To imagine an airplane accident is to think the unthinkable. Few tragedies are as heartbreaking and utterly inconceivable as an airplane crash. Too often, victims’ families are left reeling, inadequately cared for by the airlines, and unsure of where to turn.
Sadly, most airplane accident victims lose their lives in the catastrophe. Those who are fortunate enough to survive endure horrific emotional trauma, and their physical injuries are typically severe.
Fortunately, aviation accidents are very rare. Modern aviation is supported by remarkable advances in science, and these developments have rendered the likelihood of catastrophe extraordinarily low.
But airplane accidents do happen — almost always as a result of preventable negligence. Crashes can occur in major commercial jumbo jets or in private, single-engine aircraft. They happen on runways, during takeoff, while in the air, and while landing. Determining the exact cause of a crash can be difficult, but it is always worth the effort. Victims and their family members deserve compensation from the negligent parties.
As New York airplane accident attorneys, we understand the immense sorrow and devastation that these terrible tragedies leave in their wake. Our practice is designed to recover maximum financial compensation for victims or their families while still allowing the family to grieve. Our goal is to shoulder the burden of litigation so that you can continue to honor your loved one’s life.
No one deserves to suffer the shock and hardship of an aviation accident alone.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your individual situation and determine the best way to move forward with your case. Call us today to get started.
Free Consult (516) 399-2364
Airplane accidents are complicated, and it’s important to have a lawyer you not only feel comfortable with but who has the qualifications to get the results you need. Here are some reasons why we think Tucker Lawyers PC is your best choice:
When you have Tucker Lawyers PC working for you, you no longer have to file forms, deal with insurance companies, or worry about whether you’re being taken advantage of. We will take care of all aspects of your case, so that you can concentrate on recovery and your family.
Call for Free Consult (516) 399-2364
Our legal team has decades of experience and a proven track record of maximizing settlements, and we are in the best position to ensure that you get everything you are entitled to. When you hire us to represent you after an airplane accident, we will:
We will be there for you throughout the entire legal process, addressing your concerns and keeping you informed.
Airplane accidents are complicated and bring challenges that go beyond those of ordinary personal injury or wrongful death cases. One reason is that there are often multiple defendants and insurance companies involved.
Airlines are liable for the negligence of their employees, including pilots, safety inspectors, flight attendants, and others. Likewise, the government may be responsible for the failures of air traffic controllers, FAA officials, or regulatory authorities. Manufacturers can also be held accountable for defects in the construction of the plane or its safety and testing procedures. In addition, according to the FAA (FAA FAR 91.3), the pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for the operation of that aircraft and may be liable for a crash if negligent.
Airplane accident lawsuits usually name airline companies, airports, major aircraft manufacturers, and/or the federal government as defendants. This means that plaintiffs face an uphill battle, because of each of these parties is remarkably well-armed with a giant team of lawyers and an effective shield of red tape.
That’s why it’s so important to hire an NYC aviation accident attorney with an experienced understanding of aviation accidents. Victory in these cases is not impossible. Indeed, juries are often extremely sympathetic to the plaintiffs and inherently skeptical of corporate bigwigs. But the spectacular complexity of these cases demands that you have seasoned legal minds on your side.
Investigations into aviation accidents tend to become extraordinarily sophisticated. At Tucker Lawyers PC, we work with industry experts who can leverage their experience and credentials to help you understand the investigation as it’s in progress and to showcase the results in a way that bolsters your claim for compensation.
The defendants will try to evade their full scope of responsibility under the law. But by hiring experienced New York aviation accident attorneys, you can hold them accountable.
Never accept a settlement offer from an airport, airline, manufacturer, insurance representative, or any other party or official without talking to an attorney first.
If you have received such an offer, it almost certainly represents far less than the full amount to which you may be entitled. Contact the New York airplane accident attorneys at Tucker Lawyers PC right away.
Call Now (516) 399-2364
In a successful lawsuit, our airplane accident attorneys may win a monetary award, called damages, for the injuries that resulted from the crash. In New York, damage awards usually fall into two categories: compensatory damages, for economic and non-economic losses; and punitive damages, to punish someone for extreme wrongdoing.
Economic Damages — cover your monetary losses for costs and expenses that result from the accident, such as medical and therapy bills, lost earnings from being unable to work, and any property damage.
Non-economic Damages – are for damages which do not have a specific dollar value but negatively affect your life, such as pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, diminished quality of life, physical disfigurement and scarring, PTSD, and loss of consortium and enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages – In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish a defendant who acted in an especially reckless or egregious manner and to deter such behaviors in the future.
