Houston Aviation Accident Attorney
Although statistics show air travel is generally very safe, when something does go wrong, the consequences are often very serious. Plane crashes, extreme turbulence, and chemical exposure are some of the many things that can go wrong on an aircraft. Unfortunately, many incidents that occur can lead to lifelong injuries or death.
Slack Davis has spent 30 years fighting for the victims of aircraft accidents. Our legal team understands the technicalities of these claims, as well as the laws that apply to protect those who have been harmed.
We are committed to putting our legal knowledge and experience to work for you, so give us a call to schedule a free consultation with a Houston aviation accident attorney if you or someone you love has been hurt.
Types of Aviation Accidents
Some of the most common types of incidents that occur on an aircraft and injure passengers include:
- Crashes or collisions
- Extreme turbulence
- Rough landings/runway incidents
- Chemical exposure
These accidents can occur as a result of issues like:
- Human error: Air traffic controllers, pilots, crew, and maintenance professionals could make mistakes that result in an aviation accident.
- Product defects: Manufacturing or design defects can cause incidents, resulting in strict liability for the plane manufacturer or parts manufacturers under product liability laws.
- Maintenance problems: Failure to identify or fix maintenance issues can have devastating consequences if issues like engine failure occur.
Aviation accidents can also happen on all types of flights, including commercial aircraft, private and charter planes, air ambulances, and military aircraft. This includes aircraft leaving from:
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport, which serves passenger planes
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which is an airport used for both commercial and private use
- Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR), which serves executive jets
Getting Compensation After an Aviation Accident
When an aviation accident happens, you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible. This could include the pilot, the aircraft owner, the plane manufacturer, air traffic controllers, and those responsible for aircraft maintenance.
In order to recover compensation, you will need to show:
- The defendant had a duty or obligation to you: For example, a pilot has a duty to fly a plane safely, not be drunk while operating the plane, and to make sure not to take off in bad weather and put you in harm’s way. An air traffic controller had a duty to pay careful attention and communicate clearly.
- The duty was breached: This means the defendant failed to live up to their obligations. There are different ways you can show this. A product manufacturer, for example, has an obligation not to release an unsafe plane with design defects — and they can typically be held strictly liable if a product defect is the direct cause of the crash. There’s no need to prove negligence in these cases.
- The breach led to the aviation accident: You’ll need to show the pilot’s failure was the direct cause of the accident.
- That you suffered harm: Finally, you must show that you experienced damages as a result of the aviation accident. This could be medical bills and loss of earning power, as well as pain and suffering and emotional distress due to the crash. If your loved one died, you can collect wrongful death damages.
Slack Davis will help you to prove liability and will work with you to show the extent of your damages so you can make the strongest case possible.
What is the Statute of Limitations to File an Aviation Accident?
While the statute of limitations for aviation accidents can vary by jurisdiction, in Texas, you generally have two years to pursue a claim for personal injury or wrongful death.
While you have two years to take action, evidence can be lost quickly after an aviation accident. You need help from an experienced attorney to begin building a case right away. Our attorneys can respond quickly, subpoenaing evidence from the aircraft owner to get black box data, sending investigators to the accident scene, and working from day one to build a strong case.
Slack Davis will also ensure you take action within the allowable time limit so you can make sure you don’t lose your chance to pursue justice. If you are suing the government, special deadlines may also apply due to sovereign immunity rules, so we will work with you to ensure a procedural error or timing mistake doesn’t jeopardize your claim.
Why Choose Slack Davis For Legal Support After an Aviation Accident?
When you or a loved one becomes involved in an aviation accident, you have legal rights. However, you’ll need to navigate the justice system to enforce those rights. This can be difficult when you’re coping with serious injuries or grief from losing a loved one.
Slack Davis is here to represent you during this difficult time. You should turn to our firm because:
- We have 30 years of experience representing victims in aviation accidents. We have a detailed understanding of the laws governing your claim and know how to investigate and build strong cases.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for clients. We have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation and the negotiation and litigation skills to maximize your chances of full and fair recovery.
- We have aviation experience: Our team includes former pilots and a NASA aerospace engineer, so we bring to the table a strong understanding of the technical issues that often arise in aviation accident claims.
- We’ve been recognized for our legal skills. We were recognized by Best Lawyers as a Best Law Firm of 2024, have been designated as Super Lawyers, members of our team have been named Lawyer of the Year, and we have a long list of other accolades. We also have many five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
Our firm is truly committed to every client and case, and we will be there for you throughout your claim.
Contact a Houston Aviation Accident Attorney Today
Call Slack Davis today at (800) 455-8686 to schedule a free consultation with a Houston aviation accident attorney you can trust to fight for justice.