Aviation accidents, whether they took place in a commercial airliner or a personal aircraft, can lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. The owners and operators of airplanes have the responsibility to properly maintain and manage their aircraft in order to ensure the safety of their passengers. Several factors can lead to an aviation accident, including:
- Pilot or Air Traffic Controller error
- Defective or poorly maintained equipment
- Defective design or structural problems
- Fuel problems
It can be difficult to determine what caused an airplane crash, and it is likely that many factors contributed to the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is responsible for investigating major crashes, but an experienced personal injury attorney can conduct an independent investigation in order to help you receive compensation.
Injuries During Travel (Flight)
Even though major airplane crashes make headlines, they are actually rare. Many aviation-related injuries occur during the normal routine of air travel, but can still lead to long-lasting physical or emotional ailments. For example, if an overhead compartment failed to properly latch, falling carry-on bags can cause painful head and neck injuries. Rolling food carts can also injure passengers by striking their elbows, shoulders, etc. or by hitting passengers moving about the cabin. Additionally, the negligence of flight attendants can hinder the safety of passengers.
Turbulence also can cause injury. However you must be able to prove that the flight crew was able to anticipate the oncoming turbulence, but failed to warn passengers to buckle up or take other necessary safety precautions. It is important to speak with an aviation accident attorney as soon as possible in order to protect your rights.
If you have been involved in an aviation accident and suffered personal injuries, or lost a loved one, contact Tilton & Tilton in Houston to speak with one of our experienced aviation accident attorneys in Texas. Call (713) 774-8600 for your free consultation.