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Shreveport Aviation Accident Lawyers

What do you do when the excitement of air travel turns into your worst nightmare in seconds? It doesn’t happen often, but when a plane crashes, it can devastate everyone involved. You are considered one of the lucky ones if you survive with significant injuries because, in many aviation crashes, the passengers and crew do not survive. Their families are left to struggle through life without their loved ones. 

At Rice & Kendig, we understand that aviation accidents shatter more than just aircraft — they shatter families, careers, and dreams. For over five decades, we've stood beside Shreveport families through their darkest moments, fighting relentlessly to rebuild lives after devastating aircraft accidents. 

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Cases

Real Results in

‍Aviation Accident Cases

See How We’ve Won for Others
$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$4,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$750,000

Civil Rights Violation

A 68-year-old client's 4th amendment rights were violated when police illegally entered his home and wrongfully arrested him.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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Table of Contents

Types of Aviation Accidents We Focus On

Since 1975, Louisiana has experienced 538 fatal aviation accidents from among the many airplane crashes and incidents across the state. Every aviation accident story is unique, and behind each case is a family whose life has been turned upside down. At Rice & Kendig, we've helped countless Shreveport residents navigate the aftermath of various aviation accidents, always remembering that your case is about more than just legal arguments — it's about helping you rebuild your life.

‍

  • Commercial Airline Accidents

    You trusted the airline to get you safely to your destination. Instead, their negligence turned your routine flight into a nightmare. Whether it's pilot error, maintenance failures, or corporate cost-cutting that puts profits ahead of safety, we have the resources and experience to take on major airlines and their army of lawyers.

  • Private Plane Crashes

    That scenic flight or business trip shouldn't have ended in tragedy. From single-engine Cessnas to corporate jets, we understand how private aviation accidents devastate families differently than commercial crashes. We investigate every detail — pilot qualifications, maintenance records, weather conditions — because we know your family's future depends on proving precisely what went wrong.

  • Charter Flight Incidents

    You chose a charter flight for convenience and flexibility, not to become a victim of corner-cutting safety practices. When charter operators prioritize profits over passenger safety through inadequate maintenance, insufficient pilot training, or dangerous scheduling, we hold them accountable. Your trust was betrayed, and we're here to make it right.

  • Helicopter Accidents

    Whether you were heading to an offshore oil platform or taking a tour of our beautiful Louisiana coastline, helicopter accidents change lives in seconds. We understand the unique technical aspects of rotorcraft accidents and the profound impact they have on survivors and families. Our team has extensive experience with the complexities of helicopter crash cases, from mechanical failures to pilot decision-making in challenging conditions.

  • Airport Ground Accidents

    Not every aviation accident happens in the air. From dangerous jetway malfunctions to ground vehicle collisions, even a routine walk through the terminal can turn tragic when a wet, slippery floor isn’t cleaned up. We handle cases involving injuries sustained anywhere on airport property, fighting for victims who never expected a casual trip to turn into a life-changing ordeal.

  • Maintenance-Related Crashes

    Someone's decision to skip a safety check or rush a repair shouldn't cost you everything. When improper maintenance leads to mechanical failure, we dig deep to identify everyone responsible — from individual mechanics to major maintenance facilities. Our investigations often reveal systemic safety violations that put countless passengers at risk.

  • Weather-Related Incidents

    While weather can be unpredictable, the decision to fly in dangerous conditions isn't an accident — it's a choice. We pursue cases where operators gambled with passengers' lives by flying in unsafe conditions or failed to respond properly when the weather deteriorated. Your safety should always come before schedule adherence or profits.

  • Training Accidents

    Learning to fly shouldn't cost you your health or your loved one's life. Flight schools and instructors have a sacred duty to maintain safe operations and proper supervision. When training flights go wrong due to inadequate instruction or unsafe practices, we help victims and families understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

