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Airplane Accidents

If you or a loved one has been harmed in an airplane accident, please know that you are not alone. 

At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we recognize that an airplane accident is about so much more than insurance claims and lawsuits. It's a deeply personal tragedy, one that leaves survivors and families reeling with grief, bewilderment, and an uncertain path forward. 

We've sat with clients in hospital rooms, rehab centers, and at kitchen tables. We've seen the tears, heard the anguish in their voices, felt the crushing weight of all they've lost. We know that your entire world has been upended. The challenges ahead can feel overwhelming.

That's why we strive to be more than just your legal advocates. We're here to be your compassionate guides, your partners through the storm. We take the time to listen to your story, your fears, and your hopes for the future. We get to know you as a person, not just another case file.

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Why Choose Our Seattle Airplane Accident Lawyers?

Our goal is to shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on what matters most - healing and putting your life back together. We'll handle all the paperwork, evidence gathering, negotiations, and court proceedings. We'll be your fierce litigators and trusted advisors, offering honest guidance and support every step of the way.

Though money can never undo the unimaginable tragedy you've suffered, it can provide vital stability and resources as you navigate the challenging road ahead. Our mission is to secure every penny of compensation you deserve so you can focus on rebuilding your health, your life, and your future.

Types of Airplane Crashes We Handle

Airplane accidents come in many forms, each with its own unique set of challenges and legal considerations. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we have helped survivors and families who suffered injuries in a wide range of aviation accidents.

Commercial airline accidents can have many causes, from pilot error and mechanical failures to defective aircraft design and inclement weather. The sheer size and speed of these massive jets mean that when something goes wrong, the consequences are often dire. 

After a commercial airline crash, multiple parties may share liability, including the airline, the aircraft manufacturer, maintenance crews, and even the airport or air traffic controllers.

While commercial airline accidents may garner the most attention, most aviation disasters involve smaller private planes and charter flights. These accidents can be every bit as devastating for those involved, even if they don't always make national headlines.

Private plane crashes can have many causes, from pilot inexperience and mechanical issues to hazardous weather conditions. Because these smaller aircraft aren't subject to the same rigorous safety regulations as commercial jets, the risk of something going wrong can be higher.

Charter flights, which are operated by companies that rent out aircraft and crew, present their own unique set of legal challenges. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the charter company, aircraft owner, pilot, maintenance crew, or even the booking agent may share liability.

Helicopter crashes are another tragically common type of aviation disaster. These versatile aircraft play a vital role in everything from emergency medical transport and search and rescue missions to sightseeing tours and corporate travel. However, their unique design and operating characteristics also leave them vulnerable to various potential hazards.

Helicopter accidents can result from pilot error, mechanical failures, defective parts, improper maintenance, or hazardous weather conditions. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation into the aircraft's maintenance history, the pilot's training and experience, and the operating environment at the time of the crash.

Not all aviation disasters happen in the air. Accidents can also occur on the ground, whether during takeoff, landing, or taxiing. These accidents can be caused by pilot error, mechanical issues, or even debris on the runway.

In some cases, ground accidents can result from negligence by airport personnel or air traffic controllers. For example, if a runway isn't properly maintained or two aircraft are cleared to use the same runway simultaneously, the results can be catastrophic.

Regardless of the type of airplane accident you or your loved ones have experienced, it's crucial to have a skilled and compassionate legal team on your side.

The Devastating Impact of Aviation Disasters

Airplane accidents, though rare, are among the most catastrophic and life-altering events imaginable. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, there were 1,301 aviation accidents in the United States in 2019 alone, resulting in 452 fatalities. While commercial airline accidents garner the most media attention, most crashes involve smaller private planes and charter flights.

Regardless of the type of aircraft involved, the consequences are often dire. Survivors may be left with devastating injuries - shattered bones, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, spinal cord damage, and more. The road to recovery is long and arduous, often involving multiple surgeries, grueling rehabilitation, and a lifetime of pain and disability.

For those who lose loved ones in an aviation disaster, the heartache is unimaginable. No words can adequately capture the anguish of having a cherished family member ripped away in such a sudden and tragic manner. The void left behind is immeasurable.

Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable After an Airplane Crash

Do I even have a case? Plane crashes involve an intricate web of state, federal, and international laws. Determining liability can be a daunting task. But that's what we're here for. We know what it takes to prove fault and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

After an airplane accident, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and powerless. The thought of taking on powerful airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and insurance companies can seem daunting, especially when you're already dealing with so much.

But you don't have to face this battle alone. Our Seattle airplane accident attorneys will support you every step of the way and work tirelessly to uncover the truth and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Determining liability in an aviation disaster is a complex undertaking that requires meticulous investigation and a deep understanding of the intricate web of state, federal, and international laws that govern air travel. Multiple parties may share responsibility, from the pilot and airline to the aircraft manufacturer and maintenance crews.

Some of the most common causes of airplane accidents include:

  • Pilot error

  • Mechanical failures

  • Defective aircraft design or manufacturing

  • Inadequate maintenance

  • Air traffic controller negligence

To determine who is to blame for your injuries and damages, our Seattle airplane accident lawyers work with renowned aviation experts, meticulously examine black box data and maintenance records, interview witnesses, and reconstruct every moment of the fateful flight to piece together a compelling case on your behalf.

We understand that no amount of money can undo the devastation you've endured. However, securing a fair settlement or verdict can provide critical resources for medical care, lost wages, future needs, and a measure of closure. It also sends a powerful message that negligence and recklessness in the aviation industry will not be tolerated.

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Compassionate Legal Guidance When You Need It Most

At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we have a proven track record of success in complex injury cases. We're not afraid to take on big airlines and their armies of corporate lawyers. We'll go to battle to ensure you have the resources you need to rebuild your life.

Our airplane accident attorneys have spent decades fighting for the rights of crash survivors and grieving loved ones, and we're here to shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve while you focus on healing and looking forward. Together, we can work to ease your burdens and build a brighter tomorrow.

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