California Aviation Accident Attorneys

Injured in an Aviation Accident in California? Our Firm Can Help

Aviation accidents can be among the most complex and devastating. While air travel is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation, when accidents do occur, they often result in catastrophic injuries or loss of life that can trigger federal regulations, state laws, and international treaties.

Talk to a Los Angeles aviation accident lawyer about your case or contact our firm to schedule a no-cost consultation.

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Aviation Accident Resources In This Article:


Understanding Aviation Accidents

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Aviation accidents relate to the operation of an aircraft that results in serious injury or death—or substantial damage to the aircraft itself. Under federal law, these events trigger specific investigative and regulatory responses that are primarily overseen by two agencies:

  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains and enforces standards that cover aviation from aircraft design and maintenance to pilot certification and operational procedures.
  • The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts investigations to determine, among other things, the causes of an accident/incident and if necessary then make recommendations.

In California, aviation accidents can fall under both federal and state jurisdiction. While federal law usually provides the primary framework for aviation safety and accident investigation, state law significantly affects how victims and their families can pursue legal remedies.

Types of Aircraft Involved in Accidents

Aviation law generally distinguishes between two broad categories of aircraft that operate under different regulatory frameworks: commercial airlines and general aviation (GA). Most people are familiar with commercial airlines: the large passenger carriers that operate scheduled flights. General aviation, on the other hand, is a term that refers to other civil aviation activities, including private operations, corporate jets, charter flights, recreational aircraft, and even crop dusters.

In addition to traditional fixed-wing planes, other common aircraft types include:

  • Turboprop and turbojet aircraft, often used in business aviation
  • Rotorcraft (helicopters)
  • Experimental and amateur-built aircraft
  • Light sport aircraft

California is the nation’s leader in the number of registered general aviation aircraft. Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, the state’s busiest GA airport, recorded 487,537 operations in 2018 alone.

Aviation Accident Statistics

Commercial aviation is known for its exemplary safety record. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), for example, western-built jetliners experience only one “hull loss” accident per 2.4 million flights (a rate of 0.41 accidents per million flights). Recent data from the Aviation Safety Network reinforces this safety record—only eight commercial aircraft accidents worldwide have resulted in fatalities so far in 2024.

General aviation, however, has a very different risk profile. With nearly 200,000 registered aircraft and 500,000 certified pilots in the United States logging more than 25 million flight hours annually, GA operations result in higher accident rates: an average of 5.67 accidents per 100,000 flight hours for fixed-wing aircraft, with a fatal accident rate of 0.87 per 100,000 flight hours.

Types of Aviation Accidents

The FAA distinguishes between several different categories of aviation accidents, each of which requires different investigative approaches and legal strategies. The most common types of aviation accidents include loss of control in flight and controlled flight into terrain.

Another major category of accidents involves system failures, which can involve engine and other critical system failures, like navigation equipment, control surfaces, or electrical systems.

Accidents typically fall into three broad categories with different investigative processes:

  • Pilot error — Involves examination of decision-making processes, training records, and/or procedural compliance
  • Mechanical failures — Includes engineering analysis, review of maintenance documentation, and/or metallurgical testing
  • Weather-related incidents — Looks at weather forecasts, flight planning, and/or whether the pilot in command made the proper go no go decision.

Each category can required different types of evidence, expert witnesses, and legal strategies to establish liability and recover damages.


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Aviation law represents one of the most complex intersections of federal, state, and international law. When an aviation accident occurs, multiple areas come into play, each with their own requirements and standards.

Federal law provides the primary framework through the Federal Aviation Act and related regulations. These establish minimum safety standards, certification requirements, and operational rules that apply to aviation activities.

California law, on the other hand, governs how victims can seek compensation through civil litigation. The state’s comparative fault system allows for recovery from multiple parties based on their percentage of responsibility. State law also determines many procedural aspects of the case and the types of damages which may be available.

When an accident involves international flights, international treaties may also come into play, affecting everything from jurisdiction to compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Plane Crashes

Aviation accidents typically involve multiple parties with interrelated responsibility.

  • Pilots, among other things, are required to follow established procedures and exercise proper judgment. Evidence of fatigue, inadequate preparation, or poor decision making can all lead to pilot responsibility for the accident.
  • Aircraft manufacturers are responsible not only for initial design and construction, but also for ongoing safety compliance, including identifying and addressing potential safety issues. Component manufacturers have similar obligations for their specific parts or systems.
  • Maintenance facilities and mechanics must follow detailed federal regulations governing aircraft inspection, repair, maintenance, and documentation. Poor maintenance practices, inadequate inspections, or improper repairs can result in liability even years after the work was performed.
  • Airlines and charter operators also face liability exposure. In addition to their direct operational responsibility, they are liable for the actions of their employees and may face claims related to passenger screening, baggage handling, and even passenger management.
  • Government entities may also be liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act through various roles, including due to an air traffic controller providing improper instructions.

Determining the Cause of a Plane Crash

Aviation accidents rarely have a single, simple cause. Instead, they typically result from a chain of events that multiple investigators must carefully reconstruct:

  • The NTSB starts with the initial investigation. The agency’s investigators are supposed to look at everything from weather conditions to maintenance records to pilot qualifications.
  • Insurance companies also may conduct their own investigations. These investigations typically focus on liability issues.
  • Aviation experts working on behalf of injured victims can also conduct independent investigations. These investigations sometimes uncover issues that were not addressed through the other investigations.

How to File a Plane Crash Claim in California

The process of bringing an aviation accident claim begins with a formal claim filed with the appropriate entity.

California generally allows a victim to bring a lawsuit within two years of the accident, but aviation cases can face shorter—or stricter—deadlines. Claims against governmental entities have to usually be filed within six months.

