AVIATION ACCIDENT LAWYER IN PITTSBURGH

Although aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation, recent years have brought increased attention to crashes and serious incidents involving private aircraft, cargo planes, and smaller commercial flights. Several factors may contribute to aviation accidents and safety concerns, including:

Aging Aircraft Fleets

Private and regional aircraft can remain operational for many years with proper care and maintenance. As aircraft age, however, components may experience increased wear and become more vulnerable to mechanical or system failures, especially when inspections, maintenance, or necessary repairs are delayed.

Maintenance Shortages

There’s currently a nationwide shortage of aviation mechanics and certified maintenance technicians. In fact, FAA data show the number of certificated mechanics has grown an average of just 2.3% a year over the past five years. Current estimates show that commercial aviation alone will be 31,000 mechanics short of its needs by 2031.

Aircraft maintenance teams may face added pressure when staffing is limited and workloads increase. If necessary inspections, repairs, or maintenance are missed or postponed, mechanical problems and equipment failures can become a greater safety concern.

Pilot Shortage and Fatigue

The aviation industry is facing a major pilot shortage, especially post-pandemic. Airlines and charter operators are flying with fewer staff, which means pilots may be working longer hours with less rest. Fatigue, inexperience, or rushing through protocols can lead to deadly mistakes.

More Extreme Weather Events

Changing climate conditions can contribute to more frequent or unpredictable severe weather, including turbulence, sudden storms, and wind shear. These conditions can create additional challenges for pilots and aircraft, particularly smaller planes that may be more vulnerable to hazardous weather.

Increase in Private and Recreational Flights

Private aviation, drone use, and recreational flying have expanded significantly in recent years. As more aircraft and operators enter the skies, differences in pilot experience, training, and regulatory requirements can create additional safety concerns and increase the potential for accidents.

Lapses in Air Traffic Control

Air traffic control systems in some areas may face challenges related to older infrastructure, staffing shortages, or demanding workloads. Miscommunication, delayed alerts, and other air traffic control problems can create serious safety risks and potentially contribute to near-misses or aviation accidents.

Complexity of New Technology

Modern aircraft increasingly rely on advanced automated systems designed to improve safety and performance. However, overreliance on automation or inadequate training for system failures can create serious risks. When pilots are unprepared to recognize or respond to automation problems, confusion or delayed action can contribute to aviation accidents.

Underreporting and Delayed Safety Fixes

Airlines or aircraft manufacturers may sometimes delay important safety upgrades or fail to quickly disclose known concerns. When safety issues are not identified and addressed promptly, they can create unnecessary risks for passengers, pilots, and crew members.

Aviation accidents may be relatively rare, but their impact can be catastrophic, and some may be preventable. When airlines, aircraft operators, manufacturers, or other parties fail to uphold their safety responsibilities, they may be held accountable. Morgan & Morgan fights For The People in Pittsburgh, pursuing justice for those harmed by aviation negligence.

Aviation law is a specialized area of law that deals with the operation, regulation, and use of aircraft. It encompasses a broad range of legal issues, including:

• Airline liability for injuries and deaths
• Aircraft accidents and investigations
• Pilot negligence or error
• Aircraft maintenance and manufacturing defects
• Airport operations
• Regulations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Because aviation cases may involve federal regulations, international agreements, and highly technical investigations, they can overlap with several areas of law, including personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and international law.

An aviation attorney may be able to help individuals and families dealing with the consequences of an aircraft accident or another aviation-related legal issue. This may include:

• Passengers injured aboard commercial or private aircraft
• Families who lost loved ones in fatal aviation accidents
• Pilots facing litigation or licensing matters
• Crew members injured while working
• Aircraft owners or operators involved in liability disputes
• Aviation professionals facing regulatory or compliance issues

Aviation cases can involve complex federal regulations, highly technical evidence, and multiple parties who may share responsibility. An experienced aviation attorney can investigate the circumstances, explain your rights, and help determine which legal options may apply to your case.

Aviation accidents can take many forms, and not all involve catastrophic crashes. Here are several common types of aviation-related incidents that could warrant legal action:

Commercial Airline Crashes

These are high-profile tragedies that typically involve multiple injuries or fatalities. In these cases, federal agencies like the FAA and NTSB will launch investigations, but victims and families often need private representation to pursue compensation.

Private and Charter Plane Crashes

Private aircraft accidents may attract less public attention than commercial airline crashes, but they can have equally devastating consequences. Common contributing factors may include pilot error, mechanical problems, inadequate maintenance, or other safety failures.

Helicopter Crashes

Helicopters serve a variety of purposes, including medical transport, tourism, news coverage, and private travel. When accidents happen, contributing factors may include severe weather, mechanical problems, navigation errors, pilot mistakes, or other safety-related issues.

