prioritize aviation safety. However, aircraft accidents remain an unfortunate possibility for air travelers despite these efforts. Serious accidents still occur, and when they do, you need knowledgeable and experienced aviation accident lawyers on your side.
Whether the incident occurred in a small plane, commercial airline, or helicopter, you can trust our legal team to pursue just compensation for injuries sustained or the wrongful death of a loved one.
We have published books on nearly every area of law we practice—not just any books, but the Washington Legal Reference Guides frequently cited as the authority by Washington State Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court. Employing cutting-edge technology, we serve our clients as efficiently as possible. Most importantly, at Albrecht Law, you are known. We carefully accept a limited number of clients and cases so we can give your case the time and attention it deserves.
To schedule a free consultation, contact us at (509) 495-1246(509) 495-1246 or complete our online form. We are here to serve you.
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