Aviation accidents are among the most catastrophic types of transportation incidents, often resulting in severe injuries, significant financial losses, and devastating emotional impacts. When negligence is a factor, victims and their families have the right to pursue legal action to seek justice and compensation.
In the guide below, the aviation injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore common aviation incidents caused by negligence. We discuss the injuries victims may sustain, the legal avenues available for seeking compensation, and how Kherkher Garcia can help you navigate the complexities of aviation accident claims.
Information about Aviation Incidents in the United States
Aviation safety in the United States has generally improved over the years, but recent incidents have raised concerns about aviation safety. Here’s an overview of aviation accident statistics in the U.S.
Overall Accident Statistics:
- In 2022, there were 1,277 accidents involving U.S.-registered civilian aircraft, an increase from 1,220 in 2021.
- The number of fatalities decreased from 373 in 2021 to 358 in 2022.
Commercial Airlines:
- Major airlines (scheduled services) experienced no onboard fatalities in 2022, maintaining a fatal accident rate of 0.0 per 100,000 flight hours.
General Aviation:
- General aviation accounted for 78% of all aviation crashes between 1982 and 2018.
- In 2022, general aviation experienced 339 onboard fatalities, with a fatal accident rate of 0.945 per 100,000 flight hours.
Recent Trends:
- In the first two months of 2025, there have been 19 fatal accidents resulting in 106 deaths, including incidents like a fire on an American Airlines plane and a midair collision near Washington.
While commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, these statistics highlight the higher risks associated with general aviation and the importance of continued vigilance in aviation safety practices.
Common Aviation Incidents Caused by Negligence
Negligence in aviation can take many forms, including pilot errors, mechanical failures, maintenance issues, air traffic control mistakes, and airline or manufacturer negligence. Below are some of the most common aviation incidents linked to negligence:
Pilot Error
Pilot error is one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. Mistakes in judgment, miscommunication, failure to follow protocols, and inadequate decision-making during flight operations can result in serious crashes. Common forms of pilot negligence include:
- Flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to adhere to weather advisories
- Miscalculations during takeoff or landing
- Ignoring safety protocols
- Poor communication with air traffic control
Mechanical Failures and Defective Aircraft Parts
Aircraft rely on complex mechanical systems that require proper design, testing, and maintenance. Negligence in manufacturing, faulty parts, or inadequate maintenance can lead to catastrophic system failures. Some examples include:
- Engine failure due to defective components
- Malfunctioning landing gear
- Faulty avionics and instrument systems
- Fuel system leaks leading to fires or explosions
Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection
Aviation companies are responsible for ensuring that aircraft are maintained in optimal condition. Failure to perform routine maintenance and inspections can result in:
- Structural failures, such as cracked fuselage or wings
- Brake system failures leading to runway accidents
- Malfunctioning control surfaces affecting maneuverability
Air Traffic Control Negligence
Air traffic controllers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of flights. Errors or negligence in air traffic control can lead to mid-air collisions, runway incursions, or miscommunication-related accidents. Examples include:
- Providing incorrect altitude or heading instructions
- Failing to warn pilots of nearby aircraft
- Inadequate response to emergency situations
Airline Negligence
Airlines are responsible for passenger safety from the moment they board until they reach their destination. Negligence on the part of airlines may involve:
- Overbooking and improper seating arrangements leading to passenger injuries
- Failure to provide adequate security measures
- Insufficient training for crew members to handle emergencies
Injuries Sustained in Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents often lead to severe, life-altering injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Impact forces during a crash can cause concussions, skull fractures, or long-term cognitive impairments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: High-impact crashes can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
- Burn Injuries: Fires or explosions during a crash may result in severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Passengers can suffer multiple fractures due to the force of impact.
- Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma can lead to internal bleeding and organ rupture.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may suffer from severe emotional distress, anxiety, and long-term psychological trauma.
Legal Actions for Victims of Aviation Negligence
Victims of aviation accidents have the right to seek compensation through various legal avenues, including personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and product liability cases. Victims and their families often have many questions about their rights. We hope that the following information is helpful:
Personal Injury Claims
If a victim survives an aviation accident but suffers injuries due to negligence, they may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future treatment)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Rehabilitation costs
Wrongful Death Claims
Families who lose a loved one in an aviation accident may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Product Liability Lawsuits
If a defect in an aircraft or its components contributed to the accident, victims or their families may file a product liability claim against the manufacturer, maintenance company, or other responsible entities.
Class Action Lawsuits
In cases involving multiple victims, such as commercial airline crashes, affected individuals may join together in a class action lawsuit against the responsible parties.
How Kherkher Garcia Can Help
Navigating an aviation accident claim requires extensive legal knowledge and experience. Kherkher Garcia is dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice and fair compensation. Here’s how we can assist:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Our team thoroughly investigates aviation incidents, analyzing factors such as pilot behavior, aircraft maintenance records, black box data, and weather conditions to determine liability.
- Collaboration with Aviation Experts: We work with aviation professionals, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to build strong cases for our clients.
- Pursuing Maximum Compensation: We aggressively negotiate with airlines, manufacturers, and insurance companies to secure the highest possible settlement for our clients.
- Trial-Ready Representation: If a fair settlement is not reached, our experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take the case to court and fight for justice.
- No Upfront Costs: Kherkher Garcia operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless we win their case.
Get Help after an Aviation Injury
Aviation accidents caused by negligence can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation incident, it’s essential to seek legal guidance from a trusted aviation injury law firm. Kherkher Garcia is committed to providing compassionate and aggressive representation to hold negligent parties accountable and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice. Call us at 713-333-1030 to begin your consultation right now. You can also reach out to us online to learn more, or schedule a consultation.
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