If the crash caused a fatality, damages in wrongful death claims include funeral and burial expenses, loss of future salary the victim would have earned in their lifetime, and loss of inheritance, financial support, love, care, and companionship. Punitive damages may also be available in certain circumstances. Depending upon the circumstances, damages may be recovered for the victim’s pain and emotional suffering even for the short time prior to or during the crash.
To win your case, our airplane accident lawyers must prove negligence legally by showing the following elements:
Since airplane accidents have multiple potentially negligent parties, our Tucker legal team will seek to identify them all, as they all may have assets and insurance that can go toward a settlement.
There are a wide range of settlements possible in an aviation case, and judgments may reach into the millions of dollars. The value of your individual claim will depend on factors that are unique to your case, including:
New York does not have a damage cap for personal injury cases. The more permanent and severe the injury, the more your monetary costs, the greater the impact on your life, the higher the recovery may be. Our Tucker airplane accident attorneys will examine the factors involved to determine an approximation of what your lawsuit should be worth.
When dealing with the repercussions of an airplane accident, you are bound to have questions. While everyone’s situation is different, the following are some general answers to common questions our New York airplane accident attorneys are often asked:
Is there a deadline for filing a case?
Yes, and in aviation cases, the deadline varies depending on where the airline accident occurred. New York has a statute of limitations, a deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. According to the law (New York Civil Practice Laws & Rules section 214), the deadline is 3 years for a personal injury claim; for a wrongful death, the claim must be brought within 2 years from the date of death. There are a few exceptions, but if you miss the deadline the courts are likely to dismiss your case.
How long will my case take?
Cases involving general aviation accidents can generally take anywhere from one to three years to complete, and those involving commercial airline crashes may range from six months to five years to complete.
Where can families file a lawsuit for an airplane crash?
International airline crashes are governed by the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions and the IATA agreement, so generally a lawsuit can be brought in the victim’s home country, the airline’s home country, the destination of the flight or the place where the ticket was purchased.
A lawsuit for a domestic airline crash can usually be brought in the victim’s home state, in the place where the airplane crashed, or where the airline has its main office.
Our airplane accident attorneys can determine the most advantageous place to bring a lawsuit.
Is there a cap on damage amounts families can recover for airline accidents?
There is no arbitrary limit or cap on damages for domestic airline accidents, and there is not usually a damage cap for international commercial airplane accidents. While international airline crashes are governed by the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, international treaties that limit damages, almost every major airline has signed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) agreement that voluntarily waives limitation. The agreement also provides for a minimum payment to each passenger’s family.
Why should I hire an airplane accident attorney?
When you hire a NY airplane accident attorney, you will benefit from their experience and expertise. You receive legal advice about what you should and shouldn’t be doing and saying following the crash. The airline, insurance company, or their attorneys may contact victims or their family members and attempt to gather information from them that may help minimize or deny claims or defend a potential lawsuit.
By hiring an attorney from the start, you can have your attorney deal with all issues and prevent your being manipulated by investigators trying to obtain taped or written statements. Never give statements, sign any documents, or accept money or other benefits from them without first speaking with your attorney.
At Tucker Lawyers, count on us to answer your questions and deal with your concerns throughout the entire legal process. Call us today to get started.
Call Now (516) 399-2364
For days, weeks, months, and even years after an airplane accident, the healing process can be arduous and slow. Sometimes, grieving family members are tempted to forsake their legal rights in order to spare themselves the rigors of a lawsuit or trial.
Your rights matter too much for you to give up on them. We understand your concern, though. At Tucker Lawyers PC, we will work tirelessly to assume as much of the burden as possible. You’ll be informed and in control, but the headaches and legal battles will be ours to fight for you, according to your wishes.
Our goal is to maximize your financial compensation and help you move toward the best possible tomorrow.
Family members of deceased accident victims are entitled to compensation under New York wrongful death law. Airline and airport employees who are injured in the line of duty may be entitled to compensation pursuant to workers’ compensation. Survivors of aviation accidents, meanwhile, may be able to seek substantial recovery under New York personal injury law. Whatever your situation may be, our office can help.
We do not charge for our services unless and until there is a successful outcome in your case. Time limits apply when filing these claims, though, so please do not delay.
Contact our office to set up a free consultation with our New York airplane accident attorneys today.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ATTORNEY BIO]