If you or someone you love was injured in a Detroit plane or aviation accident due to the negligence of others, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates are here to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Detroit has a large aviation community, with various types of aircraft like private planes, cargo planes, and commercial flights soaring through the skies daily. Pilots need rigorous training and meet strict maintenance standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), making air travel one of the safest modes of transportation. Despite these precautions, airplane accidents can still happen, causing injury or even death. Dealing with such situations requires expertise and empathy, which is why finding the right airplane accident law firm is essential for navigating the complex legal process and seeking justice for those affected.
If you need a Detroit aviation injury lawyer or a Detroit plane accident lawyer to help you pursue personal injury damages, call Christopher Trainor & Associates to schedule your free consultation.
Common Causes of Detroit Airplane Accidents
Ever since the airplane was first invented by the Wright Brothers in 1903, human beings have been enthralled with air travel. And though airplanes have advanced drastically over the past century, accidents still happen. Some of the more common causes of plane accidents include:
Pilot error: Mistakes made by pilots, such as misjudging weather conditions, lack of pilot training, navigation errors, or errors in executing maneuvers, can lead to accidents.
Mechanical failure: Malfunctions or failures in aircraft components, systems, or engines can result in accidents, particularly if maintenance issues or defects are present.
Weather conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, fog, high winds, or icing, can impair visibility, affect aircraft performance, and increase the risk of accidents.
Air traffic control errors: Misunderstandings or mistakes in air traffic control directions can result in mid-air crashes, runway accidents, or other incidents.
Loss of control: Loss of control accidents occur when pilots are unable to maintain control of the aircraft due to factors such as mechanical failures, turbulence, or spatial disorientation.
Fuel issues: Running out of fuel or fuel system malfunctions can lead to engine failure and accidents.
Improper maintenance: Inadequate maintenance or improper repairs can compromise the safety of aircraft, leading to accidents caused by mechanical failures or structural issues.
Pilot fatigue: Fatigue can impair pilots' judgment, reaction times, and decision-making abilities, increasing the risk of accidents.
Bird strikes: Collisions between aircraft and birds or other wildlife can cause damage to aircraft components or engines, leading to accidents.
Human factors: Factors such as miscommunication among crew members, inadequate crew coordination, or distractions in the cockpit can contribute to accidents.
Investigations into airplane accidents often involve examining multiple factors to determine the root causes of the accident and identify safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Immediately following an airplane or helicopter accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the accident to determine probable cause. However, this independent federal agency does not always complete the investigation in a timely fashion, and their finding may not be admissible in civil litigation.
Our aviation accident attorneys at Christopher Trainor & Associates can help you with the aviation accident investigation to learn what might have caused the accident, resolving your claim quickly and to your benefit.
Common Types of Aviation Accidents
In the realm of aviation, an aircraft accident can occur both in flight and on the ground. Here are some common types:
Airplane crashes: These are perhaps the most devastating, often involving catastrophic loss of life and property due to factors such as mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions.
Airport injuries: Passengers and airport staff alike can suffer injuries while moving through terminals, boarding aircraft, or during ground operations. Common causes include slips, trips, and falls.
Failure to provide proper medical care: Inadequate medical attention or emergency response at airports or on airplanes can exacerbate health issues or lead to further complications for passengers in distress.
Falling overhead luggage: Improperly stowed or unsecured luggage can fall from overhead compartments during turbulence or when opened, potentially causing injury to passengers below.
Hot liquid and hot coffee spills: Accidental spills of hot beverages onboard aircraft can result in burns or scalding injuries to passengers or crew members.
Escalator accidents: Malfunctions or user error on airport escalators can lead to falls, entrapment, or other injuries to passengers or airport personnel.
Food Poisoning: Consumption of contaminated food or beverages served onboard airplanes or in airport restaurants can result in foodborne illnesses and related health issues.
Other injuries: Various other accidents or incidents may occur in airport or airplane environments, ranging from minor mishaps to more serious incidents, such as assaults, equipment failures, or medical emergencies.
An airplane or helicopter injury claim does not always stem from something as dramatic as the craft crashing. As indicated, there are many less severe accidents that can happen and still deserve compensation. If you are unsure if your experience has the makings of a viable case, contact a Detroit personal injury attorney at Christopher Trainor & Associates for a free consultation.
Types of Aircraft Involved in Aviation Accidents
Based on information provided by the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents, Aviation accidents in Michigan are more common than some may believe. Airplanes are not the only crafts at risk. Common types of aircraft involved in aviation accidents include:
Major air carriers: These are large commercial airlines that operate scheduled passenger services on established routes. They typically use wide-body or narrow-body jet aircraft to transport large numbers of passengers between major airports worldwide.
Small private planes: Small private planes, also known as general aviation aircraft, are typically owned and operated by individuals, flight schools, or small businesses. They include single-engine or light twin-engine aircraft used for personal transportation, flight training, or recreational flying.
