New York Aviation Accident Attorneys

What Causes Aviation Accidents?

It is important to understand that aviation accidents are not relegated to commercial airlines. While it is true that commercial airline accidents tend to put a large number of people at risk and make news headlines, private jets, helicopters, and planes can also be involved in accidents. All too often, these accidents are the result of negligence. For example, if an accident results from a defective plane part or because a private helicopter pilot was negligent, victims and their families can seek compensation.

There are many reasons aviation accidents can happen. These include:

• Flight attendant negligence
• Violation of FAA regulations
• Poorly designed or built equipment
• Defective or failed equipment
• Air traffic controller negligence
• Airliner negligence
• Pilot errors

Various laws will dictate how cases involving aviation errors will be handled; for instance, the process of filing your claim and seeking compensation will depend on the location of the accident and the circumstances that led to the accident. Many different airline personnel will need to be interviewed and investigated, and the airplane or helicopter will also need to be evaluated. Our New York aviation accident attorneys can help.

Small Airplane Accidents

Our law firm can guide you through the legal process of pursuing a claim against a pilot, airplane manufacturer, airport, or another party responsible for causing the accident. We are skilled and experienced attorneys who know what investigative steps to take to determine the true cause of the accident.

Common causes of a small airplane accident include:

• Pilot error or inexperience: Many private pilots do not have the experience of a commercial airline pilot, and their flying experience may not be as current.
• Flying in dangerous weather conditions: Flying in certain weather conditions can be very dangerous for a smaller airplane. Also, pilots need additional training to operate an airplane in dangerous weather conditions.
• Malfunctioning equipment: If a dangerous or defective mechanical part caused or contributed to the accident’s occurrence, we can help you determine an appropriate course of legal action.
• Missed safety inspections: Inspections are critical to ensuring the safety of an aircraft. If an inspection was missed, the airline or airplane owner may be responsible for any damages.

We will work to determine if other factors caused or contributed to the accident. Drug or alcohol use, fatigue, or substance abuse by the pilot may be a factor.

New York Helicopter Accident Attorneys

Any number of factors can cause or contribute to a dangerous helicopter accident. If you have been injured—or if you have lost a loved one in an accident—it is important to work with an experienced New York helicopter accident attorney who can take steps to determine what caused the accident and who is responsible.

At the law firm of Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, we represent helicopter accident victims and the families of those who have died in a fatal helicopter accident. We can help you determine your options for seeking compensation after the personal and financial devastation of an accident.

Helicopters can be difficult to operate. Additionally, because they are operated at a lower altitude than other types of aircraft, there is a higher risk of coming in contact with buildings, power lines, trees and other potential hazards.

Common causes of helicopter accidents include:

• Pilot negligence
• Flying in dangerous weather conditions
• Design errors
• Faulty maintenance
• Air traffic controller error

Our lawyers represent victims of both commercial and private helicopter accidents. We represent people who have been injured while being airlifted in an air ambulance, those injured while on a helicopter sightseeing tour, employees of news organizations covering an event from a helicopter, private helicopter passengers and operators, and others.

Call a Personal Injury Firm with a Distinguished Reputation

Sometimes, aviation accident cases can go on for years. These cases are very rarely cut and dry and, thus, will take more thorough evaluation and attention to detail than other types of personal injury claims. However, you can trust in the fact that our New York aviation accident lawyers are prepared to review every aspect of the incident. We have represented aviation accident victims in the past and have successfully fought against large corporations and entities. Over the years, we have obtained more than $2 billion in settlements and verdicts. There is no doubt in our minds that we can help you find recompense as well.