Cueria Law Firm, LLC

New Orleans Aviation Accident Lawyer

Aviation accidents involving private, small airplanes can result in serious injuries, or even fatalities. Those who are injured (or the surviving family of the decedent in an accident) are entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical bills, and other challenges. If you or a loved one is injured in a private plane accident, the experienced New Orleans aviation accident lawyers at Cueria Law, LLC can explain your options to seek compensation. Call our office today for a free consultation with a New Orleans aviation accident lawyer.

Kevin B.

“Mr. Brent Cueria does an amazing job! He was always available for any questions or concerns that I had. There was never a moment that he wouldn’t take the time to help me out and keep me updated on the process of my case! A great attorney and an amazing guy!”

Private and Small Planes

People usually associate flying with large commercial aircraft, but about 90% of registered aircrafts in the United States are considered “general aviation.” These are smaller aircraft that hold about thirty people or less. These smaller aircrafts are subject to different regulations than commercial aircrafts and typically crash at a higher rate.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who investigates every aviation accident in the United States, has reported that 64% of general aviation accidents involve personal flights in fixed-wing airplanes. The NTSB is responsible for publishing accident reports and identifying ways to improve aviation safety.

It is devastating when a commercial plane accident happens, but private and small plane accidents happen more often and can be just as devastating to the victims and their families.

Having more relaxed standards for these private and small planes means these planes are likely to have more mechanical defects and receive less frequent maintenance. Private planes can be operated by amatueur pilots and often are, which means they may not be as experienced as a commercial pilot.

The National Transportation Safety Board has determined the most common causes of private plane crashes to be:

Loss of control
System malfunction
Abnormal runway contact
Insufficient fueling
Controlled flight into terrain
Collision with an obstacle during takeoff or landing
Unintended flight into poor weather conditions
Low altitude operations

Who May Be Liable

Since there are multiple types of small plane accidents and many causes, there are also multiple possibilities for who may be liable for your private plane crash injuries. The most common causes of these accidents are pilot error, faulty equipment, or violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Once someone is able to determine the cause of the plane crash, your attorney can identify who is potentially liable for your injuries. The most likely liable parties for a private plane crash include:

Aircraft owner/operator
Aircraft manufacturer
Both

Sometimes, it is clear that the operator of the plane made a mistake that led to the crash. When this happens and the owner of the plane was not piloting it, they may still be held liable under “vicarious liability.” If negligence can be proven, then the owner could be held liable for damages suffered by the injured party. If there can be no problem found with the pilots conduct, then the issue may have been a mechanical issue. Our New Orleans aviation accident lawyer can help you determine the responsible party and pursue compensation.

If the injuries sustained are a result of a defect in the aircraft and not lack of maintenance on the owner’s part, then the manufacturer of the aircraft may be liable. For aircrafts with less than twenty passengers, there is an Act that often shield manufacturers from liability. The General Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994 (GARA) helps shield manufacturers of aircraft carrying less than twenty passengers from liability for most crashes where aircraft parts are eighteen years or older at the time of the accident.

Contact a New Orleans Aviation Accident Lawyer

This does not cover all plane crashes though, so it is best to have a New Orleans aviation accident lawyer investigate the matter. When both the aircraft owner and/or operator and the manufacturer can be liable it is important to contact our New Orleans aviation accident lawyer because comparative fault may be used to decide how much liability will be assigned to each party.

Speak To Our Team Today

If you or a family member has been injured in a private or small plane accident, you should immediately contact a New Orleans aviation accident lawyer who is experienced in handling these types of cases. Private and small plane crashes can be complicated, and you need an attorney you trust to help you navigate your case.

Carolyn C.

“Had a Great experience. These guys are great and fast. They are on it. Y’all need to check out this law firm. Check them out u won’t be sorry but you will get a fair settlement because they are fair people. Been hurt??? Don’t wait. Call them today and let them litigate…”

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