Aviation Accidents
Practice Areas
Auto Accidents
Catastrophic Injuries
Medical Product Liability
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) 371-3000 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.
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
- Failed equipment or components
- Failure to warn of bad weather
- Maintenance crew error or negligence
- Defective aircraft components
- Airport and tarmac hazards
- Incorrect, outdated, or unsafe operations
- Improper aircraft maintenance
- Air traffic control errors
- Negligence by service staff
- Faulty structural design
- Mechanical failure
- Failure to follow FAA regulations
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
- Surgeries and other treatments
- Medical equipment/devices
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of future earnings
- Past, current, and future pain and suffering
- Hospital and ambulance fees
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost income, wages, and employment benefits
- Diminished or lost earning ability
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.
Personalized Advice & Concierge Level Experience
Direct Communication With Your Attorney
Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
Practicing in The Gainesville Area 55+ Years
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