Chicago Airplane Accident Lawyer
Chicago is a hub of incoming and outgoing commercial airline traffic, as it is home to more than one large airport, including O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport and Chicago Executive Airport. With thousands of flights taking off and landing daily, the city plays a vital role in connecting travelers and cargo to destinations across the globe. However, the high volume of air traffic also increases the risk of aviation accidents, ranging from minor runway incidents to catastrophic crashes.
Our Chicago airplane accident lawyers handle all types of aviation accidents, including commercial airline crashes, private plane accidents and helicopter crashes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial airline accident, call Ankin Law to schedule a free consultation to discuss your commercial airline accident.
When you hire Ankin Law, you benefit from:
- FREE case consultations
- Over 100 years of combined experience
- 24/7 assistance
Contact our Chicago airplane accident lawyers at (312) 600-0000 to recover full compensation.
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Why Hire a Chicago Airplane Accident Lawyer?
Hiring an experienced accident lawyer ensures you have experienced legal representation to navigate aviation law. These cases often involve multiple parties, such as airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance crews, making it difficult to establish liability. An attorney will investigate the accident, gather crucial evidence, and work with aviation experts to build a strong case. They will handle negotiations with insurance companies and, if necessary, pursue litigation to maximize your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. A lawyer will protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Injured in an airplane accident? Call Ankin Law to recover compensation. (312) 600-0000
Understanding Airplane Accidents and Liability
Airplane accidents can result in life changing injuries and financial losses. Understanding liability in these cases is crucial for victims seeking compensation. Liability may rest with the airline, aircraft manufacturer, maintenance crew, or even air traffic controllers, depending on the cause of the crash. Consulting an experienced airplane accident attorney ensures your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Common Causes of Airplane Accidents
Understanding the common causes of airplane accidents is crucial for improving aviation safety and determining liability when they occur. Several factors can contribute to airplane accidents, ranging from human error to mechanical failure and external conditions.
Pilot Error
One of the leading causes of airplane accidents is pilot error. Mistakes during takeoff, landing, or mid-flight, such as misjudging weather conditions, misinterpreting instruments, or failing to follow procedures, can lead to accidents. Fatigue, stress, or inadequate training may further increase the likelihood of pilot errors.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure is another cause of aviation accidents. This includes engine malfunctions, hydraulic system failures, or problems with landing gear. Poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, or failure to address known issues can contribute to these mechanical problems. Thorough inspections and regular maintenance are essential to prevent such failures.
Air Traffic Control Errors
Errors made by air traffic controllers, such as miscommunication, providing incorrect instructions, or failing to monitor airspace properly, can lead to midair collisions or other dangerous situations. Effective coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers is critical for ensuring safe operations.
Weather Conditions
Severe weather, including thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, or turbulence, can pose risks to aircraft. While modern technology helps pilots navigate challenging weather, sudden changes in conditions can still lead to accidents.
Birds
Collisions between birds and aircraft, particularly during takeoff or landing, can damage engines or other critical components, causing emergencies or crashes.
Parties That May Be Liable
Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the cause of the crash. The following parties are commonly held liable in airplane accident cases:
Airline
The airline is often one of the primary parties held accountable for an airplane accident. Airlines are responsible for hiring qualified pilots, providing proper training, maintaining aircraft, and ensuring safe operations. If the airline fails in these duties, it can be found negligent.
Pilot
Pilots may be held liable if their error, negligence, or poor decision-making contributed to the accident. This includes misjudging weather conditions, failing to follow safety protocols, or becoming impaired while on duty.
Aircraft Manufacturer
If a mechanical defect or design flaw in the airplane contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable. Faulty engines, defective wiring, or issues with flight control systems may point to manufacturing negligence.
Maintenance Crew
Proper maintenance is crucial for aircraft safety. If a maintenance crew fails to conduct thorough inspections or repair known issues, they may share liability.