Common Aviation Accident Injuries We Handle

Aviation accidents often result in life-altering injuries that impact not just your health but your entire future. We've seen how these injuries affect every aspect of our clients' lives, from their ability to work to their relationships with loved ones:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries: From memory problems that make daily tasks challenging to severe trauma requiring round-the-clock care, we help victims secure the long-term support they need.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: When spinal damage leads to paralysis or chronic pain, we fight for compensation that covers not just medical care but home modifications, specialized equipment, and ongoing rehabilitation.
  • Burn Injuries: Aviation fuel fires can cause devastating burns requiring multiple surgeries and years of treatment. We understand both the physical and emotional scars these injuries leave behind.
  • Multiple Fractures: High-impact crashes often result in complex breaks requiring multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery periods. We help ensure you have the resources for complete rehabilitation.
  • Internal Organ Damage: The tremendous forces in aviation accidents can cause severe internal injuries that require emergency surgery and ongoing care. We work with medical experts to document all current and future medical needs.
  • Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of surviving an aviation accident can be just as devastating as physical injuries. We fight for compensation that covers both physical and mental health care.
  • Wrongful Death: When families lose loved ones in aviation accidents, we help them seek not just compensation but accountability and closure while honoring their loved one's memory.

Your Life Changed in Seconds. Let Rice & Kendig Help You Rebuild It.

Take the first step toward rebuilding your life today! Our experienced aviation accident attorneys offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let us shoulder your legal burden while you focus on what matters most — your recovery and your family.

Write to Us

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

Your Next Steps After an Aviation Accident

In the aftermath of an aviation accident, you must protect your health and legal rights. Here's what you need to know:

Get Medical Care — Even If You Feel "Fine"

Don't wait to seek medical attention. We've seen too many clients develop serious symptoms days after thinking they were "okay." Internal injuries and head trauma aren't always immediately apparent, and proper medical documentation is crucial for your case. Your health comes first — everything else can wait.

Preserve Evidence While You Can

Time is critical after an aviation accident. If possible:

  • Document the scene with photos and videos.
  • Gather contact information from witnesses.
  • Keep all flight-related documents.
  • Save communications with airlines/operators.

These details often prove invaluable when building your case.

File Required Reports

Let us help you properly report the accident to the necessary authorities, including the NTSB, FAA, and your insurance provider. Proper reporting is crucial, and we know exactly what information needs to be shared — and what doesn't.

Don't Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage

The hours and days after an accident are when insurance companies work hardest to minimize your claim. Don't give recorded statements, sign documents, or discuss the accident on social media. Let our experienced aviation accident attorneys handle all communication while you focus on recovery.

Remember: Your actions immediately after the accident can significantly impact your case. When in doubt, call us first — we'll guide you through every step.

Compensation You Deserve After an Aviation Accident

An aviation accident can impact every aspect of your life, and the compensation you receive for your injuries, damages, and losses should reflect that. At Rice & Kendig, we dig deep to understand how the accident has affected you and your family, fighting for every dollar you deserve:

Medical Care Coverage

We've seen how medical bills can devastate families. We'll fight for compensation covering your complete healthcare journey, including:

  • Emergency care, surgeries, and ongoing medical treatment.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation services.
  • Mental health support and PTSD treatment.
  • Medical equipment and long-term care needs that insurance might deny.

Lost Income & Professional Impact

When injuries keep you from working, the stress isn't just physical — it's financial. We help recover:

  • Current and future lost wages, including benefits and retirement.
  • Career retraining if you can't return to your previous position.
  • Long-term impact on your earning capacity and career path.

Pain & Suffering

We understand that some of the deepest impacts can't be measured in dollars:

  • Physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Loss of enjoyment in daily activities and hobbies.
  • Impact on personal relationships and family life.
  • Changes to your physical abilities and lifestyle.

Additional Losses

We pursue compensation for all other accident-related damages:

  • Property damage and personal belongings.
  • Home and vehicle modifications for disabilities.
  • Wrongful death damages when applicable.
  • Impact on family members' lives.

Your recovery matters in all its aspects. We work to secure compensation that truly reflects the full impact of the accident on your life and future.

Critical Aviation Laws That Affect Your Case

Aviation accidents involve complex federal, international, and state laws. At Rice & Kendig, we use our deep understanding of these regulations to strengthen your case:

Federal Aviation Laws & Regulations

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) and Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) establish strict requirements for:

  • Pilot qualifications, including mandatory rest periods and training (14 CFR Part 61).
  • Aircraft maintenance protocols and safety inspections (14 CFR Part 43).
  • Commercial operator safety standards (14 CFR Part 121).
  • Airport security and operations requirements (49 USC § 44903).

49 U.S. Code Chapter 447 - Safety Regulation

This crucial federal law:

  • Mandates safety standards for aircraft design and manufacturing.
  • Requires thorough investigation of safety violations.
  • Establishes strict liability for defective aircraft components.
  • Sets penalties for safety regulation violations.