Drone Accidents

As commercial and recreational drone use continues to grow, accidents involving drones are creating new legal issues related to injuries, property damage, and determining who may be responsible.

Airport Accidents

Accidents can also occur on the ground at airports, including slips and falls, collisions involving tarmac vehicles, and injuries to ground crew members. Depending on the circumstances, these incidents may involve aviation law or other applicable legal claims.

When determining who is liable for an aviation accident, it’s helpful to understand the common causes of these unfortunate events. Our Pittsburgh attorneys work with aviation experts and investigators to identify the root cause of an incident, which may include:

• Pilot error or inexperience
• Mechanical failure
• Defective aircraft parts
• Weather conditions
• Air traffic control miscommunication
• Negligent maintenance
• Improper fueling
• Violation of FAA regulations

Often, multiple parties may share liability in an aviation accident, including airlines, pilots, manufacturers, and maintenance companies.

Aviation law is not your average legal specialty. It requires a deep understanding of both legal precedent and aviation technology. Here’s what you can expect an aviation attorney to do:

Investigate the Incident

An aviation attorney may consult with engineers, former pilots, aviation specialists, and other experts when investigating an accident. Their work may involve examining flight recorder data, maintenance records, witness statements, and other evidence to help identify what caused the incident.

Determine Liability

More than one party may be responsible for an aviation accident. An attorney can examine the details of the incident to identify potentially liable parties, such as airlines, pilots, aircraft or component manufacturers, maintenance companies, or others whose negligence may have contributed to the crash.

Handle Insurance and Claims

Aviation accident claims often involve large insurance companies focused on limiting their financial liability. Our attorneys can handle negotiations on your behalf, challenge attempts to undervalue your claim, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.

Navigate Federal and International Laws

Because air travel frequently crosses state and international borders, aviation claims may be governed by federal laws and international agreements. Aviation attorneys must understand the regulations and treaties that may apply, including the Montreal Convention in certain international aviation cases.

Pursue Compensation

The compensation available after an aviation accident will depend on the circumstances of the case. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages, when applicable

You may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one in a plane crash. If negligence, reckless conduct, a defective aircraft or component, or another form of wrongdoing contributed to the accident, eligible family members or the estate may have the right to seek compensation from those responsible.

Aviation accidents can involve multiple parties whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the crash. Determining who may be held legally responsible depends on the circumstances of the accident and the factors that caused it. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Airlines or charter companies: If pilot negligence, inadequate maintenance, or violations of safety requirements contributed to the accident
• Aircraft or component manufacturers: If a defective aircraft part, system, or design played a role in the crash
• Maintenance providers: If improper repairs, neglected maintenance, or missed inspections contributed to mechanical problems
• Air traffic controllers or government entities: If communication failures, air traffic control errors, or other negligent actions contributed to the accident, subject to applicable legal requirements
• Private aircraft owners or operators: If their negligence contributed to an accident involving a privately owned aircraft
• Third-party contractors: If errors involving fueling, cargo loading, flight planning, or other aircraft services contributed to the crash

Because every aviation accident is different, identifying responsible parties often requires a detailed investigation. An aviation attorney can examine flight data, available flight recorder information, maintenance records, witness statements, and other evidence to help determine who may be liable for the loss of your loved one.

A wrongful death lawsuit may be filed when someone dies because of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. Depending on applicable law, certain surviving family members or a representative of the deceased person’s estate may be able to pursue a claim.

Wrongful death claims may result from both domestic and international aviation accidents. How a claim proceeds can depend on factors such as where the crash occurred, whether the flight involved a commercial or private aircraft, and which U.S. laws or international aviation agreements govern the case.

While compensation cannot undo the loss of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for certain financial and personal losses resulting from a fatal aviation accident. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost income and future financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, or support
• Certain emotional or non-economic losses
• Punitive damages in limited cases involving particularly serious misconduct

The damages available will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the laws that apply to the claim.

Yes. Aviation accident claims are subject to filing deadlines, but the amount of time available can depend on the type of claim, the circumstances of the accident, and the laws that apply. International aviation cases may also be governed by treaties, such as the Montreal Convention, that impose different requirements or deadlines.

Because missing an applicable deadline could affect your ability to pursue compensation, consider speaking with an aviation attorney as soon as possible. Acting promptly can also help preserve important evidence and allow the accident to be investigated while information is still available.

Yes, in many cases, families of victims can still file lawsuits in U.S. courts, even if the crash occurred in another country. The key is where the flight originated, landed, or where the airline does business. You may have a case if:

• The airline is U.S.-based or has substantial U.S. operations
• The passenger was a U.S. citizen or resident
• The ticket was purchased in the U.S.
• The flight began or was intended to land in the U.S.

In these situations, you may be protected under both U.S. wrongful death laws and international treaties like the Montreal Convention.

