Aviation Accident Lawyer in Chicago

Airplane accidents, helicopter accidents, and other aviation catastrophes in Chicago could alter your life in an instant.

An airplane or helicopter can crash without warning, seriously injuring or killing people who are powerless to prevent the accident. Grieving families may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit or claim. Those who sustained injuries may be entitled to compensation for their physical, emotional, and financial losses. When these accidents occur, having an experienced, knowledgeable Chicago aviation accident lawyer on your side fighting for your rights is essential. If you are searching for an airplane accident lawyer, you have come to the right place.

At Paul Padda Law, our Chicago accident lawyers know how to investigate complicated cases and deliver exceptional results. We put our experience and resources to work for our clients. We can reach out to the appropriate experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, who can advocate for your personal injury claim if you have experienced injuries following an aviation accident. Call us today or get in touch through our website and let us help you get justice.

How Our Chicago Helicopter and Plane Crash Lawyers Handle Complex Cases

The good news is that plane crashes are exceedingly rare. However, when aviation accidents occur, the results are usually catastrophic. Statistics show pilot error accounts for approximately 53 percent of aircraft accidents, with mechanical failures responsible for 21 percent of accidents and weather accounting for 11 percent of crashes. The most dangerous times include takeoff and landing and the time period immediately before and after these events.

Plane crashes are complex, often involving lengthy investigations into the cause of the accident and requiring the services of highly trained experts. At Paul Padda Law, we are dedicated to helping the victims of plane crashes and their loved ones by providing aggressive and experienced legal representation. We are committed to treating each one of our clients with the respect and dignity they deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a plane crash, you have the right to receive just compensation, the best available medical care, and the highest quality legal representation.

The same is true for helicopter accidents in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois. While helicopters can be a wonderful way to view a city at night or tour scenic areas, the risk of danger is always present. Although helicopter accidents are relatively  rare, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the helicopter accident rate in the United States is 35 percent higher than airplane disasters. The growing popularity of helicopter travel has contributed to a higher rate of accidents.

Common Causes of Aviation Accidents

Aviation accidents can result from numerous factors, often involving multiple contributing causes. Understanding these causes helps establish liability and build strong compensation cases. Common causes include:

• Pilot Error: Failure to follow proper takeoff and landing procedures, premature descent, excessive landing speed, missed runways, failure to refuel, navigation mistakes, and dangerous miscalculations
• Equipment Malfunction: Engine failure, structural design flaws, defective parts, and inadequate maintenance
• Poor Weather Conditions: Storms, fog, ice, and other adverse weather when pilots fail to check conditions properly or underestimate dangers
• Negligence by Air Traffic Control: Miscommunication, improper guidance, or failure to provide critical information
• Defective Runway: Poor maintenance, obstructions, or design flaws at airports
• Inadequate Maintenance: Failure to properly inspect, repair, or service aircraft
• Design Defects: Flaws in aircraft design or manufacturing
• Electrical and Mechanical Problems: Failures in critical systems
• Aircraft Malfunction: Various mechanical failures affecting flight safety
• Improper Cargo Loading: Incorrect weight distribution affecting aircraft balance
• Ground Crew Error: Mistakes during fueling, loading, or aircraft preparation
• Sabotage: Intentional acts including terrorist activity

How Long Do I Have to Sue for  an Aviation Accident in Chicago?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations usually requires an aviation accident lawsuit to be brought within two years of the date of the incident. While this may seem like a long time, the time can go by very quickly, especially if you are dealing with the catastrophic aftereffects of an aviation disaster. Additionally, because of the complexity associated with most aviation accidents, a significant amount of time may be required to investigate the accident.

Given these points, consulting with a Chicago aviation accident lawyer following an incident is essential to understanding your legal rights. Some aviation accidents may involve federal jurisdiction or international laws such as the Montreal Convention, which can affect applicable deadlines and legal procedures. Early consultation ensures you meet all necessary filing requirements.

What Type of Damages Can I Recover from an Aviation Accident?

