Gainesville Aviation Accident Attorneys

Most aviation accidents are the result of several factors, rather than a singular cause. Often, these factors combine to result in catastrophic or even deadly consequences. 

Some of the most common causes of aviation accidents include: 

• Pilot error and negligence 
• Improper aircraft maintenance 
• Failed equipment or components 
• Air traffic control errors 
• Failure to warn of bad weather 
• Negligence by service staff 
• Maintenance crew error or negligence 
• Faulty structural design 
• Defective aircraft components 
• Mechanical failure 
• Airport and tarmac hazards 
• Failure to follow FAA regulations 
• Incorrect, outdated, or unsafe operations 

At Schackow & Mercadante, we have extensive resources and access to industry experts who help us evaluate the cause of an accident and determine who is liable. We use this information to build powerful cases for our clients and aggressively seek the maximum compensation they are owed.

Compensation for Victims & Families After an Aviation Accident

When someone else—whether it’s an individual person, a company, an insurance carrier, or a manufacturer—is legally responsible for an aviation accident, surviving victims and the families of those wrongfully killed may seek financial compensation for their damages. “Damages” is a legal term that refers to the economic and non-economic losses an individual sustains due to their injuries or loss. 

Although every case is different, many personal injury plaintiffs can recover compensation for the following damages: 

• Emergency medical care
• Hospital and ambulance fees
• Surgeries and other treatments
• Medication costs 
• Medical equipment/devices
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy 
• Future medical expenses 
• Lost income, wages, and employment benefits 
• Loss of future earnings 
• Diminished or lost earning ability
• Past, current, and future pain and suffering 

Depending on the details of your case, you may also be entitled to compensation for miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses, such as costs associated with in-home assistance or medical care, home modifications, and other accident-related expenses. 

How Long Do You Have to File an Aviation Accident Lawsuit? 

In Florida, all personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, or deadline by which the plaintiff must file their lawsuit in court. Different types of claims may fall under different statutes of limitations. 

Some examples include aviation accidents involving: 

• Personal Injury: Two years from the date of the accident 
• Wrongful Death: Two years from the date of death 
• Product Liability: Two years from the date of injury 

Note that the shorter statute of limitations will typically apply. So, for example, if you have a wrongful death claim involving a defective aircraft, you would have just two years from the date of death to file your lawsuit in court.