Aviation Injuries Lawyer | Skinner Law Corp

Fighting for Fair Compensation in Plane Accident Cases

Ventura County is the location of several airports, including Camarillo Airport, Oxnard Airport, Santa Paula Airport, and Conejo Valley Airport, along with the Naval Air facilities at Point Mugu, at the Naval Base on San Nicolas Island. The skies in the region have a steady stream of private and Navy planes, most of which take off and land safely—but aviation accidents occur with alarming frequency.

When injured or when you lose a loved one in a tragic aviation accident, you must retain an aviation injury lawyer to help you through the emotional and complex process of filing a claim or lawsuit.

Types of Aviation Accidents

While planes are statistically among the safest types of transportation, aviation accidents can have disastrous consequences. Some of the common forms of aviation accidents include the following:

Commercial Airline Accidents – Major airline accidents are rare, but when they occur, they often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. These incidents could be caused by pilot error, mechanical failure, air traffic control mistakes, or severe weather conditions.
Private and Charter Plane Accidents – Smaller aircraft, such as private planes, corporate jets, and charter flights, do not have the range of safety protocols provided by commercial airlines and may have a higher risk of accidents related to pilot negligence, maintenance issues, or operational errors.
Helicopter Crashes – Helicopters are often used for emergency medical transportation, tourism, or private travel. Helicopters can be vulnerable to mechanical failures, weather-related issues, and operational errors. As reported in Army Times, helicopter crashes have drastically increased, causing many fatalities in recent years.
Runway and Taxiway Incidents – Accidents occurring on the ground, such as runway collisions and miscalculations, can result from failed communications, insufficient airport infrastructure, or pilot error.
Mid-Air Collisions – While rare, mid-air collisions can be devastating, as occurred recently over the Potomac River, with a plane colliding with an Army helicopter, leading to a tragic and avoidable loss of life. These collisions can result from air traffic control errors, communication system failures, poor pilot judgment and decisions, or violations of flight regulations.
Mechanical Failures and Defective Parts – Aircraft rely on complex mechanical systems, and even a single defective component can cause a tragic accident. Liability may extend to manufacturers, maintenance crews, or airlines responsible for upkeep.
Pilot or Crew Negligence – Mistakes by pilots, copilots, or airline personnel, such as miscalculations, fatigue, or failures in emergency responses, can lead to accidents that leave passengers and crew seriously or fatally injured.
Turbulence and In-Flight Injuries – Natural turbulence can’t be completely avoided, but a lack of warnings from the crew, failure to ensure passengers are seat-belted when turbulence occurs, or unexpected severe weather can lead to injuries.

Regardless of the type of aviation accident, victims and their families have legal rights to seek compensation for injuries, damages, and losses. At Skinner Law Corp, we provide experienced legal representation and can fight to hold all negligent parties accountable.

Types of Injuries: Plane and Helicopter Accidents

Many aircraft injuries are the result of a disastrous aviation crash, with passengers and crew sustaining fatal injuries. Some plane accidents result in miraculous survival. The types of injuries sustained are often very serious or catastrophic. Some of the most common types of aviation injuries include the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Sudden impacts, falling debris, and dangerous falls can result from violent turbulence. Impacts on the head can lead to concussions or severe brain trauma, which can leave a passenger facing life with cognitive impairments, memory loss, or permanent disabilities.
Spinal Cord Injuries – Hard landings, crashes, or violent jolts can cause damage to the back and spinal cord, resulting in herniated discs, paralysis, or chronic pain conditions.
Burn Injuries – Fires, explosions, or contact with hot surfaces or chemicals during an aviation accident can cause severe burns, leading to scarring, infections, or long-term medical complications.
Broken Bones – High-impact crashes, emergency landings, and passengers or crew being thrown around the cabin during turbulence can cause fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, back, neck, or other physical structures.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – Sudden movements or rough landings can strain muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing long-lasting pain and mobility issues.
Lacerations – Broken glass and contact with metal or loose objects in the cabin can lead to severe lacerations, which could require reconstructive surgery and leave permanent visible scars.
Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma from an aviation accident can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or other life-threatening internal injuries requiring immediate life-saving medical intervention.
Hypoxia (Oxygen Deprivation) – Malfunctions in cabin pressurization or prolonged exposure to high altitudes can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing brain damage, unconsciousness, or loss of life.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD – Surviving an aviation accident can result in severe emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with a significant impact on a victim’s quality of life.