Large business jets: Large business jets are sophisticated, high-performance aircraft used for corporate travel, executive transportation, or charter services. They offer luxurious amenities, long-range capabilities, and high-speed cruising for business travelers and VIPs.
Helicopters: Helicopters are rotary-wing aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, as well as hovering and maneuvering in confined spaces. They are used for a wide range of purposes, including emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, aerial photography, and transportation of passengers and cargo.
Hang gliders: Hang gliders are lightweight, unpowered aircraft with a fabric wing suspended from a frame. Pilots typically launch from elevated sites and use thermals or wind currents to soar and maneuver through the air. Hang gliders are used for recreational flying and competitive sports.
Tour or charter flights: Tour or charter flights are specialized services that offer sightseeing tours, aerial excursions, or custom travel experiences to passengers. Depending on the destination and tour package, these flights may use various types of aircraft, including helicopters, small planes, or even hot air balloons.
Common Aviation Injuries
Common aviation injuries can include:
Traumatic injuries: These can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe injuries such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or internal organ damage. Traumatic injuries often result from impact forces during crashes, turbulence, or emergency landings.
Burns: Aviation accidents involving fires or explosions can cause thermal burns, chemical burns, or electrical burns to passengers, crew members, or rescue personnel. Burns can range from minor to life-threatening and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, contusions, or whiplash, can occur due to sudden movements, turbulence, or rapid deceleration forces during flight. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving, and may need physical therapy or other treatments to heal.
Spinal injuries: Aviation accidents can cause spinal injuries, such as fractures, herniated discs, or spinal cord trauma, particularly during crashes or hard landings. Spinal injuries can result in chronic pain, paralysis, or loss of sensation and function in affected areas of the body.
Head and neck injuries: Head and neck injuries, including concussions, cervical spine injuries, or facial trauma, can occur due to impact forces, turbulence, or sudden movements during flight. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, dizziness, or cognitive impairments and may require medical evaluation and treatment.
Psychological trauma: Aviation accidents can have long-lasting psychological effects on survivors, witnesses, and family members, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or survivor's guilt. Psychological trauma may require counseling, therapy, or other mental health interventions for recovery.
Hearing loss: Exposure to high noise levels during flight or in-flight emergencies can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory problems for passengers and crew members. Hearing loss may require medical evaluation, hearing tests, or auditory rehabilitation services.
Crush injuries: Aviation accidents involving structural collapse, turbulence, or shifting cargo can cause crush injuries to limbs, torso, or extremities. Crush injuries may result in fractures, compartment syndrome, or tissue necrosis and may require surgical intervention or amputation in severe cases.
Wrongful death: In cases where aviation accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may suffer emotional distress, loss of financial support, and other damages due to the wrongful death of their loved ones. Wrongful death claims may be pursued to seek compensation for these losses and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
The severity and nature of injuries may vary depending on factors such as the type of accident, aircraft involved, impact forces, and safety measures implemented during the incident. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential for mitigating the effects of aviation injuries and promoting recovery for affected individuals. Regardless of the severity, it is advised to seek legal counsel from an experienced Detroit aviation accident attorney before filing a claim.
Liability for Airplane Accident Claims
Several parties may be liable for an aviation accident, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. These parties may include:
Airlines: Commercial airlines may be held liable for aviation accidents caused by factors such as pilot error, mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, or negligent operational practices.
Aircraft manufacturers: Aircraft manufacturers may be held liable for accidents resulting from design defects, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings or instructions regarding the safe operation of aircraft or aircraft components.
Maintenance providers: Maintenance providers, including repair facilities or maintenance contractors, may be held liable for accidents resulting from improper maintenance, negligent repairs, or failure to comply with regulatory maintenance standards.
Air traffic control: Air traffic control agencies or personnel may be held liable for accidents resulting from air traffic control errors, miscommunications, or failure to provide adequate instructions or warnings to pilots.
Aircraft operators: Aircraft operators, including charter companies, flight schools, or private aircraft owners, may be held liable for accidents caused by pilot error, inadequate training, or failure to comply with aviation regulations.
Airport authorities: Airport authorities may be held liable for accidents occurring on airport premises, such as runway incursions, ground collisions, or slip and fall accidents, due to negligence in maintaining safe airport operations or facilities.
Government agencies: Government agencies responsible for aviation oversight, regulation, or enforcement may be held liable for accidents resulting from regulatory violations, inadequate oversight, or failure to address known safety issues within the aviation industry.
Third parties: Various third parties, such as fuel suppliers, aircraft parts manufacturers, or air charter brokers, may also be held liable for accidents if their negligence or misconduct contributes to the cause of the accident.
Determining liability in aviation accidents can be complex and may involve investigation by aviation experts, analysis of flight data, examination of maintenance records, and legal interpretation of aviation regulations. An experienced Detroit aviation accident attorney from Christopher Trainor & Associates can help identify liable parties, pursue claims for compensation, and advocate for the rights of accident victims and their families.
