Airplane Accidents

Help For Airplane Accident Victims And Their Families

Airplane accidents can occur in any weather condition and even with the most experienced pilot at the controls.  The attorneys of Barasch & McGarry are well aware of the many laws and regulations the aviation industry must comply with to maintain the highest standards of safety and responsibility.

If you or a loved one is a victim of an airplane accident, you need to rely on a NY personal injury law firm with experience representing victims and their families. Our accident attorneys have the necessary knowledge and experience to navigate through the negotiation of a just settlement or aggressively present your case before a judge and jury at trial.

How airlines must help accident victims and their families under federal law

If an airplane accident occurs in the United States, a major commercial carrier must comply with the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act.  This law requires airlines to—

• Promptly notify victims’ family members of the accident
• Provide family support services, including grief counseling and support
• Brief family members about investigation prior to notifying the press
• Identify and return victims’ remains and possessions to their families
• Provide a memorial service
• If you are a victim’s family member and are being treated with consideration and compassion by the airline, remember that the airline is treating you this way because it is required to under federal law.  Do not misinterpret the airline’s motive and do not let its apparent kindness mitigate the victim’s and family members’ right to be compensated.

Where to get financial assistance immediately following an airplane accident

A victim and/or a victim’s family may be entitled to immediate financial assistance from a number of sources, depending upon the circumstances, such as—

• Workers compensation
• Life insurance
• Advanced payment by the airline
• Offers of loans secured by anticipated claim proceeds

Be wary of the last category, as you may be taken advantage of during a time of emotional stress and upheaval.  Before you sign for a loan for advanced payment, contact our law firm to review the terms and conditions of the offered loan to ensure its legitimacy.

Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Your right to compensation may be adversely affected if you do not know how, or even if, to respond to the many individuals who may contact you following an airplane accident.  Certainly cooperate with police and other law enforcement agencies as well as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).  Beyond that you may be contacted by lawyers or representatives of—

• Insurance companies
• Other victims of the accident
• Companies involved in the accident
• News media
• Other law firms soliciting you

Preserve your rights by contacting us rather than responding to them.