Elite Aviation Disaster Attorneys – Trusted Worldwide
Aviation accidents are rare but devastating, life-altering events that often leave victims and their families searching for answers and justice. These incidents may occur during takeoff, landing, or mid-flight and can stem from pilot error, mechanical failure, or lapses in regulatory oversight—but they all share complexity, tragedy, and the need for a strong legal advocate. At Podhurst Orseck, we are leaders in the field of aviation law & litigation, and as internationally recognized aviation accident attorneys, we are ready to help you uncover the truth, pursue accountability, and fight for the justice you deserve.
40+ Years as the Global Leaders in Aviation Accident Litigation
Podhurst Orseck has set the standard in aviation disaster litigation for more than four decades. From its pioneering role in the aftermath of Eastern Air Lines Flight 401 in 1972, where Aaron Podhurst resolved more than 300 cases in under a year, the firm has grown into the world’s preeminent law firm for commercial and general aviation crash litigation. Podhurst Orseck is the only firm in recent history to try a Commercial Part 121 case to verdict, and its attorneys have represented families and survivors in hundreds of airline, civilian, and military aviation tragedies across the globe.
Beyond achieving justice for clients, Podhurst Orseck has driven meaningful aviation safety reforms worldwide. Its work in landmark cases—from the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 to the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tied to the Boeing 737 Max has influenced FAA regulations, NTSB findings, and even global insurance practices. Today, regulators, lawmakers, aircraft accident victims, and the media all turn to Podhurst Orseck as trusted voices shaping aviation safety policy and protecting the flying public.
We Set the Standard in Airline Disaster Representation
At Podhurst Orseck, we stand with victims of aviation accidents. Our aviation litigation team understands the emotional and legal challenges these cases bring and is committed to helping clients navigate every step of the process. From working with agencies like the FAA and NTSB to uncover the cause to pursuing accountability from those responsible, we fight tirelessly to hold the right parties accountable and secure the compensation our clients deserve.
If an aviation disaster has impacted you, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone—we’re here to help.
Why Choose Podhurst Orseck for Your Aviation Accident Case
Real Results. Respected Worldwide.
Podhurst Orseck stands out for its extensive experience and success in aviation litigation. Our firm has represented clients in numerous high-profile cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts. Notable achievements include:
Our firm’s commitment to legal excellence ensures that Podhurst Orseck clients receive the representation they need during challenging times.
Explore More Of Our Landmark CasesWhat Causes Aviation Accidents?
Aviation accidents are often complex, with multiple contributing factors. Common causes include:
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical defects—whether due to faulty design, manufacturing flaws, or improper maintenance—are a leading cause of aviation accidents. These failures can involve critical systems such as engines, avionics, landing gear, and flight control surfaces.
For example, a defect in a hydraulic system or improper torquing of bolts during routine maintenance can have catastrophic consequences mid-flight. The aviation accident attorneys at Podhurst Orseck have pursued claims against aircraft manufacturers, parts suppliers, and maintenance providers, holding them accountable for negligent practices that led to serious injuries and wrongful deaths.
Pilot Error
Even with stringent training and certification requirements, human error remains a major factor in aviation incidents. Pilot mistakes can range from navigational miscalculations and incorrect instrument readings to fatigue-related errors and failure to execute emergency procedures.
The airplane accident lawyers at Podhurst Orseck have represented clients in cases involving commercial airline crews and private pilots, including accidents resulting from miscommunication in the cockpit or violations of standard operating procedures. Our experience includes claims against charter companies and flight schools that failed to train or vet their pilots properly.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Errors
Air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining the safe separation and sequencing of aircraft—errors in this domain can quickly turn deadly. Misrouted flight paths, incorrect altitude assignments, or failures to alert pilots to nearby traffic or weather systems have all been implicated in past tragedies.
Podhurst Orseck has uncovered ATC negligence in several high-profile cases through flight data records, radar logs, and expert testimony, proving liability where federal investigations initially fell short.
Weather Conditions
Severe weather is a well-known risk in aviation, but it must also be properly anticipated and managed. Conditions such as icing, low visibility, microbursts, or sudden wind shifts can overwhelm aircraft and crews if protocols aren’t followed.
Podhurst Orseck has handled cases where flights were cleared to depart or land despite clearly unsafe weather conditions, or where pilots failed to divert or abort due to commercial pressure or poor decision-making. Our firm works closely with meteorological experts to reconstruct the exact conditions surrounding each incident.