Where an international aviation accident claim can be filed depends on the details of the flight and the laws or international agreements governing the case. Depending on the circumstances, potential jurisdictions may include:

• The country where the airline is based
• The country where the airline maintains its principal place of business
• The country where the passenger’s journey began or was scheduled to end
• The country where the passenger had their principal and permanent residence, when applicable
• Another jurisdiction permitted under applicable international aviation laws or agreements

Jurisdiction can significantly affect how an international aviation case proceeds, including which laws and procedures apply and what damages may be available. Morgan & Morgan’s aviation attorneys can review the circumstances of the accident and help determine where your claim may be pursued.

International aviation claims can become more complicated when a foreign airline, government, or other entity is difficult to work with or important information is challenging to obtain. However, these obstacles do not necessarily prevent victims or their families from pursuing a claim.

Morgan & Morgan can investigate international aviation accidents and work with appropriate aviation experts and legal professionals when necessary. Depending on the circumstances, foreign carriers that operate or conduct business in the United States may still be subject to applicable U.S. laws or international aviation agreements. An investigation may include reviewing:

• Accident reports and available flight recorder data
• Airline safety records
• Compliance with applicable international aviation requirements
• Aircraft maintenance records and pilot logs
• Potential aircraft or component design and manufacturing defects

International aviation claims can involve complicated questions about jurisdiction, applicable law, and international treaties. Our attorneys can evaluate the circumstances and help determine what legal options may be available.

While you don’t need to hire an expert yourself, successful aviation cases often rely on expert testimony. At Morgan & Morgan in Pittsburgh, we handle that for you, bringing in trusted professionals to support your case.

Aviation cases can involve complicated legal issues while also carrying a significant emotional toll for victims and their families. Having a law firm with the experience, resources, and commitment to handle these challenges can make an important difference throughout the legal process.

With attorneys licensed in every state, Morgan & Morgan has the resources to help aviation accident victims and their families across the country.

We also believe the cost of hiring an attorney shouldn’t stand in the way of pursuing justice. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and The Fee is Free® unless we win.

Our team has handled aviation claims ranging from small aircraft accidents to major commercial airline incidents. We understand how to investigate complex crashes, build compelling cases, negotiate with powerful companies and insurers, and pursue claims in court when necessary.

Our firm has represented clients in a variety of aviation-related matters, including:

• Wrongful death lawsuits stemming from commercial airline crashes
• Private plane crashes involving mechanical defects
• Helicopter crashes involving news and tourism operators
• Cases against manufacturers for faulty aircraft components

Each case is unique, but our commitment remains the same: to fight For The People, not the powerful.

Air travel may be one of the safest ways to get from point A to point B, but when things go wrong, the consequences can be life-changing. Whether you’ve been injured in a plane crash or lost someone you love, Morgan & Morgan in Pennsylvania is here to help you navigate the path forward.

Our aviation attorneys understand the legal, technical, and emotional complexity of these cases. We’re committed to helping you seek justice, and we won’t settle for less than you deserve.

No. Consultations at Morgan & Morgan in Pittsburgh are completely free. We believe everyone deserves access to legal advice, regardless of their financial situation.

Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation on our site or by phone.

When you hire Morgan & Morgan, you gain access to the resources of America’s Largest Injury Law Firm™, with more than 1,100 attorneys and lawyers licensed in every state.

Your aviation accident claim may be supported by a team of attorneys, paralegals, investigators, case managers, and other legal professionals. Depending on the circumstances, your team may also work with aviation experts and other specialists to analyze evidence, investigate what caused the accident, and identify potentially responsible parties.

Throughout your case, your legal team will work to keep you informed, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.

Your case manager will typically be your primary point of contact and can communicate with you by phone or email throughout your case. If you need to speak directly with your attorney, your case team can help schedule a call to discuss your questions or concerns.

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. With over 35 years of experience handling aviation accident cases, our attorneys are well-versed in state and federal aviation laws, as well as insurance regulations. We know what it takes to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.

When you choose Morgan & Morgan in Pennsylvania, you gain the support of a legal team working together on your behalf. Depending on your case, that team may include attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and medical experts who can gather evidence, evaluate your injuries, and help build your claim.

You also pay nothing upfront to hire us. We handle aviation accident cases on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to take on additional financial stress to pursue your claim. The Fee is Free®—you only pay if we win.

As the nation’s largest personal injury law firm, working with Morgan & Morgan sends a clear message that you mean business. Morgan & Morgan has recovered over $35 billion for our clients, and our reputation for winning is known across the country.

You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. At Morgan & Morgan, we are committed to helping aviation accident victims like you navigate the complexities of their claims and achieve the justice and compensation they deserve. Remember, our services are free unless we win your case, and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident, don’t delay. Fill out our free case evaluation form today to find out how Morgan & Morgan can help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.