Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog
A devastating plane crash in Washington, D.C., has left victims and their families searching for answers. Airplane accidents are rare, but when they occur, they can cause severe injuries and fatalities both in the air and on the ground. In urban areas, falling debris or a full crash landing can harm pedestrians, drivers, and property owners.
Determining responsibility in aviation accidents is more complex than in other injury cases. Claims can involve airlines, manufacturers, and even government agencies. Each case depends on the cause of the crash, the circumstances leading up to it, and the laws that apply. Victims must understand their legal options to hold the at-fault parties accountable.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Plane Crash?
Aviation accidents can happen for many reasons, and multiple parties may be responsible. Identifying the cause of the crash is the first step in determining liability.
- The airline or charter company. If an airline fails to conduct proper maintenance, trains its pilots inadequately, or ignores safety issues, it may be held responsible.
- The manufacturer. Mechanical failures can lead to sudden malfunctions mid-flight. The manufacturer may be liable if the aircraft or its parts were defective.
- Government agencies. Air traffic control errors, failures in safety enforcement, or poor runway maintenance could all contribute to an accident. However, claims against government agencies require additional legal steps due to sovereign immunity.
- The pilot or crew. A flight crew that makes an avoidable mistake and the airline that employed them could be held accountable.
Each situation requires a thorough review of maintenance records, flight data, and witness reports. An experienced attorney can investigate and identify all responsible parties.
What Happens When a Plane Crash Causes Injuries on the Ground?
Many people think airplane accidents affect only those onboard, but serious injuries can also occur on the ground. In a city like Washington, D.C., a falling aircraft can strike homes, businesses, vehicles, or pedestrians.
Potential claims for those injured on the ground include:
- Property damage. Homeowners and business owners may seek compensation for structural damage caused by falling debris.
- Pedestrian and driver injuries. Anyone hit by wreckage could have a claim for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Government liability. Different legal rules may apply if the crash involved a military or government-operated aircraft.
When an aircraft crashes into a populated area, the aftermath is chaotic. Gathering evidence quickly is critical to pursuing a legal claim.
Government Liability and Sovereign Immunity in Aviation Cases
Sometimes, a government entity may be partially responsible for an aviation accident. This can include mistakes by air traffic controllers, negligence in airport operations, or failure in aircraft regulation.
Filing a lawsuit against a government agency differs from filing against a private business. The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) allows claims against the federal government in some situations, but it has strict requirements. Victims must follow specific procedures, and certain claims may be barred by sovereign immunity, which protects government agencies from certain lawsuits.
Handling these cases requires legal knowledge of both federal and local laws. A D.C.-based attorney with experience in government liability can assess whether an agency may be held accountable.
Aviation accident cases involve multiple legal issues, from federal aviation laws to corporate negligence and government liability. These claims require an attorney familiar with Washington, D.C., courts and the legal system.
Why Do You Need a Local Attorney for a Plane Crash Injury Claim?
A local lawyer can:
Investigate the cause of the crash. Identifying whether airline negligence, mechanical failure, or human error played a role.
Determine liability. Holding the at-fault parties accountable, whether they are airlines, manufacturers, or government agencies.
Handle federal claims. Taking legal action when government negligence contributes to an accident.
Pursue maximum compensation. Seeking damages for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and wrongful death.
Without legal representation, victims risk losing the compensation they need to recover. Plane crash lawsuits require strong legal strategies to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
Contact the Dedicated Maryland Injury Lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen to Learn More
If you or a loved one was recently injured due to another’s negligence, it’s important you take a few minutes to learn about your rights and what you can do to hold the at-fault party accountable. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, we have decades of combined experience handling all types of personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, give us a call at 800-654-1949. You can also connect with us through our secure online contact form.