According to statistics, the number of fatalities per million flight hours is 12.25. The survival rate of passengers on a fatal airplane crash is 24%. When it comes to causes of fatal airplane crashes, pilot errors (weather, mechanical and others) make up a total of 53%, while mechanical failures make up 20%. Other causes include weather, sabotage, and other human errors. Have you seen the movie Sully (it was rather boring though overall)? That was not human error; that was a bird issue, just to give you some reference.
Common Questions about Airplane Accidents
Here is a look at some of the most common questions people in New York ask regarding aviation accidents:
Q1: Who can be held responsible or liable in an aviation accident?
A: The liable party can vary depending on what caused the mishap. The airplane owner and operator may certainly be liable if the cause of the accident could be traced to human error. Maintenance suppliers or manufacturers may be liable when there are circumstances that indicate that a mechanical or engineering failure may be the cause of the accident.
Q2: Can the owner or operator of the aircraft be held criminally liable for the accident?
A: In cases that involve aviation accidents, both individual states and the federal government can impose criminal sanctions. Although there may be variations in the details and classifications with respect to aviation accidents, criminal sanctions are imposed by most states on aviators for reckless flying or even conduct that can result in injury, property damage or death. These cases are difficult to prosecute as it can be extremely challenging to differentiate between cases of mere accidents and criminal negligence.
Q3: What does the “statute of repose” mean?
A: In the context of aviation litigation, a time limit on filing a lawsuit is applied by a “statute of repose” with regard to how long an airplane or one of its parts have been in service. The applicable period of time varies depending on whether the suit is filed in a federal, state, or international court.
Q4: What are the most common causes of aviation accidents?
A: The most common causes of aviation accidents in New York and other places include:
- Pilot errors
- Defective equipment
- Violation of regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- Design or structural problems with an aircraft
- Negligence on the part of a flight service station employee
- Negligence on the part of air traffic controllers
- Negligence in the maintenance or repair of an aircraft or its components
- Negligence in aircraft fueling
Q5: Do the same set of laws apply to private aircrafts and commercial ones?
A: No. General aviation law applies to every aircraft apart from the ones that are operated by the military or airlines. Military carriers and commercial airlines in New York and other parts of the country are subject to different legal standards.
Get Legal Help in New York for Aviation Accidents
If you or loved one has been injured in an aviation accident caused by negligence, you should get in touch with the reliable personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. There is no guarantees in life and in the law but you can increase your chances of coming on top in this issue if you call RMFW Law. RMFW Law knows how to win cases and we know how to target airline companies and airports for being derelict and not doing their job. What is your side of the story? We want to hear what you have to say. The first meeting is free! In fact, you do not pay us at all unless we win and if we take your case, that is what we will try to do. We have won millions and millions of dollars for past clients and we only accept viable cases. Call RMFW Law today!