Every aviation accident must be independently investigated. At Podhurst Orseck, our aviation accident lawyers work with industry experts, engineers, and former pilots to identify exactly what went wrong—and who should be held accountable.
Who Our Aviation Accident Attorneys Represent
At Podhurst Orseck, we represent a wide range of individuals affected by aviation accidents—whether the incident involved a commercial airline, private aircraft, helicopter, or military flight. Aviation tragedies don’t just impact passengers; they can devastate families, crew members, and even people on the ground. Our attorneys have the experience and global reach to represent clients in both domestic and international cases, ensuring that no matter your connection to the incident, your rights are protected and your voice is heard.
If you’ve been affected by an aviation accident in any capacity, we encourage you to speak with our legal team for a free, confidential consultation.
What Makes Aviation Accidents Complex & How We Win
Aviation accidents are not like other personal injury cases. These tragedies involve a rare intersection of catastrophic injuries, international and federal jurisdiction, overlapping regulatory bodies, and a web of potentially liable parties.
Successfully pursuing justice requires deep experience, technical knowledge, and the ability to coordinate investigations across borders and agencies.
Catastrophic Injuries & Long-Term Impact
Survivors of aviation accidents often face life-altering injuries that require years—or even a lifetime—of care. From traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage to severe burns and psychological trauma, the physical and emotional toll is staggering.
Podhurst Orseck works with leading medical experts and life-care planners to prove the full scope of our clients’ suffering and secure the compensation needed for recovery, therapy, and future care.
Multiple Jurisdictions & Legal Hurdles
Aviation accidents frequently involve aircraft registered in one country, operated by a company based in another, and crashing in a third. Victims may be from various nations, triggering a complex legal question: where can the case be filed? The aviation accident attorneys at Podhurst Orseck are uniquely positioned to navigate these jurisdictional issues, with a long history of litigating under domestic law, international treaties like the Montreal Convention, and foreign legal systems when necessary.
Regulatory Complexity
Unlike typical accident cases, aviation matters are subject to oversight from federal and international regulations and agencies, including the FAA, NTSB, ICAO, and more. Each agency conducts its own investigation, and the findings can significantly impact liability.
Podhurst Orseck has decades of experience interpreting agency reports, challenging preliminary findings when necessary, and building independent investigations with aviation engineers, former pilots, and accident reconstruction experts.
Multiple Liable Parties
Responsibility for an aviation disaster rarely falls on a single individual or entity. Liability may rest with the airline, the aircraft or component manufacturer, a maintenance provider, an airport authority, or even a foreign government. As a globally recognized aviation accident law firm, Podhurst Orseck has successfully pursued claims against major corporations and global defendants, securing significant verdicts and settlements by identifying every party that played a role in causing the tragedy.
Emotional and Financial Devastation
Beyond the immediate physical harm, aviation accidents shatter families. Survivors may be unable to work, care for themselves, or live independently. Families who lose loved ones suffer profound emotional grief along with financial instability. Podhurst Orseck takes a compassionate, strategic approach—ensuring that every economic and non-economic loss is accounted for in negotiations or trial.
When everything is on the line, experience matters. The plane accident attorneys at Podhurst Orseck bring unmatched skill, resources, and resolve to every aviation case we handle—because justice should never be grounded by complexity.
How Aviation Accidents Are Investigated & Resolved
Aviation accidents trigger complex investigations involving multiple government agencies such as the NTSB, FAA, and international aviation authorities. While these agencies focus on identifying safety issues and preventing future incidents, their reports rarely assign legal liability. That’s why victims and families need independent legal representation from the start to preserve evidence, uncover the true cause, and ensure accountability.
At Podhurst Orseck, we immediately launch our own investigation, working with top aviation experts, crash reconstructionists, and engineers. We determine where the case can be filed, often in U.S. courts even if the crash occurred abroad, and build comprehensive claims against all responsible parties: airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers, or air traffic control agencies. These cases often involve complex jurisdictional issues, technical evidence, and expert testimony, making experienced legal counsel essential.
What to Do After an Aviation Accident
In the aftermath of an aviation accident, victims and their families are often overwhelmed with grief, confusion, and unanswered questions. The steps you take in the following days and weeks are critical—not only for your physical and emotional recovery but also for protecting your legal rights. At Podhurst Orseck, we guide clients through every stage of this challenging process, starting from day one.
Prioritize Medical Attention
If you or a loved one survives an aviation accident, immediate and ongoing medical care is paramount. Many injuries, especially internal trauma or brain injuries, may not be evident at first. Keep all medical records, reports, prescriptions, and treatment plans. These documents are essential in demonstrating the scope of harm and securing compensation.
