Regardless of how safe aviation has become, there’s always a risk when flying in an airplane. In 2019, there were a total of 86 accidents involving large, commercial flights.
If you or your loved ones have been in an aviation accident, you may be wondering what to do. It’s stressful dealing with the shock and trauma of an aviation accident without dealing with the legal processes that follow.
To help ease some of this stress, here is everything you need to know about aviation accident settlements.
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Who Has Legal Rights in an Aviation Accident?
Anyone who is injured or killed due to an aviation accident is eligible to recover money damages from those responsible for the accident. Those who can be responsible for general aviation accidents include pilots, the airline, the aircraft owner, the manufacturer of the plane, the government, and the airport operators.
An investigation will reveal those responsible for the incident. Even if you weren’t on the plane at the time of the accident, you could still recover money damages. If you’re the spouse, the legal guardian, or next of kin to someone injured or killed in an accident, you have legal rights.
What Monetary Compensation is Available?
The amount of money you can recover following an aviation accident depends on the circumstances of the event. It also depends on the state laws where the accident occurred. You can file a case for current and future medical expenses resulting from the incident.
Besides medical expenses, you can get compensation for past and future pain and suffering, past and future lost earnings, and past and future disabilities.
How Fast Should You Hire an Attorney?
One of the most common questions following an accident is when you should hire an aviation accident attorney. Generally, you should hire an attorney as soon as you decide to take legal action.
Accidents are traumatic, and you should take time to tend to injuries and mourn any loss of life. But, each state does have a deadline for pursuing legal action, so you’ll want to be aware of this as you move forward.
How Long Do Aviation Settlements Take?
Aviation accidents are complicated, and investigations take time. It usually takes months before conclusions are drawn about the cause of the accident. You’ll have to wait until after the investigation to file your claim.
Once you file your case, it takes about two years to reach a final solution and settlement.
Now You Know What to Expect in an Aviation Accident Settlement
Though aviation accidents are uncommon, it’s important to be prepared. By following the right legal steps, you’ll ensure you reach an appropriate settlement.
A good aviation accident attorney can help provide you with legal guidance and fight for you. They can also help you dig through the legal jargon and answer any more questions you might have.
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