Aviation Accidents

Indiana Aviation Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

The skilled Indiana personal injury lawyers at Tabor Law Firm have extensive experience with aviation disasters. Plane crashes are always devastating and change the lives of victims forever. We are dedicated to helping you recover compensation for injury or death caused by a plane crash. Our seasoned attorneys and professional staff will advise you of every legal option and create a strategy to meet your needs. We assign you a legal team devoted to your case, communicating with you at every step. Trust us to protect your rights and help you maximize your recovery from all liable parties.

Plane Crash Causes

While far less common than motor vehicle accidents, aviation disasters are known to strike fear in passengers and even those who refuse to fly. Plane crashes often result in passenger casualties and can strand injured victims far from home. Tabor Law Firm has over 75 years of experience handling all types of aviation accidents, including those caused by:

Manufacturing and Design Defect

Any defect in the make or design of an aircraft can result in a catastrophic accident. Current issues with the lithium batteries in new Boeings demonstrate how every part of the plane must function properly to avoid fires, fuel leaks, and navigation issues. Even the Concorde crashed after a tire exploded and hit a fuel tank, causing a major leak that exploded in flames. Regardless of age, structural defects affect all planes. Common flaws include:

  • Corrosion
  • Fuel leaks
  • Faulty wiring
  • Fuselage loss
  • Fatigue cracks
  • Battery design
  • Engine failure

When an aviation accident is caused by a defect in the plane’s make or design, injured victims are entitled to recover product liability damages from the manufacturer.

Mechanical and Equipment Failure

Planes defy physics and are a wonder of mechanical engineering. Newer planes lean heavily on electronics and technology that make the aircraft lighter and easier to fly. But this dependence on electric signs and equipment also makes the circuitry more complex. One short-circuit can thus have a cascading effect on other equipment, affecting their function. Mechanical and equipment failures often involve:

  • Engine failure
  • Defective gauges
  • Takeoff, landing gear
  • Flawed brakes, rudder
  • Electrical malfunctions
  • Automatic shut-off valves

These failures may be caused by negligent engineering, product defects, or poor maintenance.

Poor Maintenance

Maintenance is critical to preserving the life of the aircraft and those of its passengers. This requires inspecting every part of the plane and promptly repairing damage. The air carrier and outside contractors are usually responsible for ensuring the aircraft is up to code.

Pilot Error

Pilate negligence causes more than 50% of all accidents. Any error, however slight, can result in disaster. Pilots have a duty to communicate with co-pilots and transportation authorities to keep the passengers safe. In addition to following Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board rules, pilots must also avoid errors caused by:

  • Pilot fatigue
  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Fuel mismanagement
  • Negligent flight maneuvers
  • Inclement weather conditions
  • Interpreting air traffic controllers

Weather

Unpredictable weather patterns wreak havoc on travel plans and flight schedules. Inclement weather caused by a storm can ground hundreds of flights, angering passengers and airline personnel. But most pilots would rather play it safe than face liability for deciding to fly in bad weather, endangering the safety of passengers and crew.

Recovering Compensation Following Aviation Disaster

If you or someone you love was injured in a plane crash, the experienced aviation accident attorneys of Tabor Law Firm can help. We have recovered substantial awards for personal injury and wrongful death victims in Indiana and other states. Let us help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call (317) 236-9000 or contact us online.