While air travel is generally safe, when an aviation accident does happen, the consequences are often devastating. A single mechanical failure, overlooked maintenance issue, or pilot error can lead to life-changing injuries — or the unimaginable loss of a loved one.
At Zoeller Law, our experienced Florida Aviation Accident Lawyers understand the emotional and financial toll these tragedies take. The cost of medical care, lost income, and long-term treatment can feel overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to bear that burden alone — especially when someone else’s negligence is to blame.
Our firm has decades of experience handling complex aviation cases, from early investigation through trial and appeal. We know how to hold negligent parties accountable — and we fight to secure the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Were You Hurt in an Aviation Accident? Let Us Help You
Were You Hurt in an Aviation Accident? Let Us Help You
Get your FREE & confidential case review today
561-689-8180Differences Between General and Commercial Aviation
General aviation involves private or recreational aircraft, while commercial aviation is open to the public.
Accidents in commercial airline travel are rare compared to other forms of travel, emphasizing the safety of commercial airlines due to the extensive training and experience of their pilots. Commercial pilots undergo rigorous training and are responsible for the safety of hundreds of passengers on each flight, unlike private pilots who may not have the same level of training and oversight.
A private plane is much smaller than a commercial plane. General aviation involves nonscheduled flights that commercial airlines don’t operate. The term “general aircraft” includes more than airplanes as it can refer to helicopters as well.
The most common types of aircraft used in general aviation include:
- Small planes
- Offshore helicopters
- Personal and business jets
- Tour planes and helicopters
- Charter flights
- Non-commercial aircraft
- Emergency service planes and helicopters
Commercial flights are for transporting cargo and passengers. These planes take off and land at large airports. You most likely have taken a commercial flight at least once in your life for business or to travel with your family.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Accidents involving an aircraft can occur for many reasons. Some scenarios have nothing to do with the plane crashing, such as an overhead bin with a faulty latch opening during turbulence and spilling luggage onto the passengers below. Another incident may involve someone slipping on a hazard left in the middle of the aisle on their way to the lavatory. Anything could happen and cause severe injuries.
The most common causes of aviation accidents are:
- Air traffic control errors
- Defective product and equipment
- Improper maintenance or poorly maintained aircraft or parts
- Adverse weather
- Violating safety or Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations
- Pilot error
- Low fuel
- Inadequate preflight inspections
- Mechanical failure
- Design defects in plane components
- Bad communication between the pilot, crew, air traffic control, and other parties
Federal agencies like the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) often investigate these accidents to determine the root causes and recommend safety improvements.
Regardless of what caused the accident, you deserve the opportunity to pursue legal action against the at-fault party. Do not hesitate to call [firm-name] immediately following the accident to learn about the services we provide and the rights you have as an injured victim or surviving family member.
Common Injuries Suffered in Aviation Accidents
People can get hurt if an accident happens during takeoff, landing, taxiing, or while the aircraft is in the sky. No matter what type of accident occurs, various injuries can result. The most common injuries include:
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Burns and cuts
- Spinal cord damage or back injury
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of limb
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Sprained ankles
- Soft tissue injuries
Personal injury lawsuits can help victims seek compensation for their injuries, covering medical expenses and other related costs. Medical experts play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these injuries, providing the necessary care to help victims recover.
Unfortunately, airplane collisions typically cause fatalities. Most people don’t survive when an aircraft drops quickly to the ground. The body can’t handle the violent force of a plane crashing into a body of water, building, or land. Anyone who survives often struggles with ongoing issues, such as physical or mental disability, chronic pain, and mental illness. Survivors often face significant medical expenses for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Victims and their families face emotional and financial challenges after such tragedies. Seeking legal assistance is crucial to navigate the complexities of filing claims and seeking justice.
Determining Liability in an Aviation Accident
The pilot isn’t the only person responsible for the safe operation of an airplane. Identifying all parties responsible is important in an aviation accident to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. Multiple parties must ensure the aircraft is in good working condition and doesn’t contain damage or defects that could cause malfunctions.
Common parties held liable for airplane accidents are:
- Pilots
- Private plane companies and operators
- Flight crew members
- Air traffic controllers
- Maintenance workers and maintenance crews
- Aircraft and parts manufacturers
- Commercial airline companies
- Servicing companies
- Mechanics
Aircraft manufacturers can also be held liable if a design defect or manufacturing error contributed to the accident. [Firm-name] has extensive experience handling helicopter crash cases, ensuring victims and their families receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
What Does an Aviation Accident Attorney Do?
If any of these or another individual or company were responsible for the accident, you could pursue compensation from them. Florida aviation accident attorneys know how to investigate these cases to determine who caused your injury and how to hold them accountable for what they have done.
