Airline and Plane Accident Attorneys in Irvine

There are several different types of accidents that could occur on a plane or in an airport. Some examples of these accidents include:

• Airplane crashes
• Slip and fall accidents in the airport
• Falls caused by turbulence
• Trip and fall accidents in the airplane
• Objects falling from the overhead bin in the airplane
• Assault and battery in the airplane
• Burns from hot drinks spilled by the airline attendant

When discussing the potential injuries that victims may sustain in airplane-related incidents, most people immediately think of catastrophic crashes. However, airplane accidents encompass a wide range of scenarios beyond just crashes. Injuries can occur both in the air and on the ground, and it’s essential to be aware of these possibilities.

What Are Common Airplane-Related Injuries?

While crashes are the most severe and feared type of airplane accident, they are not the only incidents that can cause harm. Injuries can happen in various ways, such as turbulence during flight, malfunctioning equipment, or even passenger behavior. Additionally, the risk extends beyond the airplane itself and into the airport environment.

Airport Slip and Fall Accidents: An Overlooked Danger

One of the most common, yet often overlooked, types of accidents in airports is slip and fall incidents. Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with passengers rushing to catch flights, navigating through crowded terminals, and often dealing with distractions like luggage and mobile devices. These conditions create a perfect storm for slip and fall accidents, which can lead to serious injuries.

Why Slip and Fall Accidents Are a Concern

Slip and fall accidents in airports can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe fractures or head injuries. In some cases, these incidents can have long-term consequences, affecting a victim’s ability to work or enjoy daily activities. The chaotic nature of airports, with their complex layouts and heavy foot traffic, significantly increases the likelihood of these types of accidents.

For a closer look at recent incidents involving slip and fall accidents or airport safety concerns, you can refer to local news outlets like KTLA

Preventing Injuries in Airports and Airplanes

To minimize the risk of injury, passengers should always be vigilant when moving through airports. Pay attention to wet floor signs, avoid distractions while walking, and report any hazardous conditions to airport staff. Onboard the plane, follow safety instructions carefully, keep seatbelts fastened during turbulence, and be mindful of overhead bins and other potential hazards.

Q: What Should You Do If Injured in an Airport or Airplane?

A: If you suffer an injury in an airport or on an airplane, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Document the incident as thoroughly as possible, including taking photos of the scene and getting contact information from any witnesses. Afterward, consider consulting with a legal professional to understand your rights and explore potential compensation for your injuries.

Why should you hire an Irvine airplane accident attorney?

• Our Irvine plane accident attorneys take the time to get to know your case. We offer complimentary no risk consultations where you can come into any of our offices, including our Irvine office located near you, and speak to our highly rated legal staff. 
• Not only will you have the chance to speak to our attorneys, but also are supporting staff. During this consultation, we will piece together exactly what type of accident you may have had, who the responsible parties are, and what next steps we should take for you. We always work to make sure that our clients get the maximum compensation they deserve. All types of aviation accidents have a likelihood of resulting in severe injuries, make sure that you have an experienced lawyer on your side.
• Also, gathering evidence to prove an aviation accident is one of the most important factors when filing a lawsuit. This is especially true if there were witnesses to the incident, and there were photos of the accident scene. The more time passes, the more difficult it could be to get a hold of these key pieces of evidence. 

Are airlines responsible for my accident?

When you book a flight, you might not realize that airlines fall under what is known as common carrier law. But what exactly does this mean? Let’s break it down.

What is a Common Carrier?

A common carrier is an entity that is responsible for transporting passengers or cargo from one location to another. This term not only applies to airlines but also to other transportation services such as buses, trains, and ships. In the context of air travel, this law plays a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and holding airlines accountable.

California Law and Airlines: A Special Duty of Care

Under California law, common carriers have an elevated duty of care towards their passengers. This means that airlines must take every reasonable measure to ensure that passengers are safe and free from any form of negligence. But what does this duty of care entail?

Q: What kind of negligence could affect airline passengers?

Negligence in the airline industry can manifest in several ways. It could be pilot negligence, where a pilot fails to operate the aircraft safely, or negligence by other third-party passengers, such as disruptive behavior that threatens the safety of others on board. Regardless of the source, airlines are legally obligated to protect their passengers from such risks.

