Airplane accidents, though rare, can be devastating when they occur. In Florida, a state with numerous airports and a thriving tourism industry, there is a higher risk of being involved in an aviation accident. This is especially concerning for both residents and the nearly 130 million visitors that come to the Sunshine State every year.
The aftermath of an airplane accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience for both survivors and the families of those involved. Victims may face a long road to physical and emotional recovery, often dealing with serious injuries, such as broken bones, burns, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
Families of airplane accident victims often struggle with immense grief and a profound sense of loss. They may also face financial hardships, particularly if their loved one was a primary income earner or if they are faced with substantial medical expenses related to the accident.
In addition to these challenges, victims and their families may encounter obstacles when seeking justice and compensation for their losses. Airplane accidents in Florida often involve complex legal issues, such as determining liability among multiple parties, navigating international laws, and dealing with powerful insurance companies. Investigating the cause of the accident and building a strong case can be time-consuming and emotionally draining.
During this difficult time, airplane accident victims and their families need the support and guidance of an experienced Florida airplane crash lawyer who can help them understand their rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation they deserve. By choosing a compassionate and skilled attorney like Prosper Shaked, airplane crash victims and families can focus on their recovery while knowing their legal case is in capable hands.
Why Choose Our Florida Airplane Accident Lawyers
Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA are committed to providing exceptional legal representation to airplane accident victims and their families. As a Miami native with a deep understanding of the local community and a passion for seeking justice for his clients, Prosper brings a unique perspective to his practice. His legal knowledge, trial experience, and work as a former prosecutor with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office allow him to handle even the most complex aviation accident cases.
After an airplane crash, Prosper and his team will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf. They will handle all communication with insurance companies, ensuring your rights are protected and you are not taken advantage of during this vulnerable time. Prosper will fight tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages related to the accident, and if necessary, he will represent you in court, using his extensive trial experience to advocate for your rights and interests.
The firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning that clients pay no attorney fees unless a recovery is secured, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. When you choose Prosper Shaked and his firm to handle your Florida airplane accident case, you can trust that you have a dedicated, experienced, and compassionate legal team fighting for your rights.
How Common Are Airplane Accidents?
While airplane accidents are relatively rare compared to other modes of transportation, they can still have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Anyone injured due to airline or pilot negligence should seek the help of an experienced lawyer to protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
- According to the National Safety Council, the odds of dying in a plane crash in the United States are about 1 in 205,552, compared to 1 in 102 for a car crash.
- The Aviation Safety Network reported that in 2021, there were 121 airplane accidents worldwide, resulting in 376 fatalities. This includes both commercial and non-commercial aircraft.
- According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 1,316 civil aviation accidents in the United States in one recent year, with 332 fatalities. This includes all types of civil aviation, such as commercial airlines, air taxis, and general aviation.
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that the global accident rate for commercial airlines was 1.71 accidents per million flights, which is higher than the rate of 1.13 in 2019. However, this increase is attributed to the significant reduction in flight numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The NTSB reported 1,085 general aviation accidents in the United States in 2020, with 332 fatalities. General aviation includes all non-commercial aircraft, such as private planes and helicopters.
Common Causes of Airplane Accidents in Florida
Airplane accidents can occur due to various factors, and understanding these causes is crucial for preventing future incidents and seeking justice for victims. In Florida, some of the most common causes of airplane accidents include pilot error, mechanical failures, adverse weather conditions, and air traffic control errors.
Pilot Error
Pilot error is a leading cause of aviation accidents, often resulting from inadequate training, fatigue, or miscommunication among crew members. Pilots must undergo rigorous training and adhere to strict regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. However, when pilots are not properly trained, are overworked, or fail to communicate effectively, the risk of accidents increases significantly.
Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures are another significant cause of airplane accidents in Florida. These failures can stem from inadequate maintenance, manufacturing defects, or design flaws. Regular maintenance and inspections are essential to identify and address potential issues before they lead to accidents. The consequences can be devastating when manufacturers or maintenance providers neglect their duties.
Poor Weather Conditions
Florida’s weather conditions can also contribute to airplane accidents. Thunderstorms, hurricanes, and fog are common occurrences in the state, and each can pose unique challenges for pilots.
Airlines are responsible for monitoring weather conditions closely and making informed decisions about delaying or canceling flights when necessary. They must prioritize the safety of passengers and crew over other considerations, such as maintaining flight schedules or minimizing financial losses. When airlines fail to make prudent decisions in the face of adverse weather conditions, they put lives at risk and may be held liable for any resulting accidents.
Pilots, too, play a crucial role in ensuring safety during poor weather conditions. They must be well-trained in handling a variety of weather scenarios and must exercise good judgment in deciding whether it is safe to fly. Pilots should stay updated on weather forecasts, communicate with air traffic control, and be prepared to alter flight plans or divert to alternative airports if necessary.
Air Traffic Control Errors
Air traffic control errors, such as miscommunication, understaffing, and equipment malfunctions, can also lead to airplane accidents. Air traffic controllers play a critical role in managing the flow of aircraft, providing guidance, and ensuring safe separation between planes. Airplane accidents increase when controllers are overworked, inadequately trained, or working with faulty equipment.
