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Ehline Law Firm Logo Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC

L.A. Airplane Accident Attorney

When faced with a catastrophe, dollars such as an airplane crash, the need for recovery takes many shapes. This includes immediate and long-term medical care. But you will also need established legal counsel to take on many tasks.

These include: dealing with hospitals, airline companies, insurance, and funerals.

Air liner in flight demo.
Stormy weather for passenger liner.

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The Ehline Law Firm's years of experience speaks for itself. Also, in our home area of the greater LA near the LAX region, Ehline Law Firm is well known and respected in the legal circles. Were you or a loved one injured in an air crash and need a skilled set of attorneys to manage a case? If so, who better than the Ehline team?

  • Aircraft law can be complicated, and our licensed attorneys have won hundreds of suits worth millions of dollar for our clients.
  • We are your best defense against greedy companies and negligent parties.

How Do You Deal With Your Complex Aircraft Injury Case?

If such a disaster has happened to you or a loved one, there is a real need to make your life whole again. There is more than just the medical to deal with. There could be a tangled web of legal issues that could significantly affect your future.

Finding Aviation Accident Lawyers is the First Step.

Parker aircraft
Passenger jet on the tarmac.

There are dozens of attorneys in the phone book, but the right one can be elusive. To take on a case like this, only attorneys with specialized experience in aviation law, treaties, and regulations remain suited for your case. Our attorneys have the needed skills. Also, we stand ready to assist.

The Ehline Law Firm is based in Southern California and can help injured victims across the state, including in Santa Monica, Long Beach, and beyond.

  • We also work with pilots. So our attorneys are brimmed with aviation knowledge. Our firm’s specialization is what makes it stand out in a case like this.

We can help in any event, including those such as:

  • Luggage falling on your head;
  • Objects flying around in the cabin causing another injury;
  • Food poisoning, and more.

What About Helicopter Accidents? Can Ehline Law Firm Help Me?

Ontario private airport. Aircraft hangar with jet.
Jetfighter.

We also work with people involved in both private as for commercial helicopter accidents. Also, we assist with both private and commercial helicopter injury claims. Furthermore, we take on:

  • VTOL and VSTOL claim.

Airplane Accidents and Injuries in California – A Quick Overview.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air passenger travel will double over the next two decades. So traffic will increase. In fact, so will the risk of aviation tragedies. Usually, travel by air is the safest means of transportation. But when accidents occur, they end up in severe injuries and most fatalities. Smaller, less serious incidents involving private aircraft are becoming more frequent and occur more than to great passenger liners. Most of these “minor” incidents go unreported.

Who Must Pay for All the Damages I Suffered?

Potentially liable and negligent parties vary depending on the circumstances of the aircraft accident. The owner and operator of the plane could be exposed to financial loss, and possibly suspension of licensure. But so can manufacturers or maintenance suppliers. There are even cases where the federal government can have some responsibility in an aircraft collision.

At least once every day, there is a safety-related incident or threat reported in the country. And the majority of incidents have gone unreported.

What About Strict Liability in Aviation Catastrophes?

Yes, it is true, like cruise ships, aviation accidents often involve the theory of strict liability since they are often common carriers. While pilot error often plays a part in aircraft victims’ claims, it may not be your only avenue of recovery.

For example: What about other issues with the aircraft or its parts that could also contribute to the accident? A claim for liability, strict products could also arise.

  • As such, this can affect the severity of injuries suffered and who is liable for what.
  • When this occurs, the aircraft or component manufacturer may share some legal blame along with negligent pilots.

So they can be at fault for crashes or injuries the mishap caused under the legal theory of strict products liability. In contrast, the common carrier is subject to common carrier strict liability. Get it?

Can There Be Criminal Liability in Aviation Accidents?

Yes! On top of a civil court claim against individuals or entities for causing an aviation injury accident, U.S. and state governments may also pursue criminal prosecution.

Although the charges may vary, most states impose penalties on pilots and parent companies for reckless and intentional conduct that leads to:

  • Serious injury
  • Death
  • Physical property damage

What About Settlements and Damages In Negligent Killing Cases?

Wrongful death actions remain complicated claims. Also, part of the reason is that several parties could have caused these deaths.

There are:

  • Part makers
  • Mechanics, and many other potential defendants.

So pre-trial settlements are not uncommon in these cases. And this usually is because many liable defendants try to avoid the public outcry of having caused death with a quiet resolution out of court. When these settlements do not occur, and a jury awards big bucks, often a reduction of the wrongful death damages gets issued by a judge or jury.

This is called a Remittitur. In this case, the plaintiff’s recovery is reduced and frees that defendant from liability and waives their claim for any contribution from co-defendants.

This leads them to pay no more than their liable share of the bad conduct as found by the jury or a judge. So it always makes sense to settle and take the case away from a hostile court or jury. Get it?

  • Special Problem: Seatbelts and Kids.

You might not think about it very often, but your child's car safety seat is a bit of a wonder. It allows for small children to ride safely despite their small size. It also brings a firm harness and snug grip to prevent severe issues. There are a variety of potential solutions out there if you can use them on your flight.

Often it has to do with buying an extra ticket to fly, so in some cases, your mileage may vary. However, these tips intend to get you the safest possible flight experience.

For this and more info, keep reading our column by the Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC. Our firm represents hundreds of car and flight accident victims. We continuously research the most effective ways to keep travelers safe.

Car Seats vs. the Lap Belt?

Many people with young kids elect to keep them on their lap. Sometimes it's out of convenience. Sometimes it is because they cannot afford another seat. Regardless of the cause, it is not the safest option out there for parents. When flying with a young child, this idea should be considered strongly before buying your first ticket.

The FAA does approve several car seats for flight uses. It is recommended by airlines that these children stay in these seats during the entire flight. If they're under two years old, the FAA recommends they remain in a rear-facing seat. In some cases, this may include kids up to 3 or 4.

Other flights offer FAA-approved harnesses for young kids to make sure that they are safe on the journey. Ensure that your car seat has the FAA approval sticker to make sure that they are ready for such a long flight. Each option is one that might keep your child safe in times of turbulence or engine trouble. Make sure you take the safest route-- for their sakes.

Airplane Accidents and Injuries Resource Links.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Division Oversees consumer issues related to air travel.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring that the manufacture, operation, and maintenance of all aircraft meet minimum safety and other standards and all current regulations. The National Transportation Board (NTSB) is responsible for improving air travel safety.

They do so by investigating all accidents and problems related to the aviation industry. Afterward, they recommend any necessary changes.

Want to Learn More With a Free Call to a Lawyer?

The Ehline Law Firm's experience in aviation law and claims makes it a vital partner in your recovery. For a free, no-pressure consultation, call us today at (213) 596-9642.