Tulsa Airplane and Airport Accident Lawyers
Tough representation for victims and their families of aviation and airport injuries
Airline industries are heavily regulated because just one crash can kill hundreds of people. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates the airline industry; the National Traffic Safety Board investigates airline crashes. At Biby Law Firm, we use the findings from both to develop a case on behalf of you or your loved ones that may have been seriously injured or even killed in a plane crash.
Our Tulsa airplane and airport accident lawyers understand how to navigate these complex cases. We will work formulate a team involving leading lawyers in airplane aviation to file wrongful death claims on behalf of families who have lost a loved one. We understand when cases can be brought separately, and when they are part of a class-action lawsuit. We work with airline safety experts to help determine fault. We will work tirelessly to ensure that all defendants are properly identified and included in the lawsuits. Contact us today to get started.
How safe is air travel, really?
Given the amount of air travel around the globe, commercial airlines don’t crash all that often. The BBC reports that “In 2019 there were 86 accidents involving large commercial planes, including eight fatal incidents, resulting in 257 fatalities.” That’s good news for most travelers at Tulsa International Airport, Will Rogers Airport, or Jones Airport in Tulsa.
The bad news is that small, private planes are far more likely to crash, as are personal or private helicopters. NPR reports that “personal or private helicopter flights are responsible for a disproportionate number of fatal helicopter accidents. Personal or private rides account for just 3% of flight hours but more than a quarter of fatal accidents.”
What are the causes of aviation crashes and accidents?
Some of the major causes of airplane crashes are:
- Pilot error
- Mechanical failures
- Poor weather
- Bird strikes
- Lack of fuel
- Operator intoxication/substance abuse
- Groundcrew error
- Maintenance errors
- Air traffic control errors
When planes or helicopters crash, the families of deceased victims have the right to file wrongful death claims. Survivors of plane crashes often suffer catastrophic injuries.
Victims of other aviation-related accidents often need to go the ER, need surgeries, must visit with specialists, and need to see different types of physical and emotional therapists.
What are common airplane accidents other than plane crashes?
There are a lot of ways to be injured on a plane before you even take off. Some of the more common airplane accident claims include:
- Being struck by an object that falls from the overhead compartments
- Being struck by an improperly secured drink or snack cart
- Slips and falls on the plane or while boarding or disembarking
- Spills of hot liquids by the airplane staff
- Not providing proper assistance when a passenger has a health emergency
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot sue an airline for hitting unforeseen turbulence – but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a claim if you are injured because of turbulence. If a pilot takes an unreasonable course through foreseen turbulence, then you may have a claim. In addition, if the plane’s overhead compartments are defective and you are hit by a piece of luggage, you could have a claim against the airline. If something goes wrong and the oxygen mask fails to drop, or the seat belt fails, leading to injuries as passengers scramble for safety, you could also have a claim against the airline.
What are common Tulsa airport accidents?
Airports can be dangerous places. You have a lot of people – some in a hurry, some simply lounging and waiting – trying to get from Point A to Point B. you can hold the airport responsible if you are injured as a result of:
- Car accidents in the parking lots
- Accidents in the baggage claim area
- Slips, trips, and falls on stairs, ramps, and jetways
- Work in construction sites
- Toxic chemical ingestion
- Injuries due to use of courtesy vehicles
- Accidents on escalators, elevators, and other moving devices
- Seating areas that aren’t properly maintained
- Acts of violence by other travelers
What are some of the unique liability issues in airplane and airport accidents?
Negligence often is based on recognized industry standards. There are proper protocols, for example, on how to respond to a bird strike. Negligence may include different grounds such as violation of aviation regulations, premises liability, and breach of contract.
Generally, airlines are considered common carriers because they transport passengers and cargo for a fee. For this reason, like mass transit accidents, they are held to higher safety standards. In addition to federal and state regulations, airlines that make international trips may be subject to federal regulations regarding safety, too.
A major part of an airline or airport accident case is determining who is liable. Some of the possible defendants include:
- The owners of the airport
- The companies responsible for maintenance and repairs
- The individual airlines
- The employees such as an airline pilot
In many cases, the companies may be owned by other companies. Some companies have leases. If construction caused the accident, contractors and subcontractors may be liable.
Arrange to talk to our Tulsa plane and airport accident attorneys today
At Biby Law Firm, we treat clients like family. We understand the devastation families suffer when a loved one dies. We understand how life-altering any type of injury is. Our team will guide you through the navigation process. We’re skilled at holding responsible parties liable for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and any inability to live your life like you did before the accident happened. For help now, for any Tulsa airline or airport accident, call us at 918-574-8458 or use our contact form to schedule an appointment. We’re ready to help you get justice. We proudly serve the Oklahomans including in the communities of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Claremore, Jenks, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, Wagoner, Muskogee, and the surrounding areas.