Aviation accidents cause severe injuries and fatalities. The legal process becomes complicated quickly. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, you need an aviation accident lawyer who understands the medical and legal issues of your case. Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP represents aviation accident victims throughout Birmingham and Alabama. Our legal team works to secure the compensation you deserve.
Call (205) 324-1212 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why You Need an Aviation Accident Attorney
Aviation accident cases involve multiple layers of legal issues. These cases fall under state law, federal regulations, and sometimes international law. Commercial airline cases often involve international treaties like the Montreal Convention. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets strict safety standards. Violations of these standards can show negligence in court.
The Experience
General personal injury attorneys often lack the knowledge required to handle aviation accident cases. Insurance companies representing airlines, manufacturers, and operators hire teams of experienced defense attorneys and expert witnesses.
Without representation from an aviation accident lawyer, you may face an unequal battle. Insurance adjusters will attempt to minimize your claim, shift blame to the victim, or use technical defenses. An attorney familiar with aviation regulations is better positioned to counter insurance company tactics.
The Knowledge
In Alabama, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. This timeline can be extended under the discovery rule if the injury was not immediately apparent. Acting quickly is essential. Evidence deteriorates over time. Witnesses become unavailable. The longer you wait, the weaker your position becomes. Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP today to discuss your case with an aviation accident lawyer.
Types of Aviation Accidents We Handle
Aviation accidents take many forms, and each type presents unique legal challenges. Our legal team at Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP has experience with all major categories of aviation accidents.
Commercial Airline Crashes
Commercial airline crashes involve federal oversight, international treaties, and large corporate defendants. These cases are among the most complex in aviation law. Our legal team and aviation accident attorneys have handled commercial airline accident cases involving major carriers and their insurers.
Private Airplane Accidents
Private airplane accidents often involve smaller operators and manufacturers. The liability questions remain difficult. These personal injury cases require knowledge of general aviation regulations and the specific aircraft involved.
Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter accidents—whether medical transport, air-taxi services, or private helicopters—carry their own regulatory framework and investigation requirements. Each type presents unique challenges. We have experience with helicopter accident claims across multiple operational contexts.
Small Aircraft and Other Accidents
We also handle cases involving small aircraft and ultralight accidents, mid-air collisions, and takeoff or landing accidents. Each accident type requires knowledge of the regulations governing that aircraft category and the parties responsible for its operation and maintenance.
Notable Lawsuits Involving Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
Several lawsuits tied to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) involve safety issues, accidents, and injury claims.
In 2013, a cargo plane crash near the airport led legal claims. Homeowners in the area sued both the airline and the airport authority. They argued that airport operations and runway use created unsafe conditions and caused damage to their property.
There have also been injury claims inside the airport. In one case, a person who fell at BHM filed a lawsuit, which raised questions about whether the airport authority could be held responsible for premises liability under Alabama law.
What This Means for Aviation Accident Claims
These cases show that more than one party may be involved in an aviation accident or injury claim. Contractors and other third parties are often included, especially when construction or maintenance is involved. In some cases, the Birmingham Airport Authority may also argue that it is protected from certain lawsuits under state law.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Understanding what caused an accident is fundamental to establishing liability.
Pilot error remains a leading cause. This includes mistakes in navigation, decision-making, or failure to follow proper procedures. However, pilot error does not always mean the pilot bears sole responsibility. Inadequate training, fatigue from excessive flight hours, or unclear instructions from air traffic control can all contribute.
Mechanical and equipment failures account for many accidents. These failures often trace back to maintenance negligence.
Maintenance negligence includes failure to perform required inspections, use of substandard parts, or improper repairs.
Design and manufacturing defects in aircraft or components can render an aircraft unsafe regardless of maintenance quality.
Air traffic control errors, including miscommunication or failure to provide required separation between aircraft, cause accidents that should never occur.
Weather-related incidents present complex causation questions. The weather itself is not negligence. However, operators have a duty to avoid flying into dangerous conditions. They must follow established weather protocols.