Compensation for Aviation Injuries
After an airplane accident, victims and their families may be entitled to various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of their injuries or losses. These damages are similar to those we see in motor vehicle accidents and may include:
Medical expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to treating injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital bills, surgery costs, medication expenses, rehabilitation therapy, and assistive devices.
Lost income: If your injuries have kept you from working, you may be able to receive compensation for your lost wages, helping to ease your financial burdens.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident and associated injuries, including long-term pain, disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Disability or disfigurement: Compensation for permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurements resulting from the accident, including loss of limbs, paralysis, scarring, or other permanent physical or cognitive impairments.
Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, guidance, affection, or support suffered by spouses, children, or family members as a result of injuries or fatalities caused by the accident.
Wrongful death: Compensation for the loss of life and financial support resulting from the death of a loved one in the airplane accident, including funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship or parental guidance.
Punitive damages: In cases involving egregious misconduct or intentional wrongdoing by the responsible party, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
The specific damages available in an airplane accident case will vary based on factors such as the jurisdiction where the claim is filed, the applicable laws governing aviation accidents, the severity of injuries or losses suffered by the victims, and the evidence presented to support the claim. Christopher Trainor & Associates can help evaluate the damages available in your case and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.
How much will I receive for my plane accident claim?
Several key factors influence the value of plane accident injury settlements in Detroit, including:
Severity of injuries: More severe injuries, such as permanent disability or traumatic brain injury, typically result in higher settlements. Providing thorough medical evidence is crucial to support your claim.
Liability and negligence: Any contributory negligence on the victim's part may impact their compensation. Michigan follows comparative negligence laws which mean that if you are found to have some degree of liability, your total damages will likely be reduced by the percentage you are responsible.
Medical expenses: Both past medical costs and anticipated future expenses, including lifelong treatment and equipment needs, may be requested in personal injury claims.
Loss of earning capacity: Settlements must account for lost income during recovery as well as any potential reduction in future earnings due to disabilities affecting employability.
Legal representation: Hiring a Detroit aviation injury lawyer is essential to navigate the complexities of the legal process and negotiate with the defendant's insurers effectively.
Ultimately, the total settlement amount is determined by adding up both economic costs and non-economic damages resulting from the preventable accident. While we cannot give you an exact dollar amount that you will receive, you can take a look at some of our past verdicts to see what we have been able to do for others in situations just like yours.
Statute of Limitations
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, like those we see in aviation accidents, is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that you have three years from the date of the plane accident to file a claim, or your case will likely be denied. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Since the process is often long and may involve unforeseen complications, it is recommended that you contact Christopher Trainor & Associates as soon as possible so that you can receive the justice you deserve within a reasonable timeframe.
How an Aviation Injury Attorney Can Help
Christopher Trainor & Associates have years of personal injury experience and can provide invaluable assistance and support in several ways following an airplane accident:
Legal guidance: Our aviation injury attorney can offer expert legal advice and guidance throughout the entire claims process, helping you understand your rights, options, and potential outcomes. They can explain complex legal concepts, navigate intricate aviation laws and regulations, and provide tailored strategies to pursue the maximum compensation available for your injuries or losses.
Investigation: Aviation accidents often require thorough investigation to determine the cause and liability. An attorney can conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, gather evidence, analyze flight data, interview witnesses, consult with aviation experts, and identify responsible parties to build a strong case on your behalf.
Advocacy: Your attorney will serve as your advocate, representing your best interests and fighting tirelessly to protect your rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. They will negotiate with insurance companies, opposing parties, and defense attorneys on your behalf, advocating for a favorable settlement or pursuing litigation if necessary to achieve justice.
Legal representation: In the event of litigation, your attorney will provide skilled legal representation in court, presenting compelling arguments, interviewing witnesses, and advocating for your case before judges and juries. We will handle all aspects of the legal proceedings, including filing court documents, attending hearings, and presenting evidence, to ensure your rights are upheld and your case is effectively presented.
Support and compassion: Dealing with the aftermath of an aviation injury can be emotionally challenging and overwhelming. A compassionate Detroit aviation injury attorney will provide ongoing support, empathy, and reassurance throughout the legal process, offering a listening ear, answering your questions, and alleviating your concerns to help you focus on your recovery and well-being.
Hiring a Detroit aviation injury attorney can significantly increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation and achieving a favorable outcome in your aviation accident case. Our knowledge, experience, and dedication to your case can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your claim and your ability to move forward after the accident.
Contact a Detroit Plane Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was involved in an airplane crash or aviation accident, our qualified aviation accident attorneys can help. We understand not only the legal aspects of your claim, but we care for the physical and emotional harm you have experienced due to the negligence of someone else. No one should have to suffer at the hands of another, especially in such a vulnerable place as an aircraft.
At Christopher Trainor & Associates, your initial consultation is free of charge. We're available to assess your situation and defend your rights in Detroit, Michigan. Reach out to us today at 248-886-8650 for a no-cost case evaluation.
