Plane Crash Attorney

Aviation accidents are generally rare, but when they do happen, the aftermath is devastating. These horrific accidents often result in serious losses and overwhelming expenses. When you are unsure how to move forward after a commercial airline disaster or general aviation accident, our Wisconsin plane crash lawyers in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse can offer support so you can focus on healing or grieving.

Bye, Goff & Rohde has a team of experienced plane crash accidents attorneys who know how to handle the unique complexities of these types of accidents. We take the time to thoroughly understand your situation and customize our approach to your specific circumstances. Our law firm has a track record of success, and our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers will not back down when obstacles arise.

Many Factors Can Contribute to Plane Crashes and Aviation Accidents

Each day, thousands of people get on a plane and safely travel to their destinations. Statistically speaking, flying is one of the safest modes of transportation. However, when an aviation accident does happen, it is often catastrophic. We have all seen the graphic images of plane crash wreckage. We’ve heard the sad last moments of pilots and flight crews captured on black boxes. A plane accident is horrific, and if you or a loved one has been involved in an incident, our hearts go out to you.

Sadly, these accidents are the result of many factors. As with any form of transportation, operator error plays a significant role in these types of accidents, as do fatigue and distraction. Miscommunication between pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC) can have serious consequences as well. Planes can also be impacted by poor weather conditions, mechanical failures, fires, poor training, and poor operation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lists the following flight hazards as the most common reasons for accidents:

Poor flight preparation and planning prior to take-off
Inability to reach or maintain correct flying speed
Inability to control the direction of the plane
Leveling off improperly
Failing to avoid objects or obstructions
Poor fuel management
Poor planning and decision-making during flight
Misjudging distance and speed
Selection of unsuitable terrain
Inability to properly operate controls

Given the wide variety of factors in a plane crash accident, it is important to consult our aviation accident attorneys in Wisconsin. Bye, Goff & Rohde can conduct a thorough investigation and in-depth research to determine what caused the accident and who is responsible.

Our Aviation Accident Attorneys Can Represent You When You Have Suffered Serious Injuries

There are countless hazards involved when a flight goes wrong on a commercial airliner or a single-engine small plane. Even in a successful emergency landing, the force and speed of any aircraft can cause lasting injuries. What’s more, the structures of an aircraft can trap, injure, and expose passengers and workers to smoke and hazardous fumes, and the presence of fuel can lead to a potential post-crash fire. These and other factors can result in the following catastrophic plane crash injuries:

Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Burn injuries
Hearing damage or loss
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Medical treatment may be extensive following an airline crash or general aviation accident. Emergency medical care is needed to quickly respond to the trauma you have suffered, and there may be multiple surgeries required, followed by physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy. Taking swift action can make all the difference in your ability to recover, which is why you should also keep your medical records to show our Wisconsin aviation accident lawyers during a free case review.

Statute of Limitations for Plane Crash Lawsuits in Wisconsin

Victims of plane crash accidents must file their claim within Wisconsin’s three-year statute of limitations. If the plane crash results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members have two years to take action and file a lawsuit.

Parties who fail to start their aviation accident claims within these timeframes may not be able to collect compensation, even if they are injured. Because these cases can be so complex, you should not delay. It’s best to retain the Wisconsin plane crash lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde as soon as possible. We can listen to your story and help you understand your next steps.

Understanding Different Types of Plane Accidents and How They Happen

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s most recent report on aviation activity, the state sees thousands of flights every year from both passenger and commercial aircraft. The state has a robust aviation presence, from commercial flights and general aviation to experimental and military efforts.

Eau Claire and La Crosse are home to a couple of regional airports, namely Chippewa Valley Regional Airport and La Crosse Regional Airport, respectively. Different kinds of aircraft use these regional airports, and pilots must be aware of who they are sharing the runway and airspace with.

The type of plane and airport layout can present unique considerations and hazards for pilots as they take off, fly, and land. Additionally, different types of planes may be affected by various factors from takeoff to touchdown. Below is a closer look at operating hazards and accident considerations.

Commercial Airline Accidents

Commercial airline accidents do not happen often, but they are still possible. While operations are highly regulated, multiple factors can still occur that can jeopardize the stability of a plane and injure passengers. Errors, miscommunication, poor weather, lack of ATC staffing, and equipment failure or design flaws often account for accidents involving these larger aircraft.

Regional Plane Accidents

Wisconsin’s regional airports are often used for connecting flights and may have more small aircraft present compared to larger airports. These planes may operate under unique regulations because of their smaller size. Regional airports are also likely to have fewer runways, which means takeoff and landing must be carefully monitored and communicated. Pilots must also remain alert and guard against distractions at all stages of flight, and be ready to respond to mechanical issues, weather, and more.

Flight School Accidents

Individuals learning how to fly are generally less experienced and may not have the knowledge or proficiency to accommodate various aspects of operating a plane. This can result in newer pilots failing to maintain sufficient speed or control. Errors and miscalculations can also prevent operators from making necessary accommodations. If these accidents result from poor or insufficient training, flight schools could be held liable.