Operator negligence—including decisions to fly with known mechanical problems, overloading an aircraft, or operating outside the aircraft’s certified limits—creates liability.
Our investigation team examines all potential causes to establish negligence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in an Aviation Accident
Multiple parties may bear responsibility for an aviation accident.
Aircraft manufacturers can be held liable for design defects or failure to warn of known hazards.
Airlines and operators bear responsibility for maintaining their aircraft, training their crews, and making safe operational decisions.
Maintenance companies that perform repairs or inspections can be liable for negligent work.
Pilots and crew members may be personally liable for negligent actions. They are typically covered by their employer’s insurance.
Air traffic control facilities operated by the FAA can be liable for errors in directing aircraft. Parts manufacturers bear responsibility for defective components.
Third-party contractors involved in maintenance, catering, or ground operations may also be liable.
Establishing liability often requires identifying multiple responsible parties and proving how their actions or inactions contributed to the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates aviation accidents and provides critical evidence for litigation. Our legal team works closely with NTSB investigation reports to build compelling cases.
Types of Compensation Available
Aviation accident victims and their families can recover several categories of damages. Medical expenses include all treatment costs from emergency care through long-term rehabilitation. Lost wages compensate for income lost during recovery. In cases of permanent disability, compensation covers reduced earning capacity throughout the victim’s lifetime.
Pain and suffering damages recognize the physical pain and emotional trauma of the accident and recovery process. In fatal accidents, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. These claims recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. Our wrongful death attorneys understand the unique challenges families face.
Alabama law permits punitive damages in cases involving wanton misconduct, malice, oppression, or fraud. This is a significant advantage in aviation cases where defendants’ conduct often rises to this level. Property damage claims may also apply if personal property was destroyed in the accident. We pursue all available compensation options for our clients.
Our Approach to Aviation Accident Cases
Thorough investigation forms the foundation of every case we handle. We work with aviation accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, and other experts to determine exactly what happened and why, obtain and analyze the aircraft’s maintenance records, pilot training files, and air traffic control communications. We review FAA regulations and industry standards to identify violations that establish negligence.
Collaborating With Experts
We collaborate with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries and project long-term treatment needs and costs. We gather evidence of the defendant’s financial resources to ensure our damage demands reflect the true value of your claim, and then negotiate aggressively with insurance companies. Insurance companies know when an attorney is ready to litigate. That knowledge shapes settlement negotiations. Our case results demonstrate our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
How long do I have to file an aviation accident claim?
Alabama law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If your injury was not immediately apparent, the discovery rule may extend this deadline. The clock begins when you knew or should have known about your injury. Do not delay. Contact an attorney immediately to protect your rights. Learn more about Alabama’s statute of limitations.
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene if you can do so safely. Take photographs and video. Gather contact information from witnesses. Preserve all evidence, including your clothing, medical records, and any communications with airlines or operators. Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing any documents. Our guide on what to do after an accident provides detailed steps.
How much is my aviation accident case worth?
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, age, and earning capacity. Liability strength and defendant resources also matter. Only a thorough evaluation can determine your case’s value. We offer free consultations to discuss your specific situation. Review our case results to see examples of compensation we’ve secured.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle. We prepare every case for trial. Settlement negotiations are more productive when defendants know we are ready to litigate. Your input guides all major decisions about your case. Learn how personal injury settlements work.
What makes aviation accident cases different from other personal injury cases?
Aviation accidents involve federal regulations, technical evidence, and expert witnesses. Multiple parties may share liability. Cases often involve large corporate defendants with substantial resources. The stakes are typically higher, with more severe injuries and greater damages. These factors require attorneys with aviation law experience. Our personal injury practice spans a range of accident types.
Contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP for Your Free Consultation
If you have been injured in an aviation accident, contact Farris, Riley & Pitt, LLP today. We offer free consultations to discuss your case with no obligation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our team is available to answer your questions and begin securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (205) 324-1212 or visit our contact page for a free consultation with an aviation accident lawyer.
