Gainesville Aviation Accident Attorneys
Airplane, Helicopter & Other Aircraft Accidents in Florida
Though relatively rare, aviation accidents are almost always devastating. From large commercial airline disasters to private aircraft crashes, these incidents often result in catastrophic injury and death.
At Schackow & Mercadante, we represent victims of all types of aviation accidents in Gainesville and all of the surrounding areas, including Ocala, Lake City, Hawthorne, Williston, and beyond. Our attorneys understand the immense impact these incidents have on victims and their families, and they are committed to helping the people they serve recover the full and fair compensation they are owed.
Our firm has the necessary resources to determine liability after an aviation accident, along with the decades of experience needed to effectively hold the liable parties accountable. We are here for you and your family throughout the legal process, ready to provide the personal attention and compassionate support you need to navigate this difficult time in your life.
To learn more, contact us today at (352) 261-6767 and request a free consultation with one of our Gainesville aviation accident lawyers.
Types of Aviation Accidents We Handle
When most people think of aviation accidents, they think of major, newsworthy commercial airline crashes. While these incidents certainly do happen, they are far from the only type of aviation accident. In fact, commercial airline crashes are relatively rare; incidents involving smaller aircraft are far more common—and often even more deadly.
Some of the many types of accidents that can affect these and other aircraft include:
- Crashes
- Taxi accidents
- Runway accidents
- Takeoff and landing accidents
- Onboard injuries
- Boarding accidents
- Deplaning accidents
Regardless of the type of accident or how it occurred, you could be entitled to financial compensation if someone else is to blame for your injuries or the wrongful death of your loved one. You may have a claim against an individual, such as the pilot of the aircraft, or another entity, such as the commercial airline company that operated the aircraft or the manufacturer of a defective part.
Our Gainesville aviation accident attorneys can review the details of your claim during a complimentary case evaluation and provide information specific to your case. We encourage you to reach out to our team today to schedule a free consultation.
Awarded & Recognized What Our Clients Are Saying
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I met with Marie Banks to go over Car Accident Preparedness. She was awesome and so full of knowledge. Patient with all my questions and I left her office feeling good about the insurance I had and felt prepared if an accident were to happen. She treated me like family. Thank you! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.- Pranish Sharma
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“Marie was able to explain my coverage in a way that made it digestible and understandable. With Marie's help I was able to fix my insurance coverage to a policy that included the best protection and I now also rest easier knowing I'm in good hands if I eve”- Josh Talmore
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I'm a UF student who got injured on campus. Schackow & Mercadante handled my case extremely well. Everything was settled in about a year. I highly recommend them for any personal injury case.- Jenny Haber
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“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”- Ashley Wilson
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I would absolutely trust Schackow & Mercadante to handle any injury claim. After several meetings with their staff, I'm 100% comfortable with their positive outlook and trust they want what's best for their clients.- Rob Matthews
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They treated me with great respect and negotiated a settlement for me far beyond my expectations. They answered my calls promptly and were available each time I needed them throughout my case. I have recommended this law firm to others I know because I trust the attorneys and staff here immensely.- T Harrison
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I highly recommend Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.!!! The office staff is very polite and professional. Attorneys were great and treated me like a family member.- Kevin Drye
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Most aviation accidents are the result of several factors, rather than a singular cause. Often, these factors combine to result in catastrophic or even deadly consequences.
Some of the most common causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot error and negligence
- Improper aircraft maintenance
- Failed equipment or components
- Air traffic control errors
- Failure to warn of bad weather
- Negligence by service staff
- Maintenance crew error or negligence
- Faulty structural design
- Defective aircraft components
- Mechanical failure
- Airport and tarmac hazards
- Failure to follow FAA regulations
- Incorrect, outdated, or unsafe operations
At Schackow & Mercadante, we have extensive resources and access to industry experts who help us evaluate the cause of an accident and determine who is liable. We use this information to build powerful cases for our clients and aggressively seek the maximum compensation they are owed.
Compensation for Victims & Families After an Aviation Accident
When someone else—whether it’s an individual person, a company, an insurance carrier, or a manufacturer—is legally responsible for an aviation accident, surviving victims and the families of those wrongfully killed may seek financial compensation for their damages. “Damages” is a legal term that refers to the economic and non-economic losses an individual sustains due to their injuries or loss.
Although every case is different, many personal injury plaintiffs can recover compensation for the following damages:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital and ambulance fees
- Surgeries and other treatments
- Medication costs
- Medical equipment/devices
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
- Loss of future earnings
- Diminished or lost earning ability
- Past, current, and future pain and suffering
Depending on the details of your case, you may also be entitled to compensation for miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses, such as costs associated with in-home assistance or medical care, home modifications, and other accident-related expenses.
How Long Do You Have to File an Aviation Accident Lawsuit?
In Florida, all personal injury claims are subject to a statute of limitations, or deadline by which the plaintiff must file their lawsuit in court. Different types of claims may fall under different statutes of limitations.
Some examples include aviation accidents involving:
- Personal Injury: Twoyears from the date of the accident
- Wrongful Death: Two years from the date of death
- Product Liability: Two years from the date of injury
Note that the shorter statute of limitations will typically apply. So, for example, if you have a wrongful death claim involving a defective aircraft, you would have just two years from the date of death to file your lawsuit in court.
Contact Our Aviation Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love was involved in an aircraft accident, reach out to our team at Schackow & Mercadante today to learn how we can help you fight for justice. Our Gainesville aviation accident lawyers provide compassionate, personalized legal representation backed by over 126 years of combined experience.
Our firm has been serving communities throughout Alachua County and all of North Central Florida for over 55 years. In that time, we have earned a reputation for effectively and aggressively representing the rights of our clients, as well as securing the results they need to heal and move forward with their lives. We encourage you to reach out to us right away to learn how we can help you, too.
Why Clients Trust Us
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Personalized Advice & Concierge Level Experience
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Direct Communication With Your Attorney
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Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
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Practicing in The Gainesville Area 55+ Years