Aviation Law & Airplane Crashes

Aviation accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties, and identifying the responsible entities requires a thorough investigation. At Sullivan Papain, we have the resources and expertise to pursue claims against:

• Airlines and Operators: Commercial airlines, charter companies, or private aircraft operators may be liable for negligence in training, maintenance, or operations.
• Aircraft Manufacturers: Companies that design or produce aircraft or their components may be held accountable for defective products or design flaws.
• Maintenance Companies: Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for failing to properly service or repair aircraft.
• Pilots and Crew: Individual pilots or crew members may be held responsible for errors or negligence that contribute to an accident.
• Air Traffic Controllers: Government agencies or private contractors responsible for air traffic control may be liable for communication errors or other negligence.
• Airport Authorities: Operators of airports may be held accountable for unsafe conditions on the ground, such as runway hazards or defective equipment.

Our attorneys are skilled at navigating the complex web of liability in aviation cases, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Victims of aviation accidents and their families may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. At Sullivan Papain, we fight to secure the maximum recovery possible, including compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity due to injuries or disability
• Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional trauma
• Loss of companionship, support, or guidance in wrongful death cases
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct

Every case is unique, and the compensation available will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. Our attorneys will work diligently to evaluate the full extent of your damages and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Aviation accident cases are among the most complex types of personal injury litigation due to several factors, which plaintiffs must overcome to achieve justice:

• Federal and International Regulations: Aviation is governed by a complex web of federal laws, such as those enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as well as international treaties like the Montreal Convention. Navigating these regulations requires specialized legal knowledge, especially for plaintiffs facing strict deadlines and jurisdictional challenges.
• Technical Complexity: Determining the cause of an aviation accident often involves analyzing highly technical evidence, such as flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance logs, and aircraft design specifications. Plaintiffs need access to top experts to compete with well-funded defendants.
• Multiple Jurisdictions: Aviation accidents often involve parties from different states or countries, raising complicated jurisdictional issues that can affect where and how a claim is filed. This can be a significant hurdle for plaintiffs seeking the most favorable legal venue.
• Government Investigations: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other agencies often conduct official investigations into aviation accidents, which can impact the legal process. While these reports can provide valuable evidence, they are not always admissible in court, requiring plaintiffs to conduct their own independent investigations.

At Sullivan Papain, our attorneys have the experience and resources to handle these challenges effectively. Our firm’s history of success in complex litigation, including our work on behalf of 9/11 victims, demonstrates our ability to tackle even the most daunting legal battles. We collaborate with top aviation experts, engineers, and investigators to build a strong case on your behalf.

Time is critical in aviation accident cases. In New York, personal injury and wrongful death claims are subject to strict statutes of limitations, which set deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Additionally, international aviation accidents may be governed by treaties like the Montreal Convention, which impose their own time limits for filing claims—often as short as two years from the date of the accident.

To protect your rights, it is essential to act quickly and consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A delay could jeopardize your ability to seek compensation, leaving you without recourse against negligent parties.