Injuries sustained in an aviation accident can have long-term consequences. Victims may face extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or life-altering disabilities. At Skinner Law Corp, we are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve.

Aviation Accident Investigations: What to Expect

A thorough investigation can determine its cause and discover the responsible parties when an aviation accident occurs. Due to the complexity of aviation incidents, these investigations often involve multiple agencies and require extensive data collection, which experts then analyze. Understanding the process can help victims and their families navigate legal claims more effectively.

Who Investigates an Aviation Accident?

Federal agencies, local authorities, and independent experts investigate aviation accidents. The key agencies involved include:

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – Leads investigations for major aviation accidents in the U.S. and issues reports on probable causes.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Oversees compliance with aviation safety regulations and may conduct independent reviews.
Airline and Manufacturer Investigators – Airlines and aircraft manufacturers often launch internal investigations.
Local and International Authorities – If the accident occurs overseas, international regulatory bodies and local governments may also participate.

What Evidence is Needed in an Aviation Injury Claim?

Once an aviation accident occurs, investigators begin collecting critical evidence, including:

Flight Data Recorders (Black Boxes) – These devices record cockpit conversations along with flight performance data, providing crucial insights into what happened before the crash. All commercial airlines are equipped with black boxes and some private planes. These recording devices are required by the FAA on many planes.
Wreckage Analysis – The aircraft’s debris is examined to identify structural failures, evidence of mechanical failures, or other issues that could have caused the plane to crash.
Pilot and Crew Records – Investigators review the pilot’s flight history, training records, and indications that a pilot may have made a serious error, leading to a crash.
Weather and Air Traffic Control Communications – Weather conditions, radar data, and communications with air traffic control are analyzed to identify any errors in directing the pilot on take-off, landing, or when in the air.
Passenger and Witness Statements – Testimony from surviving passengers, crew members, and witnesses can help reconstruct what occurred to determine the cause of the accident.

What Causes Plane Accidents?

Aviation accidents are rarely the result of a single factor. Instead, they typically result from a combination of issues, including:

Pilot Error – Mistakes in navigation, miscalculations, or failure to follow procedures.
Mechanical Failures – Engine malfunctions, electrical failures, or defective parts.
Maintenance Errors – Improper inspections or overlooked repairs.
Air Traffic Control Errors – Miscommunication or errors in managing plane flight paths.
Inclement Weather – Severe turbulence, storms, or visibility issues.
Design or Manufacturing Defects – Flaws in aircraft design or faulty components.
Bird Strikes – When a plane encounters flocks of birds, the danger is high. A bird can be sucked into a jet engine, causing failure.

How Investigation Findings Affect Legal Claims

The results of an aviation accident investigation have a crucial role in determining liability. The reports from various agencies and experts can:

Identify negligent parties, such as the airline, pilot, aircraft manufacturer, or aircraft maintenance firm.
Uncover regulatory violations that may have led to the aviation accident.
Serve as key evidence in lawsuits seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, or wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one.

Do I Need an Aviation Injury Attorney?

Since aviation accident investigations can take months or even years to complete, having legal representation ensures that victims’ rights are protected throughout the process. An experienced attorney can:

Conduct an independent investigation to uncover additional evidence.
Consult aviation experts to assist with the case by analyzing the data to reveal mechanical failures or human errors.
Ensure that critical documents, such as maintenance records, black box data, and pilot logs, are preserved.
Negotiate with insurance companies and all liable parties for maximum compensation.

Aviation Injuries: FAQ

What agencies will investigate an aviation accident?

Federal agencies, local authorities, and independent experts investigate aviation accidents. The key agencies involved include:

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) – Leads investigations for major aviation accidents in the U.S. and issues reports on probable causes.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – Oversees compliance with aviation safety regulations and may conduct independent reviews.
Airline and Manufacturer Investigators – Airlines and aircraft manufacturers often launch their internal investigations.
Local and International Authorities – If the accident occurs overseas, international regulatory bodies and local governments may also participate.

