Dedicated Legal Representation for Complex Aviation Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an airplane, helicopter, or other aircraft accident in Florida, an aviation accident attorney can help investigate what happened and determine whether another party may be legally responsible.
Aviation accident cases can involve pilots, aircraft owners and operators, charter companies, maintenance providers, manufacturers, and other parties. They may also involve investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Reinfeld Cabrera Tison represents clients in aviation accident and wrongful death cases throughout South Florida, including Broward County, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and surrounding communities.
Key Takeaways: Florida Aviation Injury Claims
- Multiple parties may be involved: Liability can potentially extend to pilots, aircraft owners, operators, maintenance companies, manufacturers, and other parties depending on the circumstances.
- Federal investigations may follow an accident: The FAA and NTSB may investigate aviation accidents, while injured people and families may also have separate civil claims.
- Evidence can be complex: Accident reports, maintenance records, flight data, medical records, witness accounts, and other evidence may be important to establishing liability.
- Legal deadlines apply: Florida statutes impose time limits on many personal injury and wrongful death claims. The applicable deadline depends on the type of claim and the circumstances of the case.
- Early legal advice can matter: Important evidence may need to be preserved and investigated soon after an aviation accident.
What Is an Aviation Accident Claim?
An aviation accident claim is a civil claim arising from injuries, death, or other legally recoverable losses caused by an aircraft accident. Depending on the facts, a claim may involve negligence, defective aircraft or components, inadequate maintenance, or other conduct that contributed to the accident.
Aviation cases can be particularly complex because determining what happened may require reviewing technical evidence and information from multiple sources. An investigation may involve the aircraft, its maintenance history, the pilot and operator, weather conditions, flight records, communications, and other factors.
Our attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding an accident and work to determine which parties may be legally responsible.
Types of Aviation Accidents We Handle
Airplane and Aircraft Crashes
We represent injured clients and families following crashes involving private aircraft, commercial aircraft, charter flights, and other airplanes.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter accidents can result from pilot error, mechanical problems, maintenance failures, weather conditions, or other factors. We investigate the circumstances surrounding helicopter crashes and resulting injuries or deaths.
Private Aircraft Accidents
Accidents involving private planes can raise questions involving pilots, aircraft owners, operators, maintenance providers, and manufacturers.
Charter Aircraft Accidents
Charter companies and aircraft operators may have legal responsibilities relating to pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and passenger safety.
Pilot Error
Pilot negligence can include inadequate training, poor decision-making, improper operation of an aircraft, failure to follow applicable procedures, fatigue, or other conduct that contributes to an accident.
Aircraft Maintenance Failures
Improper inspections, negligent repairs, missed maintenance, or other maintenance failures can contribute to serious aircraft accidents.
Defective Aircraft Parts
An accident may involve a defective engine, flight-control system, instrument, or other aircraft component. Depending on the circumstances, manufacturers and other companies in the supply chain may potentially be responsible.
Air Traffic Control Errors
Certain aviation accidents may involve alleged errors in communications, instructions, aircraft separation, or other air traffic control functions.
Who May Be Responsible for an Aviation Accident?
The party responsible for an aviation accident depends on the facts and evidence in each case. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- Pilots
- Aircraft owners
- Aircraft operators
- Airlines and charter companies
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Aircraft component manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair companies
- Flight schools
- Aviation service providers
- Government entities in certain circumstances
Determining liability may require reviewing accident reports, maintenance records, flight data, communications, witness statements, and other evidence.
FAA and NTSB Investigations After an Aviation Accident
Aviation accidents may result in investigations by federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
These investigations can examine issues such as aircraft operation, pilot conduct, maintenance, mechanical failures, weather, and other potential causes of an accident.
A federal investigation is separate from a civil personal injury or wrongful death claim. Information developed during an investigation may be important to understanding what happened, but the legal rights of an injured person or surviving family members depend on the circumstances of the case.
What Compensation Can Be Available After an Aviation Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the claims that can legally be established, an aviation accident claim may seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Emotional damages where legally recoverable
- Property damage
- Other legally recoverable losses
When an aviation accident results in a death, eligible surviving family members may also have a wrongful death claim. The damages available in a wrongful death case depend on Florida law and the circumstances of the family and the deceased person.
How Long Do You Have to File an Aviation Accident Claim in Florida?
