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 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!
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(318) 222-2772
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