When an aviation accident happens, lives change in an instant. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a plane crash or helicopter accident in Houston, Gibson Hill Personal Injury stands ready to help. We represent victims of aviation accidents throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Our team handles aviation injury claims and works to pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston aviation accidents lawyer.
Why Choose Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Your Aviation Accident Claim
At Gibson Hill Personal Injury, we bring experience to aviation accident cases. Our experienced attorneys understand Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. We understand the investigation processes conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). We know how to work with qualified aviation professionals. And we reconstruct accident scenes and identify potentially liable parties.
When you choose Gibson Hill Personal Injury, you get a team committed to your recovery. We handle every aspect of your case. This includes initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial. We operate on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our goal is straightforward: help you move forward after a devastating aviation accident.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents in Houston
Aviation accidents occur for many reasons. Understanding what caused your accident helps establish liability and can strengthen your claim. Our Houston personal injury attorneys investigate each accident to identify the responsible parties.
Pilot Error
Pilot error remains one of the leading causes of aviation accidents. This includes mistakes in navigation and improper landing procedures. It also includes failure to follow checklists or poor decision-making during flight. Pilot error can involve flying under the influence or operating an aircraft while fatigued. When a pilot’s negligence causes an accident, the pilot and their employer may face liability. We examine pilot training records, flight history, and the circumstances of the accident to evaluate negligence.
Mechanical and Equipment Failures
Aircraft depend on complex mechanical systems. When these systems fail, accidents can happen. Engine failures, hydraulic system malfunctions, landing gear problems, and instrument failures can all lead to crashes. Manufacturers, maintenance providers, and airlines may share responsibility for mechanical failures. We work with aviation engineers and other qualified professionals to analyze equipment failures and determine whether design defects or manufacturing issues contributed to your accident. Product liability claims may apply when defective equipment causes injuries.
Maintenance Issues
Proper aircraft maintenance helps prevent many accidents. Inadequate inspections create dangerous conditions. Failure to repair known defects also creates risk. Use of faulty parts can compound these problems. Maintenance companies and airlines that neglect their responsibilities may be held liable. We review maintenance logs, inspection records, and repair histories to identify negligent maintenance practices.
Gibson Hill Personal Injury investigates the root cause of your accident. We consult with qualified aviation professionals and review maintenance records. We examine flight data and investigation reports.
Understanding Aviation Accident Liability
Establishing liability in an aviation accident requires proving negligence and showing that it caused your injuries. Multiple parties may share responsibility for a single accident.
Pilots can be liable for errors in judgment, failure to follow procedures, or operating an aircraft unsafely. Airlines and aviation companies bear responsibility for hiring qualified pilots, maintaining aircraft, and establishing safe operating procedures. Aircraft manufacturers may face liability when design defects or manufacturing flaws contribute to accidents. Maintenance providers must perform inspections and repairs correctly. Claims involving air traffic controllers or federal agencies are subject to specific legal rules and limitations under federal law.
The NTSB investigates aviation accidents to determine probable cause. NTSB findings do not determine legal liability, but they can provide important evidence for your claim. Our attorneys use NTSB reports and independent investigations to build your case. We examine FAA regulations and industry standards to assess whether any duties were violated. Comparative negligence rules in Texas may also affect your claim.
Types of Compensation Available After an Aviation Accident
Aviation accident victims may be able to recover several types of damages. Economic damages cover financial losses such as medical expenses, surgical costs, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. If your injuries prevent you from working, we pursue compensation for lost income. We calculate these damages carefully to account for expenses related to your accident.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of your injuries. Pain and suffering may reflect the physical pain and emotional distress you experienced. We also pursue damages for loss of enjoyment of life, emotional trauma, and permanent disability. These damages recognize that injuries can affect more than finances.
Wrongful death claims apply when an aviation accident results in a fatality. Surviving family members may recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and damages for loss of companionship and guidance. We help families through this process and pursue available compensation.
How Gibson Hill Personal Injury Handles Your Aviation Accident Case
Our case management process begins after you contact us. We gather evidence from the accident scene, obtain medical records, and review FAA and NTSB documentation. We consult with qualified aviation professionals who can explain technical aspects of the accident and identify contributing factors. Time is important in aviation cases, as evidence can be lost or destroyed if not preserved.
We then investigate potentially liable parties. This includes reviewing maintenance records, pilot qualifications, airline policies, and aircraft design specifications. We work with engineers and other professionals to reconstruct the accident and evaluate negligence. We examine whether applicable regulations and standards were followed and identify any violations that may have contributed to your accident.
Once we understand the facts, we negotiate with insurance companies and liable parties. Many cases settle during this phase. We present evidence of liability and damages. If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, we prepare your case for trial. Our attorneys present evidence to a jury and advocate on your behalf. We are prepared to take your case to trial when appropriate. Learn more about how personal injury settlements work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accidents
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek medical attention first, even if you feel fine. Some injuries appear hours or days after an accident. Report the accident to the authorities. Document everything you remember about the incident and take photographs if possible. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters until you speak with an attorney. Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury to discuss your situation and next steps. Early investigation can help preserve evidence.
How long do I have to file an aviation accident claim in Texas?
Texas law generally sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. You typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, and wrongful death claims often follow a similar deadline. Certain exceptions may apply. Speaking with an attorney early can help protect your claim and preserve evidence. Understanding the statute of limitations is critical to your case.
What is the role of the NTSB in an aviation accident investigation?
The National Transportation Safety Board investigates aviation accidents and determines probable cause. NTSB investigators examine wreckage, review flight data, interview witnesses, and analyze weather conditions. The agency publishes a final report with findings and recommendations. While the NTSB does not determine legal liability, its investigation can provide useful evidence. Learn how to read an accident report to understand NTSB findings.
Can I sue an airline for an aviation accident?
Yes, in some situations. Airlines may be held liable for accidents involving pilot negligence, maintenance issues, unsafe procedures, or hiring practices. Liability depends on the facts of the case and applicable law. Our attorneys evaluate which legal theories may apply and pursue claims against responsible parties where appropriate.
What damages can I recover in an aviation accident case?
You may be able to recover economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In wrongful death cases, damages may include funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Punitive damages may be available in limited cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct. We evaluate your situation to identify potential damages.
How much does it cost to hire an aviation accident lawyer?
Gibson Hill Personal Injury works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We cover investigation costs and related expenses. This arrangement allows you to pursue a claim without upfront legal fees. Learn how much lawyers typically take from settlements.
Important Limitation on Aircraft Manufacturer Liability
Certain federal rules may limit liability for aircraft manufacturers. The General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA) generally provides an 18-year statute of repose for claims against manufacturers of general aviation aircraft and certain components. This limitation may affect your ability to pursue claims involving older aircraft. Our attorneys evaluate your situation to determine how these rules may apply. Catastrophic injuries from aviation accidents may still warrant claims despite these limitations.
Contact Gibson Hill Personal Injury for Your Free Aviation Accident Consultation
An aviation accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. You do not have to handle this alone. Gibson Hill Personal Injury provides legal representation for aviation accident victims throughout Houston and Texas. Call (713) 659-4000 today to schedule your free consultation. Our attorneys will review your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Time matters in aviation accident claims. Contact us to discuss your situation and next steps.