Once filed, the complaint must typically be served on each defendant named in the lawsuit. This becomes particularly complex in aviation cases, as the defendants may include international parties.

Each defendant then has a limited time to file a response. After that, discovery (a period during which the parties exchange information and evidence) ensues, settlement negotiations take place, and if necessary the case proceeds to trial.


Injury and Compensation

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Types of Injuries in Plane Crashes

Aviation accidents sadly result in fatalities or severe trauma. When a loved one passes away, families may pursue wrongful death damages to recover for their loss. For survivors, these incidents typically result in severe trauma requiring extensive medical intervention and long-term care.

Physical injuries from an aviation accident can include:

Aviation accidents can also cause significant psychological injuries, including:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe anxiety and depression
  • Cognitive difficulties due to head trauma
  • Sleep disorders

The combination of physical and psychological trauma may require a comprehensive treatment approach involving multiple medical specialists.

Types of Compensation Available to Victims

Compensation in aviation cases generally falls into three categories, each designed to address different aspects of the harm.

Economic damages cover:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Property losses
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Ongoing care
  • Home modifications

Non-economic damages include:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of consortium (for spouses/domestic partners)
  • Loss of love, companionship, comfort, care, assistance, protection, affection, society, and moral support (for surviving family members in wrongful death cases)

Punitive damages can also be available in cases where airlines or manufacturers knowingly violated safety regulations, deliberately ignored maintenance issues, or systematically disregarded established safety protocols.

Calculating all of these damages typically requires documentation and expert witness testimony. Medical specialists are often asked to detail the long-term effects of injuries and predict future care needs; economists help calculate lost lifetime earnings; vocational experts assess work restrictions and rehabilitation potential; and mental health professionals describe the ongoing psychological effects of trauma.

Major Cases

Several landmark court decisions have established the basic principles of liability and compensation in aviation accidents. In 1985, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Air France v. Saks provided the foundational definition of “accident” in aviation law as “an unusual or unexpected event external to the passenger.” This broad interpretation helps determine when compensation is available under international conventions and continues to guide courts today.

A number of subsequent decisions have refined how victims can be compensated:

  • Eastern Airlines v. Floyd (1991) established that passengers, at times, need to show physical injury or its manifestation to recover damages
  • Olympic Airways v. Husain (2004) broadened the understanding of what constitutes an “accident,” emphasizing that an airline’s response to a passenger’s needs can create liability
  • Doe v. Etihad Airways (2017) expanded the potential for compensation by allowing recovery for emotional distress resulting from an accident, even if not directly caused by physical injuries

What to Do After a Plane Crash

Aviation accidents can be life-altering events for everyone involved. Whether you are a survivor dealing with the aftermath or a family member who has lost a loved one, knowing your rights and what steps to take can make a difference. The Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act of 1996, established a framework of rights and protections for both survivors and families, requiring airlines to provide comprehensive support services, including emergency medical care, crisis counseling, and assistance with immediate needs.


How to Find the Best Plane Crash Attorney

The complex nature of aviation accidents calls for unique legal expertise. These cases often involve a host of federal regulations, international treaties, and technical aspects that transcend typical personal injury law. They frequently span multiple jurisdictions and involve numerous defendants, from aircraft manufacturers to governmental agencies.

Your choice of legal representation can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. Aviation accident attorneys must not only understand the legal framework, but also be able to work effectively with accident reconstruction specialists, aviation experts, and medical professionals.


Why Choose Our Firm

We offer a sound, team-oriented approach to handling aviation accident cases. Our attorneys combine aggressive advocacy with compassionate guidance because we understand the devastating impact these accidents have on victims and their families. Our goal is to help you recover the fair compensation you deserve, while providing the support you need throughout the legal process.

With more than 40 years of combined experience in personal injury law, our Los Angeles attorneys understand that aviation accidents cause immeasurable damage—both physical and emotional. We handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.

Our firm brings together exceptional legal talent, substantial resources and tireless dedication to give you the best chance of success. Led by our award-winning attorneys, Garo Mardirossian and Armen Akaragian, we are prepared to provide the strong representation and personalized attention you need during this challenging time.

Talk to a Los Angeles aviation accident lawyer about your case or contact our firm to schedule a no-cost consultation.


ARMEN AKARAGIAN

Article By

ARMEN AKARAGIAN

Admitted to practice in 2006, Armen has arbitrated, tried, and settled several cases which have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.


Sources cited in this article:

  1. Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 2, § 599.628.1 – Transportation by Aircraft-Excluded Employees LII
  2. General aviationWikipedia
  3. Van Nuys AirportWikipedia
  4. Aviation Accidents in CaliforniaEnjuris
  5. Aviation Safety NetworkASN
  6. Non-Commercial Fixed-WingAOPA
  7. Aviation AccidentsFindLaw
  8. Can I Sue an Airline?FindLaw
  9. Small Plane Accidents Leading to Legal ClaimsJustia
  10. Product Liability and Aviation AccidentsFindLaw
  11. Helicopter Accidents Leading to Legal ClaimsJustia
  12. Air France v. Saks, 470 U.S. 392 (1985)Justia
  13. AIR FRANCE v. SAKS, 470 U.S. 392 (1985)FindLaw
  14. Eastern Airlines, Inc. v. Floyd, 499 U.S. 530 (1991)Justia
  15. DOE v. ETIHAD AIRWAYS (2017)FindLaw
  16. Olympic Airways v. Husain, 540 U.S. 644 (2004)Justia
  17. Coping After Aviation AccidentsHR.org
  18. AVIATION DISASTER FAMILY ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1996Authenticated US Government Information
  19. Aviation Accidents: Plane Crash Lawsuits & SettlementsEnjuris
  20. Federal Family Assistance LegislationNTSB
  21. Aviation Accident Law – Aircraft Injury LawHR.org

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