What evidence is used in filing a claim?

Once an aviation accident occurs, investigators collect all the critical evidence, including:

Flight Data Recorders (Black Boxes) – These devices record cockpit conversations and flight performance data, providing crucial insights into what happened before the crash.
Wreckage Analysis – The aircraft’s debris is examined to identify structural failures, engine malfunctions, or mechanical defects.
Pilot and Crew Records – Investigators review the pilot’s flight history, training records, and any possible signs of fatigue or error.
Weather and Air Traffic Control Communications – Weather conditions, radar data, and communication logs with air traffic control are analyzed for contributing factors.
Passenger and Witness Statements – Testimonies from survivors, crew members, and witnesses help reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident.

How is liability determined?

Aviation accidents are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they typically result from a combination of issues, including:

Pilot Error – Mistakes in navigation, miscalculations, or failure to follow procedures.
Mechanical Failures – Engine malfunctions, electrical failures, or defective parts.
Maintenance Errors – Improper inspections or overlooked repairs.
Air Traffic Control Errors – Miscommunication or mismanagement of flight paths.
Inclement Weather – Severe turbulence, storms, or poor visibility.
Design or Manufacturing Defects – Flaws in aircraft design or faulty components.

Do I need a lawyer to help me with an aviation injury claim?

In most cases, it is vital to have the support of a personal injury lawyer to manage a claim or lawsuit. Aviation injury claims are complex and often involve international, federal, and state laws. These claims are usually managed by top corporate defense legal teams, who have the goal to limit the amount paid out in settlements. An attorney experienced in aviation law can investigate the accident, determine liability, and negotiate for maximum compensation.

What if the airline offers me a settlement?

Airlines and their insurers may offer settlements to minimize their liability. However, these initial offers are often much lower than what victims are entitled to. Before accepting any settlement, consult with an attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and long-term recovery.

How can Skinner Law Corp help me with my aviation injury claim?

At Skinner Law Corp, we offer legal representation in aviation injury cases. Our founding attorney, Troy Skinner, works closely with aviation experts and investigators to build a persuasive, well-documented case. He will negotiate aggressively to pursue all forms of compensation available.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, contact us today for a free consultation. At Skinner Law Corp, we offer personalized legal counsel in complex aviation injury cases.

Why Choose Us for an Aviation Injury Case?

At Skinner Law Corp, we understand the complexities of aviation law and the devastating impact of aviation accidents on victims and their families. Our firm is dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation, compassionate support, and personalized attention to every case. Here’s why clients trust us with their aviation injury claims:

Extensive Experience in Aviation Law

Aviation accident cases require specialized legal knowledge and technical expertise. Our firm focuses on resolving complex aviation injury claims, working alongside industry experts to uncover the true cause of accidents and hold the responsible parties accountable.

In-Depth Investigations

We collaborate with leading aviation experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and former airline industry professionals to conduct thorough investigations. By analyzing flight data, maintenance records, and regulatory compliance, we build strong cases that maximize compensation for our clients.

Aggressive Representation in Aviation Injury Claims

Airlines, manufacturers, and insurance companies have teams of attorneys working to minimize payouts. We are committed to fighting back on behalf of victims, ensuring that our clients are not pressured into unfair settlements. Our firm has the skills and resources to take cases to trial when necessary.

Personalized Legal Strategies

No two aviation accidents are the same, and we take the time to understand the unique factors in each case. Whether you were injured in a commercial airline incident, private plane crash, or helicopter accident, we can help you seek the compensation that will allow you to rebuild your life.

No Fees Unless We Win

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we secure compensation for your case. Our goal is to provide top-tier legal representation without adding financial stress to victims and their families.

Dedicated Client Support

At Skinner Law Corp, we treat every client with the care, respect, and attention they deserve. We keep you informed throughout the legal process, answer all your questions, and ensure that you feel supported every step of the way.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact Skinner Law Corp today for a free consultation and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 310-356-0074 today to speak with us about your aviation accident injuries and how to move forward.