Ocala Aviation/Airplane Accident Lawyer

NOTE: Our law firm does not handle aviation and plane crash cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

Were you or a loved one hurt in an aviation accident in Ocala, FL? You may be entitled to significant financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering.

You don’t have to handle your personal injury claim alone. The following will help you understand the complexities of airplane accidents.

How Allen Law Firm, P.A. Can Help After an Aviation/Airplane Accident in Ocala, FL

How Common Are Aviation/Airplane Accidents in Ocala?

You can typically expect to reach your destination safely when you board a commercial airplane. Commercial plane accidents are relatively rare. In fact, 2023 was the safest year on record for commercial airlines, with no fatal accidents reported.

However, there are only about 5,882 commercial planes registered in the U.S. On the other hand, about 204,980 general aviation aircraft were registered in 2020. Most civilian aircraft are smaller planes that are classified as general aviation aircraft.

General aviation aircraft include:

  • Private planes
  • Corporate jets
  • Single-prop jets
  • Helicopters
  • Turbojets
  • Air taxis
  • Any other type of aircraft that does not transport passengers, cargo, or mail for a fee

General aviation accidents are much more common than you might think. In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation reported:

  • 1,085 general aviation accidents
  • 187 serious injuries
  • 332 fatalities

Florida is one of the most popular U.S. states for private aviation. If you or a loved one were injured in an aviation accident, you may deserve compensation.

What is My Ocala Aviation/Airplane Accident Case Worth?

Most accident victims don’t fully understand how much their personal injury case is worth. That gives insurance companies an opportunity to downplay the extent of your damages.

Important factors to consider before accepting any insurance settlement include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Your anticipated recovery time
  • The cost and types of medical treatment you’ll require
  • The impact of the injury on your ability to work and earn a living
  • Whether your overall quality of life has been diminished
  • Your emotional and physical suffering

If the insurance company offers a settlement quickly, it’s probably because they know your case is worth more. An Ocala aviation/airplane accident attorney can evaluate your case carefully and fight for every dollar you deserve.

What Types of Damages Are Available to Aviation/Airplane Accident Victims?

Plane accidents can cause significant damage. If you’re injured, it’s important to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to receive.

Under Florida personal injury laws, you can recover compensation for all of your financial losses. These economic damages often include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Medications and medical devices
  • Lost wages and income
  • Lost future earning capacity
  • Physical therapy
  • Nursing care
  • Property damage

Plane crash victims are also entitled to seek non-economic damages. Non-economic damages compensate victims for subjective, personal losses. These types of damages will be unique to your case and may include:

Hundreds of people lose their lives in accidents involving small planes every year.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for an Aviation/Airplane Accident in Florida?

After an airplane accident, you’re entitled to pursue compensation from the parties responsible for the accident. However, if you’re partly at fault, other victims can potentially recover compensation from you.

If you’re blamed for an accident in Florida, you don’t lose your right to compensation as long as you aren’t mostly responsible. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar to recovery. Liability is apportioned between everyone who was responsible for an accident. Each party is responsible for their proportionate share of the damages.

Let’s say you’re found to be 40% responsible for an accident. If you’re awarded $100,000 in compensation, that award will be reduced by 40%–so that you’ll only take home $60,000. And you cannot recover any compensation if you’re found to be 51% or more responsible.

Common Aviation/Airplane Accident Injuries

Plane accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. Depending upon the circumstance, it’s possible that plane accident victims could suffer:

Any type of injury can disrupt your life dramatically. If you or a family member were injured, an attorney can fight to recover fair compensation for all of your injuries.

What Causes Most Aviation/Airplane Accidents in Ocala, Florida?

Aviation accidents often happen because someone responsible for operating the plane was negligent. 

Some of the most common causes of aviation/airplane accidents in Ocala include:

  • Pilot error
  • Errors in interpreting crucial safety information
  • Failure to communicate properly with air traffic control 
  • Violations of state or federal aviation regulations
  • Distracted pilots
  • Fatigued pilots
  • Drug or alcohol use when operating the plane
  • Trip and falls on the plane

Some plane accidents occur because of problems with the vessel itself. Some of the mechanical issues that can lead to airplane accidents include:

  • Defective airplane components
  • Failure to conduct regular inspections to identify problems with the plane
  • Failure to maintain the plane
  • Failure to replace worn or defective parts
  • Design defects in the airplane 

Manufacturers of defective planes and plane components can be held strictly liable for damages.

How Do I Prove Negligence After an Aviation/Airplane Accident in Florida? 

Before you can recover damages for your injuries, you’ll have to identify everyone who is financially liable.

Examples of parties who may share liability in your case include:

  • The pilot
  • The party who owned the plane
  • Plane mechanics
  • A company that was responsible for inspecting the plane
  • Air traffic control personnel
  • Government agencies
  • Manufacturers of defective planes or plane components
  • The airline 

Usually, you’ll have to establish negligence to recover damages. The four elements of a negligence claim include:

In an airplane accident case, proving negligence is much more difficult than your typical car accident claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Aviation/Airplane Accident in Florida?

If you don’t take legal action within a set period of time, you forfeit your fight to compensation. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases was recently changed. By default, you’ll have two years to file a lawsuit if your accident happened on 3/24/2023 or later; otherwise, you’ll have four years instead. However, there are exceptions to these deadlines that may apply to your airplane accident case.

Waiting too long can have serious negative consequences. It’s possible that you could walk away with nothing at all. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to confirm the deadline for your case.

Contact an Ocala Aviation/Airplane Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Do you have questions about your rights and options after a plane accident? Call an experienced Ocala aviation/airplane accident lawyer.

Our personal injury law firm in Ocala, FL provides:

Visit Our Law Office in Ocala, FL

112 S Pine Ave,
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258

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