Injuries on Airplanes

Monday, December 2, 2019

Injuries on Airplanes

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Airplane travel – especially when it is compared with motor vehicle travel – is extremely safe, largely due to recent advancements in airline technology and risk management techniques.  However, accidents on airplanes can still occur, and when they do, serious injuries and even deaths can result to innocent passengers. Airplane accidents sometimes occur because of pilot negligence, but at other times, these accidents are the unfortunate result of equipment malfunctions. 

Airplane accidents often implicate not only state law, but also federal laws and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Consequently, if you are pursuing a personal injury case against an airline, it is essential that you have an experienced attorney on your side who is well versed in the applicable laws and who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve from the at-fault party or parties.

A Chicago personal injury lawyer at Malman Law can review the circumstances behind your airplane accident and work to pursue monetary compensation for your injuries. Give us a call today at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more about how we could help you pursue damages in your personal injury case.  

How do Airplane Accidents Occur?

Airplane accidents can occur for a variety of different reasons. Some of the most common causes of airplane accidents include the following:

Errors committed by airplane pilots

An airplane pilot’s primary responsibility is ensuring that all passengers arrive at their final destinations safely. When an airplane pilot makes a serious mistake while he or she is at the controls, catastrophic injuries can happen. Possible pilot errors include making an error in navigation, using the on-board equipment incorrectly, failing to follow the proper safety procedures, and/or communicating incorrectly with air traffic controllers.

Negligence of an air traffic controller

Air traffic controllers are responsible for properly controlling and monitoring air traffic near busy airports. In the event an air traffic controller makes a serious mistake, a catastrophic accident and injuries can occur. In some instances, air traffic controller negligence happens when air traffic controllers are fatigued, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, misinterpret radar signals, or allow aircraft to be too close together at a given time. 

Defective airplane equipment

When a piece of equipment malfunctions on an airplane, the results can be catastrophic. In some instances, these defects may be due to manufacturers, lack of maintenance, and/or design errors, in which case an accident victim could make a claim or file a lawsuit against the proper party or parties. 

Types of Injuries Suffered in Airplane Accidents

Airplane accidents can result in serious injuries to individuals who are on board the plane at that time. Common examples of injuries suffered in airplane accidents include:

1. Traumatic head injuries
2. Burn injuries
3. Fractures and broken bones
4. Soft tissue injuries
5. Back and spinal cord injuries

Reach out to a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been injured in an airplane accident, the experienced attorneys at Malman Law could file a lawsuit against a negligent pilot, airline, air traffic controller, parts manufacturer, or other potentially responsible person or entity. To schedule a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a Chicago personal injury attorney, please call us at (312) 629-0099 or contact us online to learn more.