Small Plane Crashes

Many factors that contribute to plane accidents hold true with small planes. However, smaller aircraft may not be able to withstand some of the effects that larger planes can. For example, bad weather may make it harder for pilots to maintain control of the plane. Runway conditions and miscommunications can also expose planes to risks and other air traffic. Additionally, smaller planes often have only one engine and fewer physical resources, so equipment failure can have a greater impact.

Aviation Cases Are Often Challenging to Resolve

Trying to unravel the cause of a plane crash and resolve a lawsuit can be very challenging for numerous reasons. First, there are many parties involved who could have contributed to the accident. There is also an immense amount of data to comb through, from black box data to communication recordings to weather reports, mechanical readings, and so much more. Sifting through this information can take a significant amount of time.

Depending on how and where an accident occurs, jurisdictional oversight may vary or overlap. This is one of the many reasons why hiring our Wisconsin aviation accident lawyers in Eau Claire, La Crosse, and River Falls is so important. Bye, Goff & Rohde has access to aviation experts and forensic scientists who can identify the cause of a crash and any contributing factors that may have been involved.

To make sense of the extensive technical information associated with these types of cases, our lawyers consult and collaborate with aviation industry experts who can provide greater insight into what occurred and provide their testimony while our team builds your case. Their statements and attention to detail can provide supporting evidence when establishing liability. Our aviation accident attorneys may also consult medical experts if you suffered catastrophic injuries that require lifelong care.

Our Plane Crash Lawyers Can Help Grieving Families After Fatal Aviation Accidents

Many aviation accidents can result in death, whether in the plane crash itself or as a result of a post-crash fire. When negligence contributed to the accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death lawsuit to recover losses on behalf of the deceased. If you have lost a loved one, our plane crash attorneys in River Falls, Eau Claire, and La Crosse, WI can discuss your eligibility to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death claims are typically limited to immediate family members, and in certain circumstances, extended family and dependents.

Establishing Liability in Plane Crashes Can Be Complicated

Airplane accidents are often the subject of civil action suits. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we hold all parties who contribute to an accident accountable. This may include the pilot, airline carrier, airport personnel, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, manufacturers, subcontractors, and other parties.

Determining who is liable for an aviation accident is often a challenge. It requires thorough investigative measures to identify the source of an accident as well as any factors that may have contributed errors in judgment or mechanical failure. By hiring our lawyers, you get more than 180 years of combined legal experience on your side. We have a history of handling complex liability issues and pressing parties who avoid taking responsibility.

The Four Fundamentals of Legal Liability

Our Wisconsin plane crash lawyers will carefully review all evidence to demonstrate the following:

Duty of Care: The at-fault party was responsible for ensuring safe operations and processes so no harm would come to you or other passengers.
Breach of Duty: The at-fault party was careless in carrying out their duties and failed to uphold their duty to safety.
Causation: The at-fault party’s actions caused the plane to crash and injure those on board or in the vicinity.
Damages: The at-fault party must pay for the damages they caused and provide you with compensation to cover your expenses and other losses.

Document all expenses related to your injury or the death of a loved one so there is as much evidence in your case. Our lawyers will work with you to collect as much relevant documentation as possible. This will help you understand the true value of your claim.

As we help you gather proof of all accident-related expenses, we will review black box data, other flight recordings, weather information, witness statements, and more. The more documentation and evidence we have, the stronger your aviation accident case will be.

Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Plane Crash

Our plane crash attorneys in Eau Claire, La Crosse, and River Falls can assist you after the trauma of an aviation accident. When you are dealing with staggering expenses from injuries or the loss of a loved one, compensation can ease your suffering. It can reduce your stress by making sure that you can get the medical care and other resources you need. Our attorneys will help you recover compensation that includes a mix of the following:

Medical bills for short-term and lifelong care
Maiming and disfigurement
Lost wages and other income/benefits
Loss of companionship
Pain and suffering
Psychological harm
Costs for a specialized home environment, transportation, and other needs
Wrongful death

Client Advocacy Against High-Powered Interests

The personal injury lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde are trial specialists and will aggressively fight on your behalf, earning the compensation you deserve. We are prepared and equipped to go up against airliners, airplane manufacturers, insurance companies, airports, and the respective legal teams of these parties to make sure you get the resources you deserve after an accident.

We help you determine how much your case is worth so you can be sure that you do not accept a settlement or verdict that will not cover your losses.

Contact Our Wisconsin Plane Crash Accidents Law Firm

At Bye, Goff & Rohde, we know you are going through a difficult time after a plane crash. We are here to provide compassionate support and valuable counsel. Our skilled attorneys provide you with exceptional service and handle all logistics and communications on your behalf. To request a free case review with our experienced plane crash lawyers in Eau Claire, River Falls, and La Crosse, contact our law firm today.