Fort Worth Aviation Accident Attorney
When an aviation accident occurs, you need a trusted legal advocate on your side. Slack Davis is here to help. Our Fort Worth aviation lawyers have over 30 years of experience fighting for the injured, and we’ve recovered millions in aviation accident claims.
Our legal team will be there from day one, helping you to gather evidence, identify defendants, and build a solid claim to recover the compensation you deserve.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation if you or someone you love was involved in an aviation accident while arriving at or departing from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport or other airports in the area.
Types of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can take many forms. Some of the most common types of aviation accidents include:
- Runway accidents, including takeoff and landing incidents such as runway overruns or undershoots
- Midair collisions, which often result from miscommunication, air traffic controller errors, and poor visibility
- Mechanical or equipment failure due to inadequate maintenance or poor plane design
- Fuel-related incidents, such as when fuel runs out or is contaminated
- Air traffic controller errors, including incorrect instructions, failure to manage aircraft separation, or poor communication
- Aircraft crashes due to pilot error, equipment failure, bad weather, or other issues
These incidents can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries.
What Should I Do After I Am In An Aviation Crash?
Understanding your options in the aftermath of an aviation accident is important — especially because these types of incidents are often traumatic and can feel overwhelming. After your accident, you should:
- Leave the scene of the crash right away when possible due to the risk of explosion
- Get a professional medical evaluation ASAP to diagnose and document injuries
- Ensure the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are notified immediately, so a proper investigation can be conducted
- Document the scene through photos when possible, but don’t disturb the wreckage
- Reach out to an experienced Fort Worth aviation accident attorney who can help you to investigate the incident, including subpoenaing black box records
Avoid speaking to an insurance company or accepting any type of settlement offer until you have gotten legal help from an experienced advocate, so you can protect your claim.
Who is Responsible for an Aviation Accident?
There are many potential defendants you could take legal action against when you’re hurt or when someone you love is killed in an aviation accident. Some of the different parties who may be held liable include:
- The pilot: A pilot has a duty to operate the plane safely. If they fail in this obligation because they are careless, intoxicated, distracted, or fatigued, and an accident happens, they can be held responsible.
- The aircraft owner: Whether you are flying on a commercial airline, a helicopter owned by a tour company, a medical ambulance, or any other aircraft, those who own the aircraft could be responsible for an accident that happens while you are aboard. The owner could be liable for the company’s own negligence if, for example, the company didn’t have the right policies in place to ensure pilots were well-trained or the plane was well-maintained. It can also be vicariously liable for the negligent on-the-job actions of its employees.
- The aircraft manufacturer: If a problem with the aircraft itself causes the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim against the company that made the plane or helicopter. You could also sue those who made defective parts, such as an engine that fails. These claims arise under product liability law, so different legal arguments are required.
- Those responsible for aircraft maintenance: If maintenance professionals who are in charge of ensuring the aircraft is safe and in good repair fall short in doing so, and a maintenance issue is the cause of the accident, it’s possible to hold the maintenance personnel and their employers liable for resulting losses.
- Air traffic control: If air traffic controllers are negligent or make mistakes due to issues like burnout or distraction, then you may be able to sue the government if the air traffic controllers are federal employees. Because sovereign immunity rules apply to claims against government officials, you will need to follow a special process and strict deadlines.
Slack Davis can help in all of these different types of situations. We will identify all of the defendants who could be held liable for your losses and determine the right kinds of legal arguments to make in a case against those defendants.
We have stood up to some of the biggest commercial airlines and insurers in the world, and we are not afraid to fight hard to make those responsible for harming you pay the full amount you need to rebuild.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover After An Aviation Accident in Fort Worth?
You deserve to be “made whole” or fully compensated for losses after an aviation accident. Some of the different kinds of damages you may be entitled to include:
- Economic damages: Economic damages include medical bills, lost income, lost future earning power or a lifetime of lost wages in the case of a death, property damage, and funeral expenses.
- Non-economic damages: These damages cover non-financial loss, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and lost companionship in serious or fatal accidents when the injuries or death change the nature of relationships.
- Punitive damages: If gross negligence was involved in your case, you may be able to obtain punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter future wrongs.
Slack Davis will work to maximize the compensation you recover by gathering strong evidence of your losses, including medical records, expert testimony, pain diaries and journals, and more.
Contact a Fort Worth Aviation Accident Attorney Today
Slack Davis is here and ready to help if you or someone you love was hurt in an incident involving an aircraft.
With decades of experience, a reputation as skilled trial lawyers, and a history of five-star reviews, our firm has demonstrated that we're the ones to trust in high-stakes cases.
Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Worth aviation accident attorney to learn more.