After an airplane accident, the shock and trauma can leave you feeling lost, especially when dealing with severe injuries or the sudden loss of a loved one. It’s not just the pain—it’s the overwhelming uncertainty of what happens next. You may be asking how to go through such complex legal processes.
Our experienced airplane accident lawyers in Chicago understand that these accidents can turn your life upside down. We’ll handle the legal issues while you focus on healing and getting the justice you deserve.
Our Leading Aviation Accident Attorneys Will Simplify Your Legal Process
Airplane accidents in Illinois, like the crash of a Beechcraft 200 Super King Air in Elk Grove Village on September 8, 2023, remind us how quickly lives can be turned upside down. If it’s a recent crash or past incidents, the legal process can be complicated.
Chicago Injury Lawyer knows how to handle each step. We’ll break down the process so you don’t have to face it alone.
1. Legal Expertise and Specialization: Our specialized lawyers guide you through every step of your case with the knowledge and care needed to secure the justice you deserve.
2. Negotiating Settlements: With years of experience, our attorneys negotiate fair settlements to cover all your expenses, from medical bills to emotional recovery.
3. Identifying Liability: We carefully investigate the accident to determine who is at fault, whether it’s the pilot, manufacturer, or airline to build a strong case for compensation.
4. Investigating Aviation Accidents: Our team works with experts to thoroughly investigate the cause of the crash, leaving no detail overlooked to help you secure justice.
5. Handling All Legal Paperwork: We take care of all the legal paperwork, ensuring it’s filed accurately and on time so you can focus on healing.
6. Work Closely with Government Agencies: Our lawyers coordinate with agencies like the FAA and NTSB to ensure all necessary information is provided for investigations.
7. Coordinate Expert Witnesses: We collaborate with aviation, engineering, and medical experts to strengthen your case with critical testimony.
8. Expert Litigation: Our skilled litigators prepare your case thoroughly to secure the best possible outcome when it goes to court.
Major Reasons for Airplane Accidents: Our Observation
Airplane accidents are rare but devastating, often leaving families shattered. Our lawyers have years of experience with airplane accident cases and are dedicated to helping you pursue justice and fair compensation based on your unique situation.
These are the common reasons for most of the airplane accidents:
1. Human Error
Serious crashes can happen if a pilot doesn’t plan well, faces unexpected weather, or becomes confused in clouds. Pilot disorientation can lead to dangerous stalls or spins.
2. Mistakes by Crew Members
Most often, crew mistakes can lead to problems during flights. It includes failing to secure items or misreading equipment. These errors can cause instability, risking passenger safety and flight control.
3. Air Traffic Controller Negligence
Air traffic controllers direct planes to avoid collisions. If they give incorrect directions or fail to track a plane’s position, accidents may occur when planes get too close to each other.
4. Weather Conditions
Severe weather, such as thunderstorms or strong winds, makes flying difficult. If not handled carefully, weather can cause crashes by reducing visibility or affecting the plane’s control.
5. Improper Aircraft Maintenance
Planes need regular inspections to stay safe. If maintenance is missed or poorly done, it can lead to mechanical failures mid-flight, putting everyone onboard at risk.
6. Aircraft Design Defects
Some planes have design flaws that weaken safety. If parts are not well-made or tested, these defects can lead to breakdowns or structural failures during flights.
7. Glide Slope Indicators
These indicators help pilots land by showing altitude. If they fail or display the wrong heights, planes may land too steeply or shallowly, risking accidents on runways.
8. Instrument Flight Factors
Pilots rely on instruments when they can’t see outside. If instruments give wrong information, it can confuse the pilot, sometimes causing loss of control and accidents.
Common Airplane Crash Injuries We Frequently Face
Airplane crashes can leave victims with severe injuries, often causing lifelong pain. Your fair compensation starts with figuring out the actual cause of the accident. These are the common airplane collision injuries our Chicago lawyers handle and provide the support victims need most in such challenging times.
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma
- Concussions
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash
- Burn injuries
- Limb amputations
- Chest trauma
- Pelvic fractures
- Fractured ribs
- Soft tissue injuries
Who is Liable For an Airplane Accident?
