Chicago Plane Crash Lawyer
847-380-3309 or 312-380-5467
Prominent Chicago aviation accident attorney Joseph Klest has over 29 years of experience assisting Illinois transportation accident victims maximize their compensation. He understands the nature of aviation accidents. Most airplane accidents occur for one of the following reasons:
- pilot error
- improper maintenance
- defective parts
- air traffic controller error
- flight instructor error
- instrument failure
- engine failure
- fuel tank explosion
- defective on-board computer
- defective on-board software
Whether you were in a small plane crash (like a Cessna) or injured in a commercial airline jet plane incident, an aviation accident often causes serious injury or wrongful death. If you lost a loved one in an airplane accident or if you were seriously injured in an airline accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced Illinois aviation accident attorney to schedule a free confidential consultation.
Issues Relating to Aviation Accidents
Generally, when a passenger is riding on an aircraft, the airline carrier is considered a "common carrier." As such, common carriers owe the highest degree of care toward its passengers. Often, there will be a presumption of negligence if there is a mechanical failure resulting in a crash since the control and operation of the aircraft are limited to the organization that own and contain it. A common carrier operating aircraft is under a duty to provide a competent pilot. Failure to provide a competent pilot who can operate the airplane or helicopter safely — from take-off to landing — can result in the air transportation company being liable for injuries suffered by passengers as a result of the incompetence of the pilot.
The common carrier involved in carrying passengers has a duty to provide an airworthy airplane. It cannot simply rely upon government inspections. It must employ its own system of inspecting to be sure the aircraft is being properly maintained.
The common carrier providing air transportation service to passengers must also be sure that the plane is properly maintained.
The owner or operator of an airfield is under an obligation to maintain the airfield in a reasonably safe condition for use by the type of aircraft for which it is intended. Failure to properly maintain the runway or other parts of the airfield can result in liability to the owner or operator of the airfield, if someone is injured as a result. An example would be failure to properly remove ice or snow from the runway.
Additionally, owners and operators of aircraft can be responsible for maintaining portions of the terminal where passengers can be expected to go while entering or exiting the aircraft.
If you were injured or if a loved one was injured or killed in an incident involving an airplane or helicopter, it is extremely important to hire an attorney immediately. While the FAA conducts very good investigations, it is often important to preserve evidence and retain experts to immediately investigate other potential causes for the injury or death.
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Please contact me immediately regarding your aviation injury.
