Aviation accidents, like the recent crash of an American Airlines regional passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter near Washington, D.C., remind us of the devastating effects they can have on victims and their families. While aviation is one of the safest modes of transportation, accidents do happen and can result in serious injuries, death and complex lawsuits. Knowing your legal rights after an aviation accident is key to getting justice and compensation.
Why Aviation Accidents Are Complicated
Aviation accidents are different from standard personal injury cases because of the legal, technical and regulatory complexities. The Potomac River crash is a perfect example of that:
- A regional airline (American Airlines, PSA Airlines) and its operator
- A military aircraft and federal government agencies
- Federal aviation laws and regulations
- Multiple jurisdictions, federal and state
- Investigations by the FAA and NTSB
That’s why you need the experienced legal help of an aviation accident attorney.
Why The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja Are the Aviation Accident Experts
The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja has unmatched experience in aviation accident cases. We were at the forefront of some of the biggest aviation cases, getting justice and fair compensation for victims and their families.
Proven Success in High-Profile Aviation Cases
Our law firm has been involved in several high-profile aviation accident cases, including the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, where we represented 14 families against Boeing, the manufacturer of the defective 737-MAX aircraft that killed 157 people on board. This was a game changer in aviation litigation as it exposed fatal design flaws and led to changes in aircraft safety regulations globally.
Government and Military Aircraft Cases
Aviation accidents involving government or military aircraft add another layer of complexity, particularly sovereign immunity—a doctrine that can limit the government’s liability in lawsuits. At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja, we know the sovereign immunity caps, where they come from and how they impact victims seeking compensation for military plane and helicopter accidents. We can navigate these cases and get justice for our clients despite the government’s caps.
What Personal Injury Attorneys Do in Aviation Accidents
Aviation accident attorneys help victims navigate the legal process. Their job includes:
Investigating
Attorneys work with aviation experts and accident reconstruction specialists to figure out what caused the crash. While the NTSB investigates, legal teams need to build their own case to prove liability.
Establishing Liability
Aviation accidents involve multiple parties at fault. Those could be:
- The airline or operator
- Aircraft manufacturer
- Maintenance providers
- Air traffic controllers
- Government entities (if military aircraft or federal airspace is involved)
An attorney finds all the liable parties to get the most compensation for victims.
Complex Regulations
Aviation law involves federal regulations, international treaties and state laws. Attorneys who handle aviation accidents know these nuances and how they affect a victim’s right to compensation.
What’s Available to Aviation Accident Victims
Victims and their families may be entitled to:
Immediate Damages:
- Medical expenses and emergency treatment costs
- Lost wages due to injuries
- Property losses
Long Term Damages:
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional trauma and mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Wrongful Death Claims:
Families of deceased victims can make wrongful death claims for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Survival action damages
Aviation Accident Cases Are Tough
Aviation accident litigation has its own set of challenges:
Time Sensitive
Evidence must be preserved immediately, flight data, wreckage analysis, witness statements.
Aviation cases require knowledge of aircraft systems, flight operations, weather and safety protocols.
Jurisdictional
Cases involve multiple jurisdictions so attorneys need to be familiar with federal and international laws.
When to Call an Aviation Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been in an aviation accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early intervention means:
- Evidence preservation
- Legal protection
- Timely filing of claims
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Coordination with investigators
How to Choose the Right Aviation Attorney
Choosing the right attorney is key to a winning case. Look for:
- Aviation Expertise – Aviation law is more than just personal injury law.
- Resources – The attorney has connections with aviation experts, accident reconstructionists and medical professionals.
- Industry Knowledge – A knowledgeable attorney is up to date on aviation regulations and precedents.
What to Do After an Aviation Accident
If you’re in or affected by an aviation accident:
- Get medical attention.
- Document everything, injuries, expenses, communications with airlines or insurers.
- Don’t sign anything from airlines or insurance companies without an attorney.
- Don’t make public statements or social media posts about the incident.
- Call an aviation accident attorney.
Conclusion: Justice After an Aviation Accident
Aviation accidents like the Potomac River collision remind us of the destruction these accidents can cause. While no amount of money can fix the trauma, knowing your rights and having an experienced attorney means victims and their families can focus on recovery while their attorney gets justice.
At The Law Offices of Omar Khawaja Law, we have handled the most complex aviation accident cases. From commercial airline crashes to military aircraft incidents, our attorneys have represented victims and their families and gotten them the compensation and justice they needed.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aviation accident, call us today for a free consultation. We will protect your rights and get you the maximum compensation possible.