Louisiana's Aviation Laws

Our state has specific regulations under Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 2:

  • Sets aircraft registration and licensing requirements.
  • Establishes airport zoning and safety standards.
  • Defines liability for ground damage from aircraft.
  • Mandates minimum insurance coverage for operators.

Time Limits for Legal Action

Louisiana's recent law changes affect your filing deadlines:

  • Pre-July 2024 accidents: One-year statute of limitations.
  • Post-July 2024 accidents: Two-year statute of limitations.
  • International flights: Two-year deadline under the Montreal Convention.
  • Wrongful death claims: Special deadlines apply, so contact our experienced aviation accident lawyers as soon as possible.

Shared Responsibility Laws

Louisiana's comparative fault system (Civil Code Article 2323) significantly impacts aviation cases:

  • Multiple parties can share liability for the accident.
  • Your recovery isn't barred even if you are partially at fault.
  • Compensation is adjusted based on fault percentage.
  • Strict liability applies in certain circumstances.

The Montreal Convention (International Flights)

This treaty governs international aviation accidents with the following:

  • Mandatory compensation for proven damages up to 128,821 SDRs.
  • Strict liability for injuries up to this amount.
  • Extended liability based on fault above this limit.
  • Specific jurisdictional rules for filing claims.

Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.

At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!

No Fee Unless We Win For You

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

What Our Aviation Accident Clients

Say About the Work We Do

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Rice &

Kendig for Your Aviation Accident Case

  • We're More Than Just Lawyers
    Having handled aviation accidents for decades, we understand your case is about more than just legal arguments — it's about rebuilding your life. We're not just your attorneys but your advocates, supporters, and guides through this challenging journey.
  • We Know Aviation Inside and Out
    Aviation cases require more than just legal knowledge. We combine our personal injury law knowledge with a deep understanding of aviation regulations and operations. When we investigate your case, we know exactly what to look for and how to prove it.
  • We Have the Strength to Stand Up to Airlines
    Major airlines and insurance companies have tremendous resources at their disposal. We do, too. We have the financial strength and expert connections to thoroughly investigate your case and take on even the largest corporations.
  • You Work Directly with Senior Partners
    You're not just a file to be handed off to inexperienced new lawyers or staff. Our senior partners work directly with you throughout your case, bringing decades of experience to your fight for justice.
  • We Take the Financial Risk
    You can focus on healing while we handle your case. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. We'll even advance the costs of investigation and litigation expenses.
  • We Know How to Win Big Cases
    Our firm has the largest reported jury verdict in Louisiana for Fibromyalgia, Kessler v. Southmark Corp., No. 25,941-CA (La. App. 2 Cir. 9/21/94); 643 So.2d 345; and at the time of judgment, the largest jury verdict for wrongful death, McGrail v. Lee, No. 35,756-CA (La. App. 2 Cir. 04/03/02); 814 So.2d 729.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Aviation Accident Victims Across Northern Louisiana

Rice & Kendig brings powerful legal representation to aviation accident victims throughout Northern Louisiana, from the busy airspace around Shreveport Regional Airport to private airfields across the region.

Our aviation accident attorneys serve clients across the following:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Honest Answers Are Only a Phone Call Away:

Contact Rice & Kendig Today!

Insurance companies are already building their defense. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses' memories are fading. Every day you wait could weaken your case.

Don't face this battle alone. For over 50 years, we've helped aviation accident victims across Louisiana secure the compensation they deserve. Let us put our experience, resources, and passion for justice to work for you.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

Aviation Accident FAQ‍

  • Aviation accidents involve complex federal regulations, multiple potential defendants, and often international law considerations. Our experience with these unique aspects helps us build stronger cases and anticipate challenges before they arise.

  • While every case is unique, aviation cases often require more time than typical injury cases due to complex investigations and multiple liable parties. We work efficiently while ensuring we account for all your injuries and damages before resolving your case. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and involved in every decision.

  • Yes. While weather can contribute to accidents, pilots and airlines must make appropriate decisions about flying conditions and respond appropriately when weather changes. We investigate whether proper procedures were followed and necessary precautions were taken to protect passenger safety.

  • Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

    • Airlines and aircraft operators
    • Pilots and flight crew
    • Aircraft manufacturers
    • Maintenance providers
    • Air traffic controllers
    • Airport operators
    • Parts manufacturers
    • Ground service providers