You Deserve Compensation After An Airplane Accident
Whether it involves a commercial airline, private jet or charter plane, a plane crash is a terrifying accident that can cause life-altering injuries and fatalities. While air travel is often considered one of the safest modes of transportation, an accident can have devastating consequences.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a plane accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney by your side to fight for your rights. At Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law in Poughkeepsie, our attorneys assist clients throughout New York in obtaining compensation after plane crashes.
With over a century of combined experience, our attorneys know the ins and outs of our local court systems and how insurance companies operate. When you work with us, you get a dedicated advocate who will fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve.
Understanding Plane Accidents And Their Causes
Most plane accidents occur during take-off or landing. Common causes of plane accidents include:
- Pilot error
- Pilot drug or alcohol use
- Pilot fatigue or distraction
- Mechanical failure
- Air traffic control errors
- Communication failures
At Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, we will identify the cause of your accident to determine who is at fault.
Determining Liability In Airplane Accidents
Airplane crashes are different than other vehicle accidents in that federal agencies take a role in investigating the accident. Liable parties may include the pilot, the airplane manufacturer, the maintenance crew, air traffic control, the airline and any other parties involved.
To prove negligence, you must show that the at-fault party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty and caused your injuries. Airplane crash cases can get complicated with so many parties involved. Working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and better your chances of a successful outcome.
Types Of Injuries From Plane Accidents
Unsurprisingly, airplane crashes cause severe physical and emotional injuries as well as fatalities. Common physical injuries after a plane accident include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, broken bones, crush injuries and paralysis. Crash survivors may also suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, mental anguish and permanent physical disfigurement and scarring.
Seeking Compensation For Damages After A Plane Crash
In New York, plane accident victims can file a claim to recover the economic and noneconomic damages they suffered as a result of the accident. economic damages include monetary losses such as medical bills, lost wages, future medical expenses and the cost of therapy or rehabilitative care. Noneconomic damages cover the emotional mental trauma you may suffer including diminished quality of life, PTSD, pain and suffering, and scarring or disfigurement.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal airplane accident, our attorneys can help you file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. In a wrongful death claim, you can recover for medical expenses, loss of income, funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Insurance Companies And The Legal Process In A Plane Accident Case
Immediately after an airplane accident, the aviation insurance company will begin their own investigations and attempt to resolve claims as quickly and cheaply as possible. While it may be tempting to accept a settlement and move on with your life, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind when offering a settlement. Before accepting any offer, consult with one of our attorneys to learn more about your legal options.
After a plane crash, you have three years to file a lawsuit in New York. If you miss this deadline, you will lose your right to obtain compensation entirely. Because plane crashes are so complicated, it is vital that you get started on your case as soon as possible. Whether your case can be settled outside of court or requires litigation, you can trust our plane accident lawyers to fight for you.
Get Started On Your Plane Accident Claim Today
Plane accidents are serious, and filing a claim for injuries sustained in a crash can be confusing. If you suffered injuries in an accident, you don’t have time to waste.
Contact us at Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law to schedule your free initial consultation by calling 845-846-8120 or completing our online contact form.