Defective Aviation Products

What are the dangers associated with Defective Aviation Products?

Flying is an inherently dangerous way of traveling. Soaring through the sky hundreds of miles an hour, thousands of feet above the ground in an airplane or helicopter leaves little room for error. One small mechanical problem in the air can spell disaster for air passengers and even unsuspecting people on the ground. Decades of National Transportation Safety Board aviation crash investigations have found that the majority of crashes – from helicopters and private airplanes to large passenger jets — are actually preventable.

By some estimates, mechanical failures cause up to 22 percent of aviation crashes. Historically, aircraft manufacturing defects, flawed aircraft design, inadequate warning systems, and inadequate instructions for safe use of the aircraft’s equipment or systems have contributed to numerous aviation crashes. In such cases, the pilot may follow every procedure correctly but still be unable to avert disaster.
Additionally, aging aircraft sometimes develop flaws and deficiencies that aren’t easily detectable. Commercial aircraft that fly internationally may be repaired, tuned up, and inspected by mechanics halfway around the world, sometimes not in accordance with FAA regulations. Often, simple neglect can have disastrous consequences.

Evaluating Aviation Accident claims

If mechanical failure or other flaws played a role in an aviation crash, other parties, such as the manufacturers of the aircraft and / or its components, may be held liable under product liability and strict liability claims.

What can I do if I have been involved in an aviation accident?

In many cases, airlines and/or manufacturers of aircraft will contact the survivors of an aviation disaster, or their families. An insurance company representing an airline or a manufacturer may offer to settle your family's claim very quickly. An insurance company may also attempt to offer some type of “advance” to help with many of the costs faced by families as the result of a death or severe injury.

One should not accept any of these offers or sign anything without speaking to an attorney. In many instances, an insurance company will offer to settle your claims for an amount substantially less than you are entitled to. Therefore, it is important to be advised of all of your legal rights and the damages you may recover in an aviation disaster.

If you feel you have a claim, our attorneys would like to talk to you. You may be entitled to compensation. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation legal consultation.