Following an aviation accident, a person can recover various types of compensation depending on the severity of injuries and circumstances of the case. Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: All past, present, and future medical costs including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, and long-term care needs
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery and rehabilitation
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation when permanent disabilities prevent returning to previous employment or reduce future earning potential
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for inability to participate in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed
• Disfigurement: Damages for permanent scarring or physical appearance changes
• Wrongful Death Damages: When fatal accidents occur, surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support

When quantifying damages, working with a law firm that retains the best experts to help a jury understand your case is important. At Paul Padda Law, our team of Chicago aviation accident lawyers understand what is at stake. We know what it takes to help you win. We know the devastation an aviation accident can cause.

Call us at (312) 702-7000 and let us help you.

What Role Does the NTSB Play in Investigating Aviation Accidents?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a federal agency that investigates every civil aviation accident as well asother accidents involving various modes of travel. Following its investigation of an incident, the NTSB will issue a detailed report setting forth its findings.

A question many people ask is whether it is best to wait for the NTSB to issue a report before filing a lawsuit. The answer to this question is no. Why? Because the NTSB can take quite a bit of time to create a final report. Therefore, it is in a person’s best interest to consult an attorney immediately following an aviation accident to assess the most beneficial course of action.

According to the NTSB, there were 1,113 aviation accidents in the United States in 2022. Nearly all these crashes were in general aviation (1,095) rather than commercial aviation (18). While commercial aviation remains extremely safe, when accidents do occur, they often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities requiring experienced legal representation.

Unlike other types of accidents, many of which can be rather straightforward, aviation accidents involving airplanes or helicopters can be quite complex and require significant investigation. Because of the amount of time needed to properly investigate an aviation accident and compile the evidence needed to bring a successful lawsuit, time is always of the essence. For this reason, if you or a loved one has been impacted by an aviation accident in Chicago or anywhere else in Illinois, get in touch with Paul Padda Law right away and let us help you understand and assess your legal rights.

Legal Considerations in Aviation Accident Claims

Aviation accident claims can involve complex laws and regulations that may make it more difficult for victims to receive compensation. Several legal frameworks may apply:

• Montreal Convention: This international treaty introduced a two-tier liability system helpful for accident victims. After the Convention passed in 1999, aviation accident victims involved in international flights no longer must prove willful neglect of the air carrier to obtain compensation. Instead, carriers are strictly liable for damages up to certain limits.
• Federal Aviation Regulations: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) establishes regulations governing aircraft maintenance, pilot qualifications, and operational standards. Violations of these regulations can establish negligence in accident cases.
• Illinois State Laws: State laws govern personal injury and wrongful death claims, including damage calculations, comparative fault rules, and procedural requirements.
• Multiple Party Liability: Aviation accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties including the aircraft owner, pilot or operator, air carrier, maintenance companies, equipment manufacturers, and ground crew. Many cases involve multiple parties sharing the legal fault, which could result in higher compensation.

How Much Does It Cost to Retain a Good Aviation Accident Lawyer in Chicago?

While every law firm is different, at Paul Padda Law we do not charge aviation accident victims anything unless we win a settlement or verdict in court. What this means is that you do not pay us anything out of pocket. Instead, we advance the costs to successfully prosecute your aviation accident case with the understanding that we will be compensated only if we are successful in obtaining a resolution on your behalf. You should not have to stress out because of legal bills and costs. We want you to focus on your recovery and leave the rest to us.

Considering a Lawsuit for an Aviation Accident In Chicago?

Everyone deserves an experienced plane crash lawyer who puts the clients’ interests first. Whether someone can afford first class legal representation should not be the issue. If you or a loved one has been the victims of an aviation accident, you deserve compensation and competent representation.

Building a case in an aviation accident is significantly more difficult than in a car crash or other ground-based accident. The severe damage suffered on impact can obscure evidence and make it harder to build a compelling case that shows the true cause of injuries or wrongful death. Your choice of aviation attorney matters because you need a firm with the resources, expertise, and experience to handle complex aviation litigation.

At Paul Padda Law, we will protect your interests throughout all stages of your case, regardless of whether you are a survivor of an aviation accident or have lost a loved one in one of these tragedies. Whether we are gathering evidence or fighting for you at trial, we will seek justice for you and your family, and we will always put your best interests first. Call Paul Padda Law today at (312) 702-7000 or via our online form to schedule a free, no risk consultation.