Air Traffic Controllers
Errors made by air traffic controllers, such as miscommunication or improper instructions, can also lead to accidents, making them liable for damages.
The Impact of Airplane Accidents in Illinois
Airplane accidents are rare, but often have severe consequences when they occur. In Illinois, the impact of such accidents extends far beyond the individuals involved, affecting families, communities, and even industries. The physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their loved ones is long-lasting.
The most immediate and profound impact is on the victims who suffer injuries or lose their lives. Survivors of airplane accidents may face catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or severe burns. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The physical pain is often compounded by emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
For the families of those injured or killed, the aftermath can be overwhelming. The loss of a loved one in a fatal crash leaves an emotional void that is difficult to fill. Families face financial strain due to medical bills, funeral costs, and the loss of income from the deceased or injured family member.
Airplane accidents can also impact communities, especially if they involve large commercial aircraft. Entire neighborhoods may be disrupted if a plane crashes into a populated area. Additionally, these accidents prompt investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other authorities, which can lead to regulatory changes affecting the aviation industry as a whole.
From a legal perspective, airplane accidents in Illinois can result in complex litigation involving multiple parties, including airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Victims and their families may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Center:
Injured by a medical provider? Check out our medical malpractice knowledge center to learn more about medical malpractice cases.
Types of Compensation Available to Airplane Accident Victims
Victims of airplane accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation to address the physical, emotional, and financial harm they have suffered.
Medical Expenses
Airplane accident victims often face extensive medical bills, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation. Compensation can cover both current and future medical expenses related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If an airplane accident leaves a victim unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, they may recover compensation for lost wages. In cases where the injuries prevent the victim from returning to their previous job or reduce their earning capacity, additional compensation may be awarded for future lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, are also available to victims. These damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath, including anxiety, depression, or diminished quality of life.
Wrongful Death Damages
If an airplane accident results in a fatality, the victim’s family may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving egregious negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible parties and deter similar behavior.
How Ankin Law Helps Airplane Accident Victims
At Ankin Law, we are dedicated to helping airplane accident victims and their families secure the compensation they need. Our experienced attorneys understand aviation law and have a proven track record of handling high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases.
We start by conducting a thorough investigation into the accident, working with aviation experts to determine the cause and identify liable parties, such as airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or maintenance crews. Our team gathers critical evidence, including flight records, maintenance logs, and witness testimonies, to build a strong case.
Once liability is established, we aggressively pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we fight to maximize your recovery. With a client-focused approach, we guide you through every step of the legal process, providing support and ensuring your rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airplane Accident Claims
What should I do immediately after an airplane accident?
After an airplane accident, prioritize your safety and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Report the incident to authorities and cooperate with investigators. Preserve evidence, such as photos of injuries, the crash site, or damaged belongings. Avoid making statements to insurance companies or signing documents without legal advice. Contact an experienced airplane accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Illinois?
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including airplane accidents, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, if the claim involves a government entity, you may face shorter deadlines, often requiring a notice of claim to be filed within one year. It’s crucial to act quickly to preserve your legal rights. Consulting an experienced attorney ensures you meet all deadlines and build a strong case.
What evidence is important in an airplane accident case?
In an airplane accident case, crucial evidence includes flight records, maintenance logs, and the black box data, which provides information on the plane’s operations before the crash. Witness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and communication between the flight crew and air traffic control are also vital. Medical records documenting your injuries and expert analyses of the crash can strengthen your case. Collecting and preserving this evidence is key to proving liability and securing compensation.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Jake N. was my attorney for my non fault car accident. He always eased my mind of questions or concerns. He accommodated my schedule as I currently work third shift. He waited until the late afternoons to give me a call, which was always appreciated. Jake was able to negotiate a decent settlement, and I will be returning if I’m unfortunately in another accident. Overall, for my first car accident, Ankin Law was there for me every step of the way. Thank you, Jake and your team, for everything.
