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When you need one of the best aviation injury attorneys Serving Wisconsin
Wisconsin Aviation Attorney
Aviation accidents can result in severe injuries, often leading to long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Whether you’ve been involved in a commercial flight crash, a private plane accident, or any other aviation-related incident, you deserve to have skilled legal representation to fight for your rights.
At Bohrer & Lukeman, our Wisconsin aviation injury lawyers understand the intricacies of aviation law and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and guide you every step of the way.
Call 1-888-738-8539 or fill out our online form to get started now. Let us put our experience to work for you while you focus on your recovery.
A flight accident can be a terrifying experience, one that leaves you shaken long after the flight is over. You board a plane expecting a safe, uneventful journey, but in an instant, everything changes. The shock and pain can leave you reeling, whether from a jolt of turbulence, a fall, or an injury caused by a service cart.
It’s not just the physical injury that takes its toll, but the emotional impact—the fear, the uncertainty, and the sense of helplessness can linger.
In Wisconsin, aviation accidents are primarily regulated by federal authorities, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) being the main agency overseeing aviation safety and accident investigations. However, some state-level resources and agencies may be involved in various aspects of aviation regulation and safety within the state.
Here are the key authorities and organizations involved:
The FAA is the primary authority for aviation safety in the United States, including Wisconsin. It regulates all aspects of civil aviation, from pilot certifications to aircraft maintenance and air traffic control.
The NTSB is an independent federal agency aviation accidentin Wisconsin.
The Bureau of Aeronautics within WisDOT is responsible for supporting and promoting the aviation system in Wisconsin. It provides services like airport management assistance, grants for aviation infrastructure, and safety programs.
In the case of an aviation accident, local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services (EMS) may be the first responders to the scene.
While the FAA and NTSB are the leading authorities when it comes to investigating aviation accidents, local state agencies, such as the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Emergency Services, play roles in supporting these investigations and ensuring overall aviation safety within Wisconsin.
The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that holds airlines liable for injuries sustained during international flights. It provides strict liability, meaning airlines are responsible for injuries regardless of fault, up to a limit of approximately $170,000 USD (128,821 Special Drawing Rights). [1]
Passengers have up to 2 years from the date of arrival to file a claim. The convention covers injuries that happen while the aircraft is in operation, such as turbulence or crashes, and allows for additional compensation if the airline is negligent.
For those injured during a flight, the Montreal Convention simplifies the process of seeking compensation, but consulting a flight injury attorney will help you navigate the complexities of international law.
In the case of in-flight injuries in Wisconsin, you may have legal grounds to sue when negligence or wrongdoing can be demonstrated.
Slip-and-Falls: Passengers may slip and fall while navigating the aisles, lavatories, or entryways of the aircraft, particularly if surfaces are wet, slippery, or obstructed.
Seatbelt Related: If passengers are not properly secured with seatbelts during turbulence, emergency landings, or sudden decelerations, they may sustain injuries.
Luggage-Related: Unsecured or improperly stored luggage in overhead bins can fall during turbulence or when bins are opened, potentially causing head, shoulder, or limb injuries to passengers.
Emergency Evacuation Accidents: Passengers may sustain injuries while exiting the aircraft during an emergency evacuation, such as tripping, falling, or being trampled in crowded, chaotic conditions.
Service Trolley Accidents: Service trolleys used by flight attendants to transport food, beverages, or other items can pose a risk if they collide with passengers or crew members due to turbulence or improper handling.
Food Service Accidents: Injuries may occur during food or beverage service if passengers or crew members are burned by hot beverages, cut by sharp objects, or slipped on spilled food or drinks.
Overhead Bin Accidents: Passengers may be injured while opening or closing overhead bins, particularly if they are defective, improperly maintained, or if items inside fall unexpectedly.
Plane Crashes: Injuries can result from a collision or sudden, forced landing of the aircraft, often caused by mechanical failures, weather conditions, or pilot error.
Turbulence: Turbulence can cause passengers and crew members to be thrown about the cabin, leading to injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains, or fractures.
Here are in-flight injuries our legal team has seen:
In Wisconsin, you may be entitled to various types of compensation, depending on the circumstances. These can include:
Medical Expenses
Compensation for the costs of medical treatment, including hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
Lost Wages
Compensation for income lost due to injury or disability resulting from the accident, including future lost earnings if the victim is unable to return to work.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injury.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily tasks that the individual enjoyed before the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar actions in the future.
Property Damage
Compensation for the repair or replacement of personal property damaged in the aviation accident, such as personal items or vehicles.
Wrongful Death
If the accident results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
Compensation for ongoing therapy, physical rehabilitation, or psychological counseling is required due to the accident.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation for a spouse who suffers due to the loss of companionship, services, or intimacy caused by the victim’s injuries.
These compensations depend on the specifics of the case, including the cause of the accident, the extent of the injuries, and the legal proceedings involved.
Airlines that fly to Wisconsin include:
In Wisconsin, the Statute of Limitations for claims related to in-flight accidents depends on the nature of the legal claim. Here are the key time limits that could apply:
Personal Injury Claims (General):
Wrongful Death:
Wisconsin has several major airports, including:
Wisconsin also has 90 general aviation (GA) public-use airports.
If you’ve been involved in an aviation accident in Wisconsin, whether in a commercial flight, private plane, or another type of aircraft, the experienced team at Bohrer & Lukeman is here to help. Aviation accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, and navigating the legal complexities involved requires skilled legal representation.
At Bohrer & Lukeman, our Wisconsin-based aviation injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to handle the complexities of aviation law.
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident, don’t wait. The statute of limitations for filing claims in Wisconsin is limited, and the sooner you reach out to us, the better we can help you pursue justice.
Contact our flight injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
[1] Citizensinformation.Ie. (n.d.). Airline liability. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/air-travel/airline-liability/#:~:text=The%20Montreal%20Convention%201999,carriers%20to%20maintain%20adequate%20insurance
[2] Wisonsin Gov. (n.d.). In https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/893.54.
We Represent Clients From All Over Wisconsin Who Have Been Injured in Aviation Accidents.