Investigating the cause of an airplane accident is a complex process that requires the expertise of skilled professionals. Prosper Shaked and his team at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA have the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate your accident’s cause and build a strong case on your behalf. By identifying and holding the responsible parties accountable, our Florida airplane crash lawyers can help you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Types of Injuries Suffered in Airplane Accidents
While catastrophic airplane crashes often dominate headlines, it’s important to recognize that injuries can occur on airplanes, even without a full-scale accident. Passengers can suffer injuries due to various factors, such as turbulence, falling luggage, or slip-and-fall accidents within the aircraft.
One of the most common causes of injuries on airplanes is turbulence. Turbulence can cause passengers to be jolted or thrown from their seats, potentially leading to bruises, cuts, sprains, or even broken bones. In severe cases, turbulence can also cause head injuries or spinal cord damage. While pilots do their best to avoid turbulence and warn passengers when it is expected, it can sometimes occur unexpectedly.
Falling luggage is another hazard that passengers may encounter on airplanes. When overhead bins are improperly closed or overloaded, luggage can fall out and strike passengers, causing head injuries, cuts, or bruises. In some cases, heavy items stored in overhead bins can cause more severe injuries, such as concussions or neck and back injuries.
Slip and fall accidents are also a concern on airplanes, particularly during boarding and deplaning. Passengers may trip over luggage, slip on wet or slippery surfaces, or fall due to uneven flooring or poor lighting. These accidents can result in a range of injuries, including bruises, sprains, fractures, and head injuries.
Other common injuries that can occur on airplanes include burns from hot beverages or food, ear pain or hearing loss due to changes in cabin pressure, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) from prolonged immobility during long flights.
If you have been injured on an airplane due to the negligence of the airline, its crew, or another passenger, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Whether you have suffered a minor or a more severe injury, Prosper Shaked is committed to providing you with the personalized attention and aggressive representation you need to secure a fair settlement or verdict.
Fighting an Uphill Battle After an Airplane Crash in Florida
Airplane accident victims and their families often face a long and difficult road to recovery, both physically and emotionally. In addition to dealing with the immediate aftermath of the accident, they may also encounter numerous obstacles and challenges as they seek to rebuild their lives and pursue justice.
One of the most significant challenges faced by airplane accident victims is the physical and emotional trauma they may experience. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, which can be costly and time-consuming. The emotional impact of the accident can be just as devastating, with many survivors experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Families of airplane accident victims also face immense emotional challenges, particularly if their loved one was killed in the accident. They may struggle with grief, anger, and a sense of helplessness as they try to come to terms with their loss. The financial impact of losing a loved one can be significant, especially if the victim is the primary breadwinner for the family.
Aviation accidents often involve complex legal issues, such as determining liability among multiple parties, interpreting international treaties and regulations, and dealing with powerful insurance companies and their legal teams. Building a strong case requires extensive investigation, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of aviation law. The legal process can be lengthy, emotionally draining, and expensive, adding to the stress and uncertainty faced by airplane accident victims and their families.
In some cases, airplane accident victims and their families may also face challenges related to the jurisdiction in which the accident occurred. If the accident happened outside of the United States, for example, victims may need to navigate foreign legal systems and deal with language barriers, cultural differences, and logistical challenges in pursuing their claims.
Filing an Airplane Accident Lawsuit in Florida
When an airplane accident occurs in Florida, victims and their families have the right to seek compensation for their losses through various legal avenues. The most common types of claims in these cases include personal injury, product liability, and wrongful death.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit After an Airplane Crash
Personal injury claims are based on the idea that the accident was caused by someone’s failure to exercise reasonable care. This could be the pilot, the airline, the maintenance crew, or other parties involved in the operation of the aircraft. To win your lawsuit, you and your Florida airplane accident attorney must prove that the responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the accident and resulting injuries.
Gathering evidence is crucial in these cases, including witness statements, expert testimony, and documentation of safety violations. Florida’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the accident date.
Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit After an Airplane Accident
Product liability claims arise when a defective product, such as a faulty engine, malfunctioning navigation system, or defective safety equipment, causes an airplane accident. In these cases, victims can hold the manufacturer, designer, or distributor of the defective product responsible for their injuries. Product liability claims can be based on design defects, manufacturing defects, or a failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions. These cases often require extensive investigation and expert analysis to demonstrate the defect and link it to the accident.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Losing a Loved One
Wrongful death claims are brought by the family members of individuals who have died in an airplane accident. In Florida, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate must file the wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members. Eligible family members may include the spouse, children, parents, and other dependent relatives. Damages in a wrongful death claim can compensate for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and benefits, loss of companionship and support, and the emotional suffering of the survivors. In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the person’s death.
Navigating the legal complexities of an airplane accident case can be overwhelming for victims and their families, especially while dealing with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. This is where having an experienced and dedicated Florida airplane accident attorney like Prosper Shaked can make all the difference.
Prosper will work tirelessly to investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence to support your accident claim, and build a strong case on your behalf. He will handle all communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you are not taken advantage of during this difficult time. With his extensive trial experience and commitment to client success, Prosper Shaked is ready to fight for your rights in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Contact Our Florida Airplane Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an airplane accident in Florida, don’t hesitate to contact Prosper Shaked at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA. As an award-winning personal injury attorney, Prosper is dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 305-694-2676 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule your free consultation and work towards the justice you deserve.