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When you need one of the best aviation injury attorneys Serving Virginia
Virginia Aviation Attorney
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an aviation accident, you need experienced legal help to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. Our Virginia aviation injury lawyers are known for handling complex cases involving airplanes. We understand the serious impact these incidents can have, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights.
Contact us for a free consultation today. You won’t pay unless we win your case. Our team provides compassionate, aggressive representation to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call 1-888-738-8539 or fill out our online form to speak with a Virginia airplane accident lawyer who will fight for you every step of the way.
Aviation accidents can leave deep, lasting effects, physically, emotionally, and mentally. The experience can be overwhelming, and the path to recovery often feels unclear. If you’ve been involved in an aviation accident in Virginia, the road ahead can feel isolating and filled with uncertainty.
It’s not just about the injuries—the impact on your life, relationships, and sense of security.
The following authorities might be involved in the investigation of your inflight accident:
The FAA is the primary federal agency responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including Virginia. It sets safety standards, conducts inspections, and ensures compliance with aviation regulations.
The NTSB is an independent federal agency tasked with investigating aviation accidents and incidents, including those that occur in Virginia. It determines the probable cause of accidents and makes safety recommendations to improve aviation safety nationwide.
The Virginia Department of Aviation works at the state level to promote and ensure aviation safety, while also supporting the development of airports and aviation infrastructure within Virginia.
The Virginia State Police Aviation Unit assists with aviation accident investigations and search-and-rescue missions within the state. While not primarily an investigative body, the VSP plays a role in responding to and securing accident sites.
In the event of an aviation accident involving criminal activity, terrorism, or foul play, the FBI may be called to investigate. The FBI works closely with the NTSB and other agencies in cases where there is a national security concern or criminal involvement.
While the TSA’s main focus is on security, it is involved in aviation accident investigations if there is a security-related cause, such as terrorist activity or security breaches during flight operations.
Here are some causes of aviation injuries:
Plane Crashes: Injuries can result from a collision or a sudden, forced landing of the aircraft. Plane crashes may occur due to mechanical failures, weather conditions, or pilot error.
Turbulence-Related: Turbulence can throw passengers and crew members around the cabin, leading to injuries such as bruises, sprains, strains, or fractures.
Luggage Related: Improperly stowed or unsecured luggage in overhead bins can fall during turbulence or when the bins are opened, potentially causing head, shoulder, or limb injuries to passengers.
Food Service: Injuries during food and beverage service can include burns from hot drinks, cuts from sharp objects, or slips caused by spilled food or beverages.
Service Trolley Accidents: Service trolleys used by flight attendants may collide with passengers or crew members during turbulence, resulting in injury.
Overhead Bins: Injuries can occur when opening or closing overhead bins, particularly if they are defective, improperly maintained, or if items stored inside fall unexpectedly.
Slip-and-Falls: Passengers are at risk of slipping and falling while navigating the aisles, lavatories, or entryways, especially if surfaces are wet, slippery, or obstructed.
Emergency Evacuations: During an emergency evacuation, passengers may be injured from tripping, falling, or being trampled due to crowded, chaotic conditions.
In-flight accidents can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to more serious trauma:
Several major airlines operate in and out of Virginia, including:
Passengers who suffer injuries during a flight in or out of Virginia may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other related losses. The compensation available typically depends on the circumstances of the injury, the cause of the accident, and whether it involves negligence or violation of aviation regulations. Below are the types of compensation that may be available:
Compensation for the costs of medical treatment, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care, depending on the severity of the injury.
If the injury results in the passenger being unable to work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages during the recovery period.
Passengers may be eligible for compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injury, especially if the injury leads to permanent disability or prolonged recovery.
If the injury results in permanent disability or long-term impairment (such as permanent back pain, brain injury, or loss of limb function), passengers may be entitled to compensation for the impact this has on their life and quality of living.
If the injury was caused by damage to personal property (such as luggage or electronic devices) during the incident, the passenger may be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs.
If the injury affects the passenger’s relationships with their partner, the spouse may be able to file for compensation related to loss of companionship, intimacy, or support.
In cases where the airline or its employees acted recklessly or with gross negligence (e.g., not following safety protocols), punitive damages may be awarded as a form of punishment and deterrence.
If the injury leads to a flight delay or cancellation, passengers may be entitled to reimbursement for additional expenses, including lodging, meals, and transportation, as well as compensation for the inconvenience caused by the disruption.
Many airlines offer travel insurance that can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other losses incurred as a result of in-flight injuries. If the passenger opts for travel insurance, they may be entitled to a claim under the airline’s policy.
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident in Virginia, you can pursue compensation through the following steps:
Make sure you get the medical care you need and ensure that all injuries, even minor ones, are properly documented. Our team will also help track your medical treatments and expenses, which will be critical for your claim.
Reporting the incident to the airline is necessary to initiate a formal record. We will guide you in filing an official injury report with the airline, ensuring that all the details of your injury are properly recorded. This report will be important when pursuing your compensation claim.
Aviation law can be complex. Our experienced flight injury lawyers will thoroughly evaluate your case, determine who is responsible for your injury, and explain your legal rights. We’ll walk you through every step of the process and work to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Building a strong case requires detailed evidence. We will assist you in gathering critical documentation, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs of the scene and injuries, and any other relevant information. This will be key in proving liability and calculating damages.
Once the evidence is gathered, we will help you file claims with the airline’s insurance company. We’ll work directly with the insurer to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement without the need for litigation if possible.
If applicable, we’ll explore other avenues for compensation, such as the Montreal Convention for international flights. Under this treaty, passengers can receive compensation for injuries sustained during international flights, regardless of fault. We’ll ensure that all potential sources of compensation are explored.
If the airline or their insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take legal action. Our team will file a lawsuit against the airline or any other responsible parties for negligence. We’ll fight for your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve, whether through a settlement or in court.
Throughout the process, we will advocate for your best interests. Before you accept any settlement offers, we’ll review them to ensure they fully account for your medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and long-term care needs. If the offer is insufficient, we will advise you on further steps to pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
In Virginia, the general Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims, including in-flight injuries, is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit in court.
The following are some main airports operational in Virginia:
If you have suffered an injury during a flight, you deserve compensation for your pain and losses. Our Virginia flight injury attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of aviation law.
Contact the Law Office of Bohrer & Lukeman today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve!
Sources:
[1] Code of Virginia Code – Chapter 4. Limitations of Actions. (n.d.).
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title8.01/chapter4/#:~:text=Unless%20otherwise%20provided%20in%20this,the%20cause%20of%20action%20accrues.
We Represent Clients From All Over Virginia Who Have Been Injured in Aviation Accidents.