Florida law establishes deadlines for filing personal injury and wrongful death claims. Under Florida Statutes §95.11, negligence and wrongful death actions generally have a two-year limitation period. Other types of claims, including certain product liability claims or claims involving governmental entities, may be subject to different rules and deadlines.
Because the applicable deadline can depend on the specific legal claim and circumstances of an accident, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after an aviation accident.
What Should I Do After an Aviation Accident?
If you or a family member has been involved in an aviation accident:
- Seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Follow your medical treatment plan. Keep records of appointments, treatment, medications, and related expenses.
- Preserve evidence. Keep photographs, medical records, correspondence, travel information, and other documents related to the accident.
- Record what you remember. Details about the accident, witnesses, aircraft, flight, and surrounding circumstances may become important later.
- Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies. Consider obtaining legal advice before providing a recorded statement or signing documents concerning a claim.
- Contact an attorney promptly. Early investigation can help preserve evidence and identify potentially responsible parties before important information becomes difficult to obtain.
Why Choose Reinfeld Cabrera Tison?
Aviation accident claims can involve significant injuries, complicated evidence, multiple potentially responsible parties, and substantial insurance interests.
Reinfeld Cabrera Tison represents clients in serious personal injury and wrongful death matters. Our attorneys investigate the circumstances of an accident, evaluate the available evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue compensation on behalf of injured clients and eligible family members.
Experienced Trial Representation
Our attorneys prepare cases with litigation and trial in mind. When a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, we are prepared to advocate for our clients in court.
Personal Attention to Your Case
Every aviation accident is different. We take the time to understand the circumstances of your accident, the injuries involved, and the impact those injuries have had on you and your family.
Contingency Fee Representation
We handle qualifying personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you, subject to the terms of your representation agreement.
Serving Aviation Accident Victims in South Florida
Reinfeld Cabrera Tison represents clients in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and communities throughout South Florida.
If your aviation accident occurred elsewhere in Florida, contact our firm to discuss your circumstances and whether we can assist with your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Aviation Accidents
How much does an aviation accident lawyer cost in Florida?
Many personal injury and wrongful death attorneys, including Reinfeld Cabrera Tison, handle qualifying cases on a contingency fee basis. This means attorney’s fees are generally paid from a recovery rather than charged upfront. The specific terms depend on the representation agreement.
How long do I have to file a plane crash lawsuit in Florida?
The deadline depends on the type of claim and the circumstances of the accident. Many negligence and wrongful death claims in Florida are subject to a two-year limitation period, but different rules can apply to other claims. An attorney can evaluate the specific deadline applicable to your case.
Can I sue an airline after an airplane accident?
Potentially. Whether an airline can be held legally responsible depends on the circumstances of the accident, the applicable law, and the evidence establishing negligence or another legal basis for liability.
Can I file a wrongful death claim after an aviation accident?
Potentially. When an aviation accident causes a death, eligible surviving family members may have a wrongful death claim under Florida law. The available damages and applicable deadlines depend on the circumstances.
Who can be liable for a plane crash?
Potentially responsible parties can include pilots, aircraft owners or operators, charter companies, maintenance providers, manufacturers, component manufacturers, and others. Liability depends on the facts and evidence of the particular accident.
Does the NTSB investigate aviation accidents?
The NTSB investigates many significant aviation accidents and incidents. The FAA also has regulatory and investigative responsibilities involving aviation safety. A federal investigation is separate from a civil personal injury or wrongful death claim.
Can I file a claim after a private plane accident?
Potentially. A private aircraft accident can involve claims against pilots, aircraft owners, operators, maintenance providers, manufacturers, or other parties depending on what caused the accident and who may be legally responsible.
What if a mechanical failure caused the aircraft accident?
A mechanical failure does not necessarily determine who is legally responsible. An investigation may need to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, the component involved, inspection records, manufacturer information, and other evidence to determine whether negligence or a defective product contributed to the accident.
Do I need an attorney after a helicopter accident?
A lawyer can help determine whether you have a viable claim, identify potentially responsible parties, preserve evidence, and evaluate the damages associated with your injuries or loss. Aviation cases can involve technical and legal issues that make early investigation particularly important.
Speak With a Florida Aviation Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in an aviation accident, Reinfeld Cabrera Tison can help you understand your legal options.
Reinfeld Cabrera Tison
Personal Injury Attorneys
Offices: Coral Springs and Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Serving: Broward County and South Florida
Phone: (954) 866-4878 | (954) 371-0499
Free, Confidential Case Evaluation
