Airplane accidents, while rare, raise pressing questions about responsibility and compensation for those affected. Whether it’s a mishap at a local airfield like Torrance Airport or a larger incident, the quest to determine liability is crucial.
This blog aims to explain the legal processes involved following a Torrance airport airplane crash, offering a clear view into how accountability is established and whether victims and their families are entitled to file a claim.
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Can I File a Claim for Plane Crash Injuries in California?
Yes, you can file a claim for airplane crash injuries in California. If you’ve been in a plane accident (or even a helicopter crash) and sustained serious injuries, or if you’ve lost a loved one in such an event, you may have the right to seek financial compensation.
The legal framework for these liability claims can involve multiple areas of law, including personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and sometimes even international law, depending on the specifics of the flight and the accident.
Who May Be Held Liable for a Plane Accident?
In California, the responsible parties could include the airline, the aircraft manufacturer, maintenance providers, or even, in some cases, federal or state entities involved in air traffic control.
Victims’ ability to file a claim and the potential success of that claim will depend on proving liability or fault, proving that this negligence caused the accident, and demonstrating the extent of the injuries or losses suffered.
Negligence in an aviation accident, whether for a commercial flight or private aircraft, can stem from various factors, pointing to lapses in care, protocol, or safety standards. Such aircraft accident factors may include:
- Pilot Error: Mistakes made by pilots, such as misjudging weather conditions, failing to follow proper procedures, or misinterpreting cockpit instruments, can indicate negligence.
- Maintenance Failures: Inadequate maintenance or failure to address known issues with the aircraft can be a sign of negligence on the part of the maintenance crew or the airline.
- Faulty Equipment: Defective parts or equipment failure, whether due to manufacturing defects or design flaws, can point to negligence by the manufacturer or those responsible for the aircraft’s upkeep.
- Violation of Federal Aviation Regulations: Non-compliance with FAA regulations related to flight operations, maintenance, training, and safety procedures can be a clear indicator of negligence.
- Inadequate Training: Insufficient or improper training of pilots, crew members, or maintenance personnel can lead to errors that constitute negligence.
- Air Traffic Control Errors: Mistakes or lapses in judgment by air traffic controllers, such as allowing dangerous proximity between aircraft or providing incorrect information, can be deemed negligent.
- Improper Loading: Overloading an aircraft or improperly securing cargo can adversely affect an aircraft’s stability and performance, pointing to negligence in the loading process.
Each of these elements can significantly contribute to an aviation accident, and establishing negligence often involves demonstrating that the responsible party’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care expected in aviation operations, directly leading to the accident and resulting damages. The legal issues that follow can be complex and require a thorough understanding of both the aviation industry and applicable laws.
Recoverable Damages from a Torrance Accident Accident
California law allows for the recovery of various types of damages, depending on the cause of the crash and other specifics, including:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical-related costs, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication, and any future medical care resulting from the accident.
- Lost Wages: If the accident has impacted your ability to work, you can claim compensation for lost income, including future earnings if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.
- Property Damage: If personal property was damaged in the accident, compensation for repairs or replacement can be sought.
- Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to the accident. It can also cover loss of enjoyment of life and any physical disfigurement or disability.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident adversely affects the relationship between you and your spouse, you may be entitled to these damages for loss of companionship and support.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful or egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Working with experienced airplane accident attorneys in Torrance will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for these and any other damages incurred. An airplane injury lawyer will determine the cause of the accident thoroughly, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
Note that the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in California is two years from the date of the accident. It is crucial to act quickly and seek the help of an accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Get Medical Care and Compensation After a Torrance Airport Plane Crash Accident. Call the Airplane Injury Lawyers at RTM Law. Free Consultation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that there were over 1.3 million registered aircrafts in the United States in 2019, with California being home to nearly 25% of those aircrafts. With such a large number of airplanes and airports, it is not surprising that accidents can happen.
Being involved in an airplane accident can be traumatic. In addition to physical injuries caused, crash survivors may also suffer from emotional trauma, financial strain, and other damages. This is where having a skilled airplane injury lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
In Torrance, there are several major airports including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Long Beach Airport (LGB), John Wayne Airport (SNA), and Torrance Municipal Airport (TOA). These facilities see a high volume of air traffic, making it crucial for pilots and airport staff to prioritize safety measures.
Unfortunately, accidents can still occur despite safety protocols in place.
RTM Law Firm has experienced personal injury lawyers in Torrance with extensive knowledge on aviation laws and regulations. Our compassionate legal team has experience handling complex cases involving different parties such as commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies, and more.
Call RTM Law’s airplane injury attorneys today at (424) 999-7553 for a free case review.
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We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in Torrance, CA
Our Torrance personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims in several areas, including:
✔ 166th St.
✔ Artesia Blvd.
✔ C. Mayor
✔ Camino Real
✔ Crenshaw Blvd.
✔ Delthorne
✔ Hillside
✔ Lomita
✔ Madrona
✔ New Horizons South Bay
✔ Northeast Torrance
✔ Northwest Torrance
✔ Old Torrance
✔ Pacific Colony
✔ Pacific South Bay
✔ Prairie Ave.
✔ Pueblo
✔ Seaside
✔ Sepulveda Blvd.
✔ Southwood Sunray
✔ Torrance Beach
✔ Van Ness Ave.
✔ W 182nd St.
✔ W 190th St.
✔ W Carson St.
✔ Walteria
✔ Yukon Ave.