On July 17, 2022, two airplanes collided at the North Las Vegas Airport, resulting in the deaths of 4 people. The planes involved in the accident were a Piper PA-46 and a Cessna 172. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the Piper PA-46 was preparing to land at around 12 PM when it collided with the Cessna 172. There were no survivors in either plane, and the incident is currently under investigation by the FAA.
Though the cause of the accident remains to be seen, manufacturer defects is one strong possibility when it comes to small, single engine aircrafts. Piper Aircraft Inc. and the Cessna Aircraft Company have a long history with defects within their planes, which have led to accidents and warnings by the FAA. When people are injured or killed on a defective plane, the manufacturer can be sued by the victim or the decedent’s loved ones. Liability may be shared with other parties, such as the pilot or the aviation company that owns the plane. For example, private aviation firms are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their planes. If they failed to take preventative actions like fixing or replacing parts, they too, can be sued for monetary damages.
However, it’s a fact that the majority of these accidents happen from mechanical defects and design flaws that are generally attributed to the manufacturer. In the upcoming sections, we will explore the possible defects that can lead to a plane crash, as well as the legal options that are available to victims and their loved ones.
If you’re in need of an attorney with experience in aviation accident lawsuits, contact Normandie Law Firm without delay.
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Defects with Single Engines Planes
The FAA’s investigation into the accident will surely involve thorough examinations of both planes to check for mechanical defects. Planes like the Piper PA-46 and Cessna 172 can fail and crash for a number of reasons, including:
- Design flaw with a specific part
- Cheap or insufficient hardware
- Improper installation of one or more parts
- Failure to comply with FAA specifications
- Cracks due to substandard metals
- Mechanical failures with safety mechanisms
- Electrical wiring issues
- Engine failure (engine shuts off / catches on fire)
As we mentioned, some of these issues may be due to the lack of care and maintenance by the owner. However, it’s no secret that Piper and Cessna planes have had their share of dangerous defects, which were traced back to the manufacturer. If a defect on a plane occurred during the manufacturing process, the manufacturer is liable if someone is injured or killed as a result of the defect.
Injuries from a Plane Crash
Traumatic accidents like plane crashes often result in death, but even if you survive, you are likely to be left with serious-long term injuries. Here are just some of the injuries that you can sustain if you are involved in a plane crash:
- Burn injuries (first to fourth degree)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ruptured / punctured organs
- Permanent scarring
- Loss of limb / amputation
- Paralysis
- PTSD
- Coma
- Death
PTSD and other mental health disorders are extremely common among plane crash victims. This is a trauma-based disorder characterized by the following symptoms:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Severe mood swings
- Paranoia
- Hypervigilance of one’s surroundings
- Self-harming behaviors
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Substance abuse
These symptoms can take away a person’s ability to engage in normal activities, like going to work and spending time with their loved ones. Thus, it’s imperative to seek compensation for emotional distress, which one of our lawyers can assist you with.
For more information on the lawsuit process and your right to compensation, give us a call and speak to a plane crash accident lawyer.
Can I sue the Plane Manufacturer for my Accident?
Yes, you can sue the plane manufacturer if the accident can be traced back to a defect that occurred during the manufacturing process. California operates under the system of strict liability, meaning that you do not have to prove a case of negligence to go after the manufacturer. Essentially, even if a manufacturer took the proper safety precautions and did not intentionally cause a hazard, they are responsible if a defect can be traced back to the manufacturing process.
However, plane defects can be caused by parties other than the manufacturer. Sellers and distributors can also be at fault, particularly in the case of used planes where parts have been fixed or replaced. Private entities, like charter companies, can also be at fault when a plane defect leads to an accident.
For these reasons, an investigation into these accidents is essential. If you were injured in a plane crash or lost a loved one to a plane crash, please give us a call right away. Our attorneys have many years of experience in aviation accidents, and know what it takes to build a strong case for compensation. We will go after the responsible parties and ensure that you receive justice for the trauma you’re going through.
Compensation in a Plane Crash Accident Lawsuit
A plane accident has life-altering consequences for the injured individual, as well as their loved ones. Some of these consequences are financial, such as medical bills and lost wages during the recovery period. Others are emotional in nature, like the grief of losing a family member or trauma-based mental health disorders. Various forms of damages are available to compensate you for these losses:
- Medical expenses (for yourself or your loved one prior to their passing)
- Lost wages for missed time at work
- Lost earning capacity if you can no longer work
- Pain and suffering for emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of expected income
- Lost benefits / lost inheritance
- Property damage
- Legal fees
- Punitive damages
Some of these damages will be unfamiliar to you, which is why you should consult a personal injury lawyer. Emotional damages, like pain and suffering, are especially difficult to valuate. Our attorneys can help you calculate a fair amount of money to ask for based on your injuries and what you have lost as a result of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for a Plane Crash Accident
In California, you have two years from the date of your injuries to file a lawsuit for a plane accident. The clock usually starts from the date of your accident, but it can also refer to when you discover an injury resulting from the accident. This is important to note, as some injuries do not manifest right away.
Statute of limitations also applies to family members and loved ones that lost someone to a plane accident. In this case, you would have two years from the date of death to file a claim for wrongful death compensation.
There are very few exceptions to the two-year SOL, so you must get started on an injury or wrongful death claim as soon as possible. One of our lawyers can explain your legal rights and initiate a claim on your behalf. Then, we will fight vigorously for the damages you deserve, no matter how long it takes.
Legal Representation from the Lawyers of Normandie
The recent tragedy at North Vegas Airport reminds us how easily an accident can happen when you are on board a plane. Furthermore, it brings to light the dangers associated with single-engine aircrafts, which are commonly associated with crashes and fatalities. For injured victims and their loved ones, a plane accident has devastating consequences, which they should not have to bear when someone else is liable for the incident.
The lawyers of Normandie are here to advise you of your rights and legal options. If pursuing compensation is in your best interest, you can be confident in our ability to recover your damages. As a sign of our commitment to you and your family, we will take on your case at no cost to you. Our Zero fee guarantee means that all our fees are deferred until we win your case. We only get paid when you receive your settlement, and if we don’t win your case, you won’t be responsible for any of our expenses.
If you’re ready to learn more about your rights as a plane crash accident victim, contact our office and schedule a free consultation.
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