Document Everything You Can
If possible, collect and preserve key information, including:
- The flight number and airline/operator
- Location and time of the incident
- Names of other passengers or crew members
- Any photos or videos from the scene
- Medical reports, expenses, and lost wages
If you’re a family member of someone injured or killed, gather their travel itinerary, insurance policies, and any communication with the airline or authorities.
Contact the Appropriate Authorities
Authorities like the FAA and NTSB will typically launch their own investigations into aviation accidents. However, these inquiries may take months or years and may not fully address liability or victim compensation. Stay informed, but don’t rely solely on government findings to protect your rights.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance or Airline Representatives Alone
Airlines and insurers often reach out quickly to victims or their families to offer settlements or gather statements. These early offers are rarely in your best interest. Politely decline to comment or sign anything until you’ve spoken with an airplane accident attorney.
Consult an Experienced Aviation Accident Attorney
Aviation accident litigation is uniquely complex. Multiple responsible parties, international laws, and deep-pocketed corporations may be involved. At Podhurst Orseck, we have decades of experience handling major aviation cases worldwide. We know how to uncover the truth, preserve evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable.
If life has been affected by an aviation accident, don’t wait to seek help. Contact the airplane accident lawyers at Podhurst Orseck today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the legal, emotional, and financial aftermath with strength and clarity.
+1(305) 358-2800Aircraft / Aviation Accidents We Handle
Commercial Airline Crashes
We’ve led litigation in nearly every major commercial airline disaster of the past 40+ years, including Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, Lion Air Flight 610, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. These cases often involve multinational defendants, aircraft manufacturers, and treaty-based legal frameworks.
Private Plane & Charter Aircraft Accidents
General aviation crashes including those involving small private planes, business jets, and air taxi services are often caused by pilot error, inadequate maintenance, or mechanical failure. We hold negligent parties accountable in these often-overlooked tragedies.
Helicopter Crashes
Whether during tourism flights, offshore transport, medical evacuations, or military exercises, helicopter crashes often result in catastrophic injury or death. Our firm works with rotorcraft experts to determine fault, even when government investigations fall short.
Military Aircraft Accidents
We represent service members and civilians injured in non-combat military aviation accidents, including those involving fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. We have experience overcoming sovereign immunity issues and the Government Contractor Defense.
Sightseeing & Tourism Flights
We’ve handled cases involving floatplanes, helicopters, and small craft used for aerial tours, often in remote or high-risk environments. These crashes frequently involve safety shortcuts and inexperienced operators.
Medevac & Air Ambulance Accidents
Emergency medical flights must operate under strict protocols but when those are breached, lives are lost. We’ve pursued claims against negligent operators, dispatch services, and equipment manufacturers in air medical disasters.
Airport & Runway Incidents
Collisions during takeoff, landing, taxiing, or on runways can stem from poor communication, control tower errors, or ground crew negligence. We investigate and litigate incidents involving both private and commercial aircraft.
Drone & UAV Accidents
As drone technology expands into commercial and government use, accidents involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming more frequent. We handle complex liability issues in drone-related crashes and injuries, including airspace interference and mid-air collisions.
International & Cross-Border Aviation
Podhurst Orseck is uniquely equipped to handle international crashes involving multiple jurisdictions. We have successfully filed and litigated international claims in U.S. courts even when other firms declined.
Injured Aircraft Passengers
Passengers may suffer serious harm from severe turbulence, in-flight service cart accidents, falling luggage, slip-and-falls on jet bridges, or defective seating and safety equipment. We represent injured passengers on both domestic and international flights, holding airlines, manufacturers, and service providers accountable for negligence that causes harm mid-flight or on the ground.
Compensation for Aviation Accident Victims
Victims of aviation accidents worldwide may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including those available in a wrongful death claim or under the Montreal Convention. Determining what’s fair depends on the severity of injuries, the impact on the victim’s life, and whether negligence can be proven.
Types of Recoverable Damages:
- Medical Expenses: Including emergency transport, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work or inability to return to a prior career due to permanent disability.
- Pain & Suffering: Both physical pain and the emotional toll of the trauma can result in substantial non-economic damages.
- Loss of Consortium: In wrongful death cases, surviving spouses and children may be compensated for the loss of companionship and parental support.
- Funeral Expenses & Burial Costs: In fatal aviation incidents.