Legal Responsibilities: Beyond Just the Airline

The scope of responsibility under common carrier law doesn’t stop at the airline itself. It also extends to third parties involved in the flight, such as ground crew, maintenance staff, and even other passengers. For example, if a fellow passenger’s negligence causes harm, the airline could still be held accountable under California’s stringent laws.

Why This Matters

Understanding your rights as a passenger is crucial, especially in a state like California, where laws are designed to protect consumers vigorously. Knowing that airlines have this special duty of care under common carrier law can provide peace of mind when you travel, ensuring that you can focus on your journey, not the legalities.

Q: What should you do if you believe you’ve been affected by negligence on a flight?

If you suspect that you’ve been a victim of negligence while flying, it’s important to consult with a legal professional who specializes in aviation law. They can help you understand your rights and explore your options for seeking compensation.

How can I prove my Irvine airplane accident case?

Usually, airplane accidents assert negligence. Negligence is a legal theory used to prove that the other party did not act the way that they should. When filing an airplane accident, you must show:

•  The airline had a duty to act in a reasonably safe manner. For example, the airline should have taken necessary precautions in maintaining the plane to prevent any accidents.
•  The airline failed to take such measures and failed to follow that duty.
•  Because that airline failed to follow that duty, an accident has now occurred.
•  The accident has now caused the victim to suffer injuries.

Above are just examples of some factors that you must have to prove. But, these factors can change depending on the circumstances. Besides negligence, you could also assert negligence per se factors, which take a look at the federal and state laws and regulations that airports and planes must follow, yet have failed to follow.

Who is responsible for my Irvine aviation accident?

• Other passengers
• Airline
• Owner of the airport
• Owner of the airplane
• 3rd party responsible for maintaining the airplane
• Airplane pilot
• Airplane employee
• Airline attendant
• Other pilots in the air
• Airplane manufacturing company
• Airplane retailing company

What kind of damages could I receive for my Irvine aviation accident?

Similar to almost any type of lawsuit, a victim of an aviation accident has the right to get compensated for their injuries and what they have suffered. A plaintiff, which is a party that is filing the lawsuit, must have to prove the amount in compensation that they suffered. This compensation takes a look at a variety of factors, including physical injuries and the emotional toll it took on the victim. The different types of compensation a plaintiff could seek include:

• Medical expenses:  almost any type of aviation accident could lead to physical injuries. These injuries will need to be treated by a medical provider. Medical treatments are not cheap and may result in thousands of dollars of bills. Expenses could also include medication and medical home equipment.
• Lost income: this takes a look at the number of hours that the victim took from work and the amount of compensation that they could have received in the event that they did go to work. Besides looking at past lost hours, an accident victim could also seek future loss of earnings in the event that the injuries are permanent and will impact the way the victim will work.
• Pain and suffering: pain and suffering includes mental anguish and the emotional distress caused by the injuries from the accident. Aviation accidents could be such a traumatic experience, especially because those who are in the airport or airplane are there for travel and leisure, and the last thing on their minds would be to be involved in an accident. Pain and suffering is not easily calculated, that is for the jury to decide.

Property damage: in the event that the victim had belongings on them, they could recover property damage.

What causes airline and airplane accidents in Irvine?

• Negligent pilots
• Pilot error
• Airplane staff error
• Engine failure
• Fuel exhaustion
• Poor weather conditions
• Improperly loaded luggage

What type of evidence could be useful in an Irvine airplane accident lawsuit?

Since airplane and airline accidents could get very complex, it is important that you have strong evidence in your favor. For example, the different types of evidence could include:

• Flight plans
• Airplane inspection records
• Airplane employee records
• Photos of the accident
• Aircraft manual
• Aircraft maintenance schedule

What should I not do after an aviation accident in Irvine?

After an aviation accident, we recommend that you refrain from speaking to any insurance adjusters or attorneys. Usually, insurance adjusters may try to downplay their liability and have accident victims sign waivers of liability. When you sign these liability waivers, it could get very difficult to then file a lawsuit or build a strong case.

Wrongful Death Plane Crashes

Usually, plane crashes result in death for the majority of passengers. If you have lost a loved one in an airplane crash in Irvine, you have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit as a surviving family member. Not only could you hold the party responsible for your loved one’s injuries, you could also recover compensation such as funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of moral support. Wrongful death lawsuits could get very tricky, especially when trying to prove just how much your loved one meant to you.