Aviation Accident Attorney in San Antonio

Causes of Aviation Accidents & Who May Be Liable

Most aviation accidents don’t have a single cause. Investigations typically examine several contributing factors, and civil liability can extend to multiple parties at once.

Common causes include:

• Pilot error, including poor judgment, inadequate training, or fatigue
• Mechanical or parts failure due to defective components
• Improper aircraft maintenance by service providers
• Air traffic control errors or miscommunication
• Weather conditions combined with other failures

Depending on what the investigation uncovers, liability may fall on the pilot, the aircraft owner or operator, the manufacturer of the aircraft or a defective part, the maintenance provider, or air traffic control. Identifying all responsible parties and their available coverage is one of the first steps in building a plane crash claim.

Compensation Available in Aviation Accident Claims

The losses that follow a serious plane or helicopter crash extend well beyond immediate medical bills. Depending on the circumstances, aviation accident victims and their families may pursue compensation for a range of damages.

Recoverable damages can include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases

In cases involving intentional misconduct or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may also be available. The specific damages recoverable depend on the facts of each case, which is one reason a thorough investigation matters from the start.