If you or a loved one were injured in a plane crash or other aviation incident, contact the lawyers at the Kishish Law Group. Our aviation lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Get your free and confidential case evaluation by completing our contact form or by calling us toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552. We want to hear from you today.
A commercial airline flight can be one of the safest ways to travel in the United States. In all of 2016 and continuing this year, no one died in a crash of a scheduled U.S. airline flight. But even as aviation safety has improved over the years, this does not mean that flying is without any risk. Landings and take-offs remain dangerous, as planes can slide off runways, suffer engine failures, or (quite famously) hit birds, potentially causing injuries. Passengers can also suffer injuries during the flight, from falls during trips to the bathroom, luggage falling out of overhead bins, or severe turbulence. Cargo flights, commuter flights, and on-demand flights are more dangerous.
General aviation, which includes personal small planes and some helicopters, is by far the most dangerous. According to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) most recent available data set, in 2014, over 94% of aviation accidents were general aviation accidents. General aviation accidents caused over 400 fatalities in that year, compared to the zero fatalities of commercial airline carriers. Injuries due to general aviation are likely to be even higher. NTSB studies have found that a pilot's lack of skill and training can often be a contributing factor in these kinds of crashes.
An aviation injury lawsuit may be the only way for you to be compensated. The Government Accountability Office noted in 2015 that many states lack insurance requirements for noncommercial general aviation aircraft and that this may contribute to cases where victims receive little to no compensation for their injuries. Even when insurance is required, as it is for commercial airlines, contacting a lawyer can help you receive the compensation you're due. Insurance companies want to settle for the smallest amount possible to preserve their bottom line. Having an aviation lawyer to represent your interests can maximize the amount of money you'll receive.
Filing a lawsuit is the right choice. Mechanics, aircraft maintenance workers, pilots and other aircraft operators, and manufacturers of aircraft parts all share responsibility in keeping aviation safe. Negligence in flying or plane maintenance or making a faulty aircraft part can be a danger to you and other passengers. Get compensated for your injuries and help keep the skies safe.
What are the most common aviation injuries?
Lower-limb fractures are the most common injury from aviation-related accidents requiring hospitalization. A 2009 study in the Journal of Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine analyzed data from the health care records of patients admitted to hospitals between 2000–2005. Susan Baker, MPH and her colleagues found that lower-limb fractures comprised 27% of injuries in accidents involving commercial, noncommercial, and unpowered aircraft, as well as accidents involving parachuting.
The next most common injuries, according to the study, were head injuries at 11%, open wounds at 10%, and then upper extremity fractures and internal injuries at 9%. Head injuries were present in 38% of fatalities.
If you were injured in an aviation accident, it is important that you seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, severe injuries may not be immediately obvious. Hidden head injuries can be especially dangerous — even minor traumatic brain injuries may cause long-lasting effects. Early documentation of your injuries will also help your personal injury lawsuit. The amount of compensation you ultimately receive may depend on the extent of your injuries and whether we can demonstrate that they were caused by your accident.
Do I have an aviation injury case?
The aviation lawyers at the Kishish Law Group can help you explore all of your legal options to remedy your injuries. When a plane crash or other aviation incident occurs, many different kinds of legal claims can arise, so it's important to speak to a lawyer to figure out the best way forward. We offer free and confidential case evaluations to all of our personal injury clients, and we don't get paid until you do. Call us today toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552 or complete our contact form.
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