Our aviation accident attorneys at Podhurst Orseck work with life care planners, economists, and medical experts to ensure that every factor is considered in your compensation claim.
See Our Landmark CasesLiability & Fault in Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents typically involve multiple parties and jurisdictions, which makes establishing liability particularly complex. Which is why we undertake a meticulous process to determine who is legally responsible.
Potentially Liable Parties Include:
- Aircraft Manufacturers: Companies like Boeing, Airbus, and even smaller firms may be liable for design flaws, faulty materials, or inadequate testing.
- Maintenance Providers: Independent contractors or airline-owned maintenance teams can be liable if improper inspections or repairs contributed to a failure.
- Pilots and Crew: In pilot error cases, liability may rest with the pilot personally, their employer, or a charter service.
- Airlines or Charter Operators: For hiring unqualified personnel, ignoring safety regulations, or cutting corners on maintenance.
- Air Traffic Controllers: Federal agencies or contractors who manage local airspace and make critical flight paths and separation decisions.
With decades of experience and a track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, Podhurst Orseck knows how to navigate the complexity and secure results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
GUIDANCE ON LEGAL RIGHTS, INVESTIGATIONS, & COMPENSATION AFTER AN AIRCRAFT DISASTER
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After an Aviation Accident?
Time limits vary depending on the circumstances of the case, such as whether the flight was domestic or international, and which laws apply. Some claims may fall under international treaties like the Montreal Convention, which have strict deadlines. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible is critical to preserve your rights.
What Compensation Can I Recover in an Aviation Accident Case?
Depending on your case, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term care costs, emotional distress, and wrongful death damages. Podhurst Orseck works with economists and medical experts to calculate the full value of your claim and fight for maximum recovery.
What Are the Key Agencies That Oversee Aviation Safety?
Two federal agencies primarily oversee aviation safety:
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA sets the rules for air traffic control, flight crew licensing, aircraft manufacturing, and airspace operations, ensuring that flights are conducted safely and efficiently.
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): The NTSB investigates civil aviation accidents, determines the cause, and recommends safety improvements to prevent future incidents.
Why Should I Hire Podhurst Orseck for My Aviation Accident Case?
We’re nationally recognized leaders in aviation litigation, with decades of experience handling high-profile commercial and private aircraft cases. Our team has taken on major airlines, manufacturers, and government agencies—and we’re known for our skill in navigating complex, high-stakes claims. When your case demands elite representation, Podhurst Orseck delivers.
Can I File a Lawsuit if the Crash Happened in Another Country?
Depending on the airline’s registration, point of ticket purchase, crash location, and international treaties (like the Montreal Convention), U.S. courts may have jurisdiction. Podhurst Orseck has extensive experience bringing international aviation claims in U.S. federal court.
How Long Does an Aviation Case Take to Resolve?
Timelines vary widely. Some cases settle within a year; others may take several years due to technical complexity, international factors, or contested liability. We keep clients informed every step of the way and push for the fastest, most favorable outcome possible.
What Evidence Is Used to Prove Fault in an Aviation Accident?
Key evidence may include black box data (FDR/CVR), radar logs, maintenance records, pilot training logs, air traffic control transcripts, weather data, and witness testimony. Our legal team works with aviation experts to gather and interpret this data during litigation.
Should I Wait for the Investigation to Finish Before Contacting a Lawyer?
No. You should contact an aviation accident attorney as soon as possible. Government investigations can take months or years and are focused on safety—not securing compensation or protecting your legal rights. Early legal representation helps preserve evidence and position your claim effectively.
What If I’ve Been Contacted by the Airline or Insurance Company?
Do not speak with them or sign anything without consulting an attorney first. Airlines and insurers are protecting their own interests. Our legal team can handle all communications and ensure you don’t waive any rights or accept an unfair settlement offer.
Do Aviation Accident Lawsuits Go to Trial?
Most aviation cases settle before trial. However, Podhurst Orseck is one of the few firms with a proven record of taking major airline crash cases to verdict. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial to maximize your leverage.
CONTACT PODHURST ORSECK
For Unmatched Advocacy after an Aviation Disaster
With over 40 years of aviation litigation experience and a track record that includes nearly every major airline disaster, Podhurst Orseck stands as the global leader in aviation accident law. Based in South Florida, our aviation accident law firm offers elite, compassionate representation to victims and families nationwide & internationally. If you lost a loved one in an aviation tragedy, contact us. Let us help you pursue justice with the full force of the law.
Contact our office today for a free and confidentail consultation.