Los Angeles Airplane Accident Lawyer

Commercial air travel is generally safe, but when a plane crash occurs the consequences are often catastrophic. These accidents rarely happen without a cause. They are typically linked to mechanical failures, design defects, improper maintenance, pilot error, or air traffic control mistakes. Survivors and the families of those killed may have the right to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses.

J&Y Law represents airplane accident victims throughout Los Angeles and across California. Our Los Angeles airplane accident lawyers handle the complex legal and technical issues these cases involve. We work with aviation investigators, engineers, and other experts to determine what caused the crash and who may be legally responsible.

Victims injured in crashes involving domestic airlines can usually bring claims in U.S. courts. When an accident occurs outside the country, international treaties may still allow injured passengers and families to pursue compensation.

Whether a crash stems from pilot negligence, maintenance failures, or a defective aircraft component, J&Y Law builds cases designed to prove liability. When defective aircraft parts or design flaws contribute to a crash, we can also pursue product liability claims against manufacturers, suppliers, or other responsible parties.

Who is liable for an airplane accident?

According to the Montreal Convention, which established rules for international air flight in 1999, the carrier is “strictly liable” for damages, meaning the airline has absolute legal responsibility for an injury it causes. No matter what the cause, the airline is responsible for compensating each victim for a specified amount.

Beyond that amount, if the airline can prove that the damage did not result from any “negligence, wrongful act or omission” on the part of the carrier, other parties may also be liable. If a manufacturing defect of the plane was the underlying cause of the crash, for example, one or more manufacturers may become defendants in subsequent lawsuits.

Why are aviation accident lawsuits complex?

Having an experienced aviation accident attorney on your side is vital when you have been injured due to an airplane. Aviation accident lawsuits can quickly become very complicated for several reasons, including:

1. Multiple jurisdictions: Air travel often involves crossing state, national, or international borders. This can lead to questions about which jurisdiction’s laws apply, especially if the accident occurred over international waters or in another country.
2. Complex liability issues: Accidents can be caused by a wide range of factors, from pilot error to mechanical failure to air traffic control negligence to extreme weather conditions. Determining who is at fault often requires a detailed investigation and may involve multiple parties. For instance, if a mechanical failure caused the accident, the manufacturer of the aircraft or the part in question may be liable. If pilot error is at fault, the airline could be held responsible for inadequate training or oversight.
3. Technical expertise: Understanding what caused an aviation accident often requires expert knowledge of aeronautics, engineering, and other technical fields. Lawyers handling these cases need to work closely with experts in these areas to build their cases.
4. Regulatory environment: The aviation industry is heavily regulated by various entities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S., the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe, and others worldwide if you were on an international flight or foreign aircraft. These regulations can have a significant impact on liability and damages in an aviation accident lawsuit.
5. High stakes: Aviation accidents often result in significant loss of life and property, leading to substantial potential damages. These high stakes can make the litigation process more contentious and drawn out.
6. Evidence gathering: Evidence in aviation accidents can be difficult to gather, especially if the accident occurred at sea or in a remote location. The plane’s black box, which records flight data and cockpit communications, can be crucial in these cases but can also be challenging to recover and interpret.
7. Insurance issues: Insurance policies for aircraft and airlines can be complex, and the litigation process can be affected by the specifics of these policies.

What Not to do after an Airplane Accident

As our attorneys will explain, you should never agree to a settlement with the airline or its insurance company, no matter how reasonable it seems, without the advice of an experienced airplane accident lawyer. The airline and its insurers have powerful attorneys looking out for their best interests — all the more reason that you should have powerful attorneys looking out for yours.

How J&Y Protects the Rights of Airplane Accident Victims

At the law firm of J&Y, we know that insurance companies and airline attorneys often try to convince survivors and their families to settle claims and sign agreements that release the airline of liability. Insurers and airlines are not concerned with your best interests, only with making profits and protecting themselves from lawsuits and damage to their brand. You should never agree to a settlement before speaking to an experienced airplane accident lawyer.

We will explain your rights and negotiate with the insurance companies to help you obtain just compensation. If they fail to make a fair offer that also considers any future physical or financial harm you may suffer, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf to win damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost earnings, and disability. Families that have lost a loved one in an airplane accident can also file a lawsuit for wrongful death.

Cities Where We Are Located

J&Y Law Firm has offices in cities around California ready to assist airplane accident victims, including:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Sacramento
• San Diego
• Anaheim
• Bakersfield
• Calabasas
• Camarillo
• Corona
• Costa Mesa
• Encino
• Escondido
• Fontana
• Fresno
• Hemet
• Inland Empire
• Irvine
• Long Beach
• Modesto
• Newport Beach
• Oakland
• Orange County
• Oxnard
• Palm Springs
• Palmdale
• Pasadena
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Rialto
• Riverside
• San Bernardino
• San Jose
• Santa Ana
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Rosa
• Sherman Oaks
• Simi Valley
• Stockton
• Temecula
• Thousand Oaks
• Torrance
• Valencia
• Victorville

Let J&Y Handle Your Airplane Accident Claim

Our goal is to obtain the maximum compensation you deserve so that you can recover from your injuries. We handle airplane accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any fees unless we obtain compensation for you. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an airplane accident you can an airplane accident lawyer at J&Y by calling (888) 806-6722 today for a free evaluation of your case.