Aviation Law Attorneys

What is Aviation Law & When to Contact a Lawyer?

Aviation law combines federal, state, foreign, and international law elements, making these cases some of the most legally complex and technically complex in personal injury litigation.

These cases often involve:

• Pilot error or negligence
• Air traffic control mistakes
• Aerodynamics
• Mechanical failure or poor maintenance
• Defective aircraft components
• Violations of FAA regulations

Determining what caused an aviation accident requires a deep understanding of both aviation standards and the legal landscape — something the aviation accident attorneys at Podhurst Orseck bring to every case. Whether the accident involves a major airline, private jet, helicopter, or even a drone, victims and their families may be entitled to compensation when negligence or defective equipment is involved.

Commercial Airline Accidents

Commercial aviation accidents are rare but catastrophic. These cases often involve multiple victims, leading to nationwide or international litigation. Whether it’s a crash, emergency landing, or mid-air incident, our attorneys work with aviation experts, engineers, and accident investigators to uncover the cause and pursue claims against airlines, manufacturers, and other responsible parties.

Podhurst Orseck is rare because we’ve tried a commercial airline disaster case to verdict. That trial experience gives our clients a powerful advantage, especially when dealing with major airlines and global manufacturers that rarely face a courtroom.

Private Plane & Charter Jet Crashes

The U.S. sees a high volume of general aviation traffic, including private aircraft and charter services. Crashes involving these aircraft are more common than commercial airline incidents and often result from poor maintenance, pilot inexperience, or mechanical issues. Podhurst Orseck is uniquely qualified to investigate these cases and hold negligent parties accountable.

Helicopter Accidents

Helicopter flights, whether for tourism, emergency services, or news coverage, come with their own set of risks. These highly maneuverable aircraft are more vulnerable to weather conditions, mechanical failures, and operational errors. Victims may have a strong legal claim if a helicopter accident occurs due to negligence or defective equipment.

Drone-Related Incidents

As drones become more common in commercial, governmental, and recreational use, so do the risks. Improper drone usage can lead to property damage, injury, or even airspace interference. We help clients navigate the emerging field of drone-related aviation law, including FAA violations and personal injury claims.

Mid-Air Collisions

Mid-air collisions are among the deadliest types of aviation accidents and often involve catastrophic failure of air traffic control coordination, pilot situational awareness, or malfunctioning transponder equipment. These incidents can occur between commercial aircraft, private planes, helicopters, or even drones. Podhurst Orseck works with radar analysts, flight data experts, and NTSB records to determine exactly what went wrong—and who is accountable.

Runway & Ground Incidents

Collisions on the runway or taxiway, ground handling errors, and jet bridge accidents may not make headlines like full-scale crashes but can still cause severe injury or death. These incidents often stem from communication breakdowns between pilots and control towers, poor airport design, or ground crew negligence. Our firm has successfully litigated claims against airport authorities, service providers, and ground operations contractors in such cases.

Air Ambulance & Medevac Crashes

Air ambulances must operate under strict safety and medical protocols. When these flights are rushed, poorly maintained, or staffed with inadequately trained personnel, the results can be deadly. Podhurst Orseck represents victims and families in cases involving private medevac providers, government-contracted rescue operations, and nonprofit air transport services.

Military Aircraft Accidents

Non-combat aviation accidents involving military planes or helicopters often occur during training missions, maintenance flights, or equipment testing. These cases present unique legal challenges, including jurisdictional questions and sovereign immunity defenses. Our firm has extensive experience navigating claims involving government contractors, military oversight agencies, and third-party equipment providers.

Sightseeing & Tourism Flight Crashes

Sightseeing flights, such as helicopter tours, floatplane excursions, or hot air balloon rides, are popular in scenic or remote locations—and often poorly regulated. Operators may take unnecessary risks, fly in marginal weather, or cut corners on safety to boost profits. Podhurst Orseck investigates these often-overlooked tragedies and holds negligent tour providers and manufacturers accountable for preventable loss of life or injury.

Common Aviation Accident Injuries

Due to the nature of aviation crashes, the injuries sustained are often catastrophic and life-altering. Some of the most common include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Caused by blunt force trauma during impact, leading to memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, or permanent brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Often result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring long-term medical care and adaptive equipment.
• Severe Burn Injuries: From fires or explosions, frequently requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term pain management.
• Orthopedic Fractures: Multiple or compound bone breaks are common and may involve extensive surgery, hardware implants, or mobility limitations.
• Amputations and Limb Loss: High-impact trauma can result in the loss of arms, legs, or extremities, leading to lifelong disability.
• Internal Organ Damage: Blunt trauma may cause damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen, often requiring emergency surgery.
• Crush Injuries: Caused by collapsing structures or heavy debris, often leading to compartment syndrome, nerve damage, or infection.
• Psychological Trauma: Survivors frequently suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression that can affect daily life and relationships.

Fatal Aircraft Injuries

Many aviation accidents result in the heartbreaking loss of life, leaving families to grieve an unimaginable tragedy. At Podhurst Orseck, we are deeply committed to helping those families pursue justice through wrongful death claims.

These cases not only seek financial compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship—they also serve as a way to hold negligent airlines, manufacturers, or maintenance crews accountable.

Our Aviation Lawyers Support Families

The aftermath of a fatal aviation accident leaves families reeling—emotionally overwhelmed, financially uncertain, and often unsure of where to turn. Our team provides compassionate, steady legal support during this time of crisis. We help families understand their rights, navigate complex investigations, and deal with insurers, aviation companies, and other responsible parties.

Whether it involves coordinating with federal agencies or initiating civil claims, we remain by your side, advocating for accountability while ensuring your family’s voice is heard and respected every step.

Schedule a Consultation Today