Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can help you through the claims process if you’ve been injured in an aviation accident in Louisville. Landing gear issues are one of the most common—and most scary—types of airplane accidents. They can happen even when everything else about the flight seemed perfectly normal. And often, they’re just as devastating in terms of the damage. We can help. Set up a free consultation today to get started.
Do I Even Need a Lawyer?
When something as serious as a landing gear malfunction happens, there’s usually a flood of investigators, insurance reps, and company officials already involved. It can make you wonder: “Won’t they figure out what happened anyway?”
The truth is, those investigations often focus on protecting themselves, not you. So, while you don’t have to get a lawyer, that doesn’t mean you don’t need one. Our team can:
- Make sense of reports from the FAA, NTSB, and other agencies.
- Get and keep crucial evidence before it’s lost, cleaned up, or reclassified.
- Work with aviation experts to figure out what really went wrong.
- Handle talks with airlines, manufacturers, and their insurance companies so you don’t get pressured into a low settlement.
- Going to court, if it comes to that
When a plane’s landing gear fails and there’s an accident, you’re just trying to get out safely, not thinking about lawsuits or evidence. But once the dust settles, what you do next–and who you have on your side–can make all the difference in how things play out.
What Information Can Help My Claim After a Landing Gear Failure?
It’s easy to take landing gear for granted, until it doesn’t work. Think of it as the plane’s legs: they carry thousands of pounds, absorb shock, and guide the plane safely down the runway. When everything works, you hardly notice it. When it doesn’t, everyone on board feels the consequences. At that point, it’s about getting information that includes:
- Flight and aircraft details. Things like the airline, flight number, and plane model might seem small, but they’re the first pieces of the puzzle that help investigators trace exactly what happened.
- Maintenance logs. Every inspection, repair, or check on the landing gear tells a story. Did someone skip a step? Was a worn part overlooked? These records can reveal what should have been done—and what wasn’t.
- Crew and passenger statements. The odd noises, vibrations, or warning lights you or other passengers noticed might have seemed minor at the moment, but they can point straight to the problem.
- Photos or videos. Even a few snapshots of the gear, skid marks on the runway, or the plane leaning unnaturally can provide a visual record that words alone can’t capture.
- Medical records. Your hospital reports, follow-up notes, and therapy sessions show the impact of the crash and connect your injuries to the landing gear failure.
- Communication logs. Air traffic control recordings and cockpit chatter can reveal whether the pilot reported a problem or if warning signals were ignored.
You don’t have to track any of this down on your own. Experienced aviation lawyers know exactly what matters, where to get it, and how to preserve it before it disappears or gets changed. Every piece helps tell the full story of what went wrong—and who may be responsible.
Who’s Actually Responsible For an Accident Caused by Landing Gear Failure?
Even though it seems obvious what went wrong when a plane’s landing gear fails and causes an accident, it doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. Usually, there’s a reason: a worn part, a hydraulic leak, or a maintenance log signed too quickly.
And this is extremely important–it lays out who knew what and whether it could have prevented what went wrong. In legal terms, this is known as “liability” and it sets legal responsibility for your injuries. So, in these kinds of accidents, this responsibility could fall on:
- Airlines and their maintenance crews
- The company that makes landing gears or their parts
- Pilots or co-pilots (if they ignored warnings)
- The airport itself
Each actor in this story matters. Piecing together their roles helps you build a clear picture of liability, which is the foundation for then filing a claim.
How Can I File a Claim After a Landing Gear Failure Airplane Accident?
Not surprisingly, an airplane accident caused by landing gear failure is extremely troubling. When you’re hurt in one of these accidents, you quickly face a new reality– hospital visits, therapy, missed work, and daily changes to how you live your life.
Thankfully, the law gives you options for getting some normalcy and financial support. If someone’s negligence or a mechanical failure caused the accident, you can take steps to hold them accountable. That might mean:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court.
- Filing a lawsuit.
The goal of any claim is to take care of your losses, called “damages.” A strong claim could help you recover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or loss of earning potential
- Repair/replacement costs for damaged luggage and other property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial expense in fatal accidents
Every situation is different. Your options–and damages–are going to depend on what actually went wrong and how well you can show the accident’s impact on you and your family. Procedurally, you only have one year from the date of the accident to file in Kentucky, so it’s important to act quickly.
What Actually Causes Landing Gear Failures?
Landing gear failures usually start small—something you wouldn’t notice until it becomes a serious problem. By then, it’s usually too late. But that doesn’t mean the facts aren’t important. Here’s what usually causes landing gear failures:
- Mechanical issues–hydraulic leaks, loose bolts, strut failures–are one of the most common causes.
- Design flaws with individual parts or sensors.
- Maintenance errors
- Skipped inspections
- Pilot mistakes, especially if they ignore warnings or emergency processes
- Environmental problems, like rain-slicked runways, debris, or icy patches that the airport didn’t take care of.
Every one of these kinds of accidents has a story behind it. Understanding what went wrong—and why—is important. But it doesn’t tell the whole story, and that’s where our team can step in. We’ll put everything together for a strong claim, then help you through it.
Work With Our Louisville Airplane Accident Lawyers
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we know what it’s like to face the aftermath of a landing gear failure. Our team of Louisville airplane accident lawyers works closely with you and your family, guiding you through every step—from gathering evidence to dealing with insurance companies to understanding your legal options. Reach out today for a free consultation.