Various parties can be involved in an airplane accident in Chicago, and it is sometimes too difficult to determine who is responsible for the crash. The airline, pilots, maintenance crews, or aircraft manufacturers can be responsible.
Our lawyers will carefully investigate every detail to uncover the truth and ensure you get the justice you deserve. These are the familiar responsible parties often involved in airplane accidents:
Air Traffic Controllers
Air traffic controllers guide planes safely through the skies. If they make a mistake or fail to direct planes correctly, they can be responsible for causing crashes or close calls.
Aircraft Manufacturers
Aircraft manufacturers are responsible for making safe planes. If a plane has a design flaw or poor construction, they can be held accountable for accidents caused by these defects.
Owner of the Plane
The plane’s owner, whether a company or a private individual, must ensure the aircraft is properly maintained. They can be held responsible for any accidents if they neglect maintenance or safety checks.
Pilots
Pilots must operate the plane safely. If a pilot makes errors, like poor judgment or failure to follow procedures, they can be responsible for accidents during the flight.
Commercial Airline Companies
Commercial airline companies are responsible for maintaining safety standards. If the airline fails to train its staff, maintain its planes, or follow safety regulations, it can be held liable for accidents that result from these failures.
Compensation Considerations in an Airplane Crash Case
Air crash survivors are lucky, but the road to recovery is often long and challenging. Compensation in these cases usually includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers know how to fight for every penny you deserve.
These are the common types of damages that plane accident survivors may recover:
| Compensation Type | Inclusions |
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor visits, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical treatment. |
| Lost Income | Wages lost during recovery, future lost earnings, reduced earning capacity due to injury. |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, discomfort. |
| Disability and Impairment | Long-term disability, permanent physical impairment, loss of mobility, diminished quality of life. |
| Loss of Consortium | Loss of companionship, affection, sexual relations, or emotional support from a spouse or partner. |
| Property Damage | Damage to personal belongings, destruction of luggage, loss of valuables, aircraft damage. |
| Wrongful Death | Funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, grief, and emotional suffering of family members. |
What is the Statute of Limitations on an Airplane Crash Claim?
As a part of Illinois law under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you usually have 2 years to file a lawsuit after an airplane accident. This deadline starts from the accident date or when you realize you’ve been injured.
Under the act of 740 ILCS 180/1, if someone passes away from an accident, the family members or loved ones of a person have 2 years from the death date to file a wrongful death claim.
However, if the accident involves a government agency, there may be shorter deadlines, and you may need to notify the agency within a year. Missing these deadlines can mean you lose your chance to seek compensation, so acting quickly is important.
Why Choose Our Aviation Accident Attorneys?
After an airplane accident, you’re faced with emotional and financial challenges. Our aviation accident attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Here are the reasons you can trust us:
- Our lawyers are highly skilled in aviation law and understand complex airplane accident cases.
- You’ll have direct contact with your attorney for quick answers and updates.
- We work to secure the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
- Our team is experienced in handling FAA and NTSB investigations to support your case.
- We have a proven track record of winning challenging aviation cases and securing compensation.
- We keep you informed with regular updates, so you’re never out of the loop.
- We create a customized strategy to give your case the best chance of success.
See How We’ve Made A Difference
Hear how our dedicated aviation accident lawyers in Chicago fought for our client’s rights. Learn their stories about how we helped them through tough times, worked hard for the compensation they deserved, and got their lives back on track.
Book A Free Consultation Today!
Ready to take the next step? Book your free consultation with our aviation accident lawyers today! We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and guide you through what comes next, all at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a valid case?
If you were injured or lost a loved one in an airplane accident, you may have a valid case. Our lawyers can review the details and help you understand your options.
How long does it take to resolve an airplane accident case?
The time it takes to resolve a case depends on its complexity. Some cases may settle quickly, while others take longer. Our lawyers will work efficiently to get you the best outcome.
Will I need to go to court for my airplane accident case?
Most cases settle outside of court, but some may go to trial. Our lawyers are ready to represent you in court if necessary and fight for the best outcome.
