A lot happens very quickly after an airplane accident. The crash site is secured. Soon, teams of investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) or the Federal Aviation Administration start scouring the wreckage and debris field. In many cases, representatives from the plane’s manufacturer are allowed access to the site as well. All of this generally happens before the victims or their families really know what happened.
After news of the crash has spread, representatives from the airline, or the plane’s manufacturer or the insurance companies for either, may try to “console” injured victims and surviving family members and convince them that they don’t need a lawyer. “We’ll take care of everything” they say, “just as soon as the NTSB and FAA have completed their investigation.”
Don’t believe it. These insurance companies do not work for you, nor do they have your interests in mind. Their primary objective is to settle as many claims as quickly and as cheaply as possible. They do not take into account the extent of your injuries or loss. Call or contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC and let our experienced Memphis personal injury lawyers protect your interests.
The Claims Process after an Airplane Accident
As you can imagine, because the extent of damage and the vehicle are so different than in a car accident, the claims process is also different. You have to deal with a whole other set of people and entities.
Aviation litigation is complex and involves state, federal, and even international law. Also, because air travel is regulated by two federal agencies, federal regulations may impact a personal injury claim or the standards of care owed to the victim.
Typically, there are four entities that can be held liable for a plane crash, which are:
- The pilot
- Common carriers (the airline company)
- The plane manufacturer
- Both the pilot and the manufacturer
The typical categories of damages that plane accident victims can recover are:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Past and future pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
Help for Airplane Crash Victims throughout the Memphis Tri-State Area
Even though we won’t have direct access to the wreckage while the official investigation is ongoing, there are steps our attorneys can take to protect your interests.
We Are Here for You throughout the Process
Taking pictures of the crash site from different angles, locating potential witnesses, and keeping the lines of communication open with government agencies can lead to valuable information. We can then take what we learn and have our own experts analyze it. Later, when an official finding of pilot error, mechanical failure, weather, or something else is listed as the cause, we’ll be prepared to challenge that finding if it’s inconsistent with what we already know.
Fighting for Every Dollar Our Clients Deserve since 1970
It may take a year or more before an airplane accident investigation is completed. Between now and then, we understand that you may have many questions or concerns about what’s happening. There may be other issues you need help with, as well. Rest assured, our Memphis airplane accident lawyers will be here for you and ready to help in any way that we can.
Get a free case review today. There`s no fee unless we win!
One Call, That’s All! Dial (901) 526-2126 Today
Whether you come to see us in Memphis or we travel to meet with you in your home or at the hospital, the consultation is free — no strings attached. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. You can contact us online at any time. We also have an office in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
Our airplane accident attorneys in Memphis handle personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits for airplane crash victims on a contingency basis. We do not charge any legal fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf.