When an aviation accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating. Injuries from aircraft crashes often result in severe, life-altering conditions. These injuries require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. Our Kalispell aviation accident lawyers understand these cases and work to recover the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident in Kalispell or throughout Montana, Travis & Brann, PLLP can help. At Travis & Brann, PLLP, we represent individuals and families injured in aviation accidents. We handle high-value personal injury cases involving aircraft crashes. Our team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why You Need an Aviation Accident Attorney in Kalispell
Understanding Aviation Accident Complexity
Aviation accidents differ significantly from other personal injury cases. These incidents involve complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and technical evidence. Understanding this evidence requires specialized knowledge.
When an aviation accident occurs, federal agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conduct the investigation. The evidence collected during these investigations can be critical to establishing liability and proving negligence. Additionally, aviation accident cases often involve multiple defendants. These may include pilots, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies, and air traffic control facilities. Each defendant has their own insurance companies and legal teams.
An experienced aviation accident attorney knows how to work with aviation experts. We interpret technical evidence and identify all potentially liable parties. Without proper legal representation, injured victims often receive settlements far below what their cases are worth. Our Kalispell personal injury lawyers have successfully recovered substantial compensation for aviation accident victims.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents in Montana
Understanding what causes aviation accidents helps establish liability in your case. While each accident is unique, certain factors appear frequently in aviation incidents:
Pilot Error remains one of the most common causes of aviation accidents. This can include poor decision-making, failure to follow proper procedures, inadequate training, or impaired flying due to fatigue or substance use. When pilot negligence causes an accident, victims may pursue personal injury claims against the pilot and their employer.
Mechanical Failure occurs when aircraft components malfunction or fail during flight. These failures can result from manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance, or failure to replace worn parts according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Aircraft manufacturers can be held liable for defective components that cause accidents.
Maintenance Issues represent a significant cause of aviation accidents. When aircraft are not properly maintained or inspected, critical systems can fail during flight. Maintenance companies and airlines bear responsibility for ensuring aircraft meet safety standards. Improper maintenance can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Weather Conditions can contribute to accidents when pilots fail to properly assess weather hazards. Poor decisions regarding flight operations in adverse conditions also increase accident risk.
Air Traffic Control Errors can lead to accidents when controllers provide incorrect information. Failure to maintain proper separation between aircraft also compromises flight safety. Under the Federal Tort Claims Act, claims must be pursued against the United States rather than individual controllers.
Bird Strikes and other wildlife encounters can damage aircraft engines or structures, potentially causing loss of control or engine failure.
Handling High-Value Personal Injury Cases from Aircraft Crashes
Aviation accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. The injuries sustained in these incidents frequently require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. When you have been injured in an aviation accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. Catastrophic injuries from aviation accidents often qualify for substantial compensation.
Types of Compensation Available
We pursue all available forms of compensation on behalf of our clients. This includes:
Medical Expenses cover all costs associated with treating your injuries. This includes emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. In serious aviation accident cases, these expenses can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Lost Wages compensate you for the income you lose while recovering from your injuries. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, we pursue compensation for lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering damages recognize the physical pain, emotional trauma, and diminished quality of life resulting from your injuries.
Property Damage includes compensation for personal property destroyed or damaged in the accident.
Loss of Consortium allows family members to recover compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and services when a loved one is seriously injured or killed.
Wrongful Death Claims can be pursued when an aviation accident results in a fatality. These claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of their loved one. Our wrongful death lawyers handle these sensitive cases with compassion and dedication.
Determining Liability in Aviation Accidents
Establishing liability in an aviation accident case requires thorough investigation and analysis of all available evidence. Multiple parties may bear responsibility for an accident. Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing your recovery.
Pilots can be held liable for accidents caused by pilot error. This includes poor decision-making, failure to follow proper procedures, or operation of the aircraft while impaired or fatigued.
Airlines and Aircraft Operators may be liable for accidents resulting from inadequate training. Failure to maintain aircraft properly or negligent hiring or supervision of pilots and crew members also creates liability.
Aircraft Manufacturers can be held responsible for accidents caused by design defects or manufacturing defects in the aircraft or its components.
Maintenance Companies may be liable when improper maintenance, failure to follow manufacturer specifications, or use of defective parts contribute to an accident.
Air Traffic Control Facilities can be held liable for accidents caused by controller error under the Federal Tort Claims Act. However, claims must be pursued against the United States rather than individual controllers. Sovereign immunity protections apply. An administrative tort claim must be filed with the FAA before litigation can proceed.
Our investigation process involves reviewing NTSB reports, maintenance records, pilot training records, and weather data. We work with aviation experts who analyze technical evidence and provide testimony regarding the cause of the accident and the negligence of responsible parties.
Why Choose Travis & Brann, PLLP for Your Aviation Accident Case
Our Approach to Aviation Accident Claims
When you choose Travis & Brann, PLLP to represent you in an aviation accident case, you gain access to a legal team with extensive experience handling complex personal injury matters. We understand the technical aspects of aviation accidents and have the resources necessary to conduct thorough investigations and retain expert witnesses.
We approach each case with a commitment to understanding your specific situation and your needs. Aviation accidents cause not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial hardship. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation available to help you move forward with your life.
We work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue your case without worrying about upfront legal costs. We handle all aspects of your case, from the initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial, if necessary.
Our team has extensive experience with Montana’s court system. We understand how local judges and juries approach personal injury cases. We use this knowledge to develop effective strategies for your case and to present your claim in the most compelling way possible. Learn more about our team of attorneys and their commitment to client advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
What is the statute of limitations for an aviation accident claim in Montana?
In Montana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. You have three years to file a lawsuit for injuries sustained in an aviation accident. However, exceptions to this rule exist in certain circumstances. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your rights are protected.
How long does an aviation accident case typically take?
The timeline for an aviation accident case varies depending on the case’s complexity, the number of parties involved, and whether the case is resolved through settlement or trial. Some cases may be resolved within a year or two, while others may take several years. Our team will keep you informed throughout the process and work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive fair compensation.
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
If you are able to do so safely, seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not believe you are seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Preserve any evidence from the accident, including photographs, videos, and contact information for witnesses. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies or other parties without consulting with an attorney first. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can begin investigating your case.
Can I pursue a claim if a family member was killed in an aviation accident?
Yes. If a family member was killed in an aviation accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims allow you to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of your loved one. We handle wrongful death cases with compassion and dedication to honoring the memory of those who have been lost.
How much does it cost to hire an aviation accident attorney?
We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs associated with hiring us. We only collect attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. Our fees come from the settlement or judgment we obtain. This arrangement ensures that cost is not a barrier to pursuing your case and obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Contact Travis & Brann, PLLP Today
If you have been injured in an aviation accident in Kalispell or anywhere in Montana, contact Travis & Brann, PLLP today for a free consultation. Our aviation accident lawyers are ready to discuss your case and explain your legal options. We serve clients throughout Montana and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve.
Call (406) 752-7550 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to working with you.