Smaller aircraft are more likely to be in an accident than commercially operated jetliners because they operate without the strict regulations and requirements on major airlines set by the Federal Aviation Administration. There are many more opportunities for people flying personal aircraft like private jets, turboprops, helicopters, and drones to act irresponsibly and cause serious harm to someone else.
When you are hurt in a preventable accident involving any kind of aircraft, you likely have grounds to file suit with help from a skilled personal injury attorney against the person or people responsible. No matter what losses you have sustained and how much money you need in compensation, your New Orleans aviation accident lawyer could make sure you get paid fairly for your pain and will not charge you until you win your case.
What Kinds of Aviation Accidents Could Justify a Lawsuit?
There are a number of ways someone’s “negligent” behavior could lead to an aviation accident resulting in a serious injury to someone in the plane or on the ground. Some, like failing to adjust for turbulence or not reading instruments correctly, can be traced to a specific person’s reckless or careless conduct, while others, such as malfunctions caused by lack of maintenance or a defect in a mechanical component, may involve multiple people acting irresponsibly before takeoff.
To establish grounds for any lawsuit or settlement demand involving an aviation injury, another person’s specific “negligent” act must be the main cause of the accident, and the injured person filing suit should not be primarily—or ideally, even partly—to blame. A knowledgeable New Orleans aviation accident attorney could help establish fault for the accident.
Getting Paid Fairly Within Filing Deadlines
A lawyer could make sure a lawsuit over an aviation accident is filed before the “statute of limitations,” which is the deadline for filing, runs out. According to Louisiana Civil Code § 3492, most people who get hurt through someone else’s negligence have just one year at most after the day they are injured to file a lawsuit, even if their injuries will have a negative impact on their life for much longer than a year.
With this in mind, it is important to account for potential long-term losses and demand money for them, which can mean estimating the expected future cost of things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost enjoyment/quality of life
- Physical pain and discomfort
- Emotional anguish and suffering
- Lost work wages and/or working ability
- Personal property damage, including disability-related costs for things like wheelchairs and home modifications
An aviation injury lawyer in New Orleans could discuss what damages should be worked into a claim during a private initial meeting.
Discuss Legal Options With an Aviation Accident Attorney in New Orleans
Accidents involving any kind of aircraft can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. When an accident affects you or your family, you may have a right to demand restitution from anyone who played a role in causing the accident.
Help is available from start to finish of the legal process from a skilled and compassionate New Orleans aviation accident lawyer. Call today for a confidential consultation.
