Charleston Aviation Accident Lawyers

We're Here to Fight on Your Behalf

Every year, thousands of individuals board airplanes in order to go on vacation, to visit friends and family, or to go on business trips. Some individuals may also travel on private airplane charters. 

Those pilots and facilities are held to the highest aviation standards. Under most circumstances, they reach their destinations quickly and painlessly, experiencing little more than mild turbulence.

On rare occasions, airplane malfunction, pilot error, poor security, or other causes can turn routine travel into a dangerous undertaking. Almost half of all aviation accidents are the result of pilot error, which can be weather or mechanical related. 

Our Charleston aviation accident attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC, are highly experienced in accidents involving airplane malfunction. We have expert knowledge in the causes of these accidents and know how to help you receive the maximum compensation for your loss.

Aviation accidents can be the result of many causes, including:

• Pilot error
• Runway defects
• Mechanical failure, including engine and other component failure
• Inclement weather conditions
• Equipment defects
• Improper maintenance
• Fuel contamination
• Violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
• Structural or design problems
• Air Traffic Controller error

Common physical injuries among plane accident survivors include concussions and spinal injuries. Spinal injuries may lead to paralysis, and this can lead to emotional stress for both the victim and their family. 

Devastating physical injuries may cause victims to become depressed or anxious. Plane accident victims often develop phobias, which may cripple their ability to utilize air transportation.

Victims of plane crashes have the right to file a lawsuit seeking monetary compensation for their injuries from those parties responsible for the accident. 

If a private charter, its employees, or an airline have been negligent or reckless in any way that has caused their passengers harm, they may be sued for the cost of the injuries and for punitive damages. In the event that negligence resulted in the victim's death, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board in 2012, there were 7 aviation accidents in West Virginia, including one fatality. Normally travel by air is considered to be safe, but when accidents occur they often result in absolute fatalities or serious injury.

Who Will Pay For the Damages I Suffered?

The parties that could be held legally responsible for your injury can vary and are determined by the cause of your accident. The aircraft owner and operator can be held responsible for your injuries; manufacturers or suppliers might also be held responsible depending on your circumstances. 

If your injuries were caused by the negligence of the federal government, you might also hold them responsible. Aviation injuries occur more often than many think, in fact, studies have found at least one safety-related accident or threat occurs on aircraft a day. Unfortunately, these injuries often go unreported.