When we perform the investigation, we will use our resources to obtain all of the available evidence. This will help us to establish who was at fault for the accident. The circumstances of the incident will determine the type of evidence we need, such as:
- Documentation for recalled or damaged parts
- The black box in the plane
- Pilot’s employment history, experience, and qualifications
- Photos of unrepaired damage to the plane
- Maintenance and repair logs for the aircraft
- Reports from the FAA and other investigations
- Pictures from the crash site
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Copies of your medical records and medical bills
- Video surveillance of the accident
Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for building a strong case and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. The evidence we find could prove that the airline, pilot, or other party should be financially liable for the injured victim’s losses. The costs you incur should not be your responsibility if your actions did not contribute to your injury in any way.
Our experienced aviation accident attorneys are dedicated to providing the legal representation you need to navigate the complexities of aviation accident cases.
Were You Hurt in an Aviation Accident? Let Us Help You
Were You Hurt in an Aviation Accident? Let Us Help You
Get your FREE & confidential case review todayCompensation Available in an Aviation Accident Case
You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for compensation for the losses you suffered. These losses might include:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Damage to personal property
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
These financial losses can be overwhelming, but pursuing a personal injury claim can help alleviate the burden.
You could also pursue punitive damages. Instead of compensating your losses, an award of this type aims to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. A jury might award these damages to you if you can provide clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Victims may also be entitled to compensation for future medical expenses related to their injuries.
The compensation you receive could cover various losses, such as:
- Funeral expenses and medical costs you or another surviving relative paid
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of services and support provided by the deceased
- Loss of protection and companionship
- Lost instruction, companionship, or guidance from a parent
If you choose to file a lawsuit, you must initiate your case by the deadline set forth by the Florida statute of limitations. Under Florida law, wrongful death cases require you to file within the two-year statute of your loved one’s death. If you survived the accident and want to seek compensation for your losses, you must file a personal injury claim within two years of the accident.
Steps to Take Following an Aviation Accident
There are things you should do immediately after getting hurt in an airplane accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
First, you need to seek medical treatment. Evidence is necessary to prove you were injured under these circumstances rather than a previous accident or preexisting medical condition.
The emergency room physician should evaluate your injuries and recommend a treatment plan. Follow their orders and continue attending your doctor’s appointments regularly. It is critical to show up for every recommended physical therapy appointment, imaging test, and surgical procedure. If you decide to stop treatment before you heal or without your medical provider’s consent, it could hurt your case.
Consult Aviation Experts
Aviation experts play an integral role in investigating aviation accidents. They gather and analyze evidence to determine liability and support the victims’ cases, ensuring a detailed understanding of the complexities involved in aviation litigation.
Hire a Lawyer
Many pilots, airlines, and other parties hire experienced defense attorneys that won’t go easy on you just because you are in pain and struggling to recover. If you do not have a dedicated legal team by your side, you could potentially lose your case or walk away with less compensation than you deserve.
Consult one of the Florida airplane accident attorneys from [firm-name]. This is another important step you should not wait to complete. Handling an aviation accident case is time-consuming and complicated. It’s particularly challenging if you attempt to take on the negligent individual or company alone. A personal injury lawyer experienced in aviation accident cases can handle the complex legal and technical issues involved, helping you understand your legal options and potentially secure compensation for serious injuries or damages.
Gather Evidence
It would be best to maintain every record you receive during the ongoing case. If a medical facility mails you a bill for their services, you pay for a prescribed medication, or your doctor writes a referral for follow-up care, keep a copy. Although [firm-name] can collect all the evidence we need, reviewing the documents our client brings us is helpful. Airplane accident victims often require many months or years of treatment and forget about seeing a particular doctor or undergoing an X-ray. If we find that information among the documentation our client brings in, we can ensure we have complete records.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation to understand your legal options and get the support you need.
Contact Our Trusted Legal Team at Zoeller Law
When an aviation accident turns your life upside down, you need a law firm with the experience, strength, and dedication to fight for you. At Zoeller Law, our seasoned Florida Aviation Accident Lawyers bring over 40 years of proven success in handling complex, high-stakes aviation cases.
We understand what’s at stake. From day one, your case becomes our priority. We’ll investigate every detail, gather critical evidence, and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to — in or out of the courtroom. With extensive trial experience and a relentless drive for justice, we never hesitate to take on powerful aviation companies and insurers.
Our firm has secured significant recoveries for clients harmed by negligence in the skies, and our reputation is built on trust, results, and personalized care.
If you’ve been injured in an airplane accident, we’re here for you — 24/7. Let us guide you forward and fight for the justice you deserve.
