Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps people in Louisville when they’re injured in aviation accidents. No matter what kind of aircraft you’re in, something with the engine might break down and cause an accident. When this happens, the outcome can be incredibly disastrous–and often tragic. Our team will be there to guide you and your family through the claims process. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
Engine failure is one of the scariest things you can face on a flight. And if you’re on board when it happens, the fear and uncertainty don’t end when the plane finally lands. You might be injured, shaken, and left wondering how something like this could happen—and more importantly, whether anyone will be held responsible.
In this situation, you aren’t required to get a lawyer, but given what you’re up against, it really makes sense. Our team of aviation accident lawyers can:
- Explain your options in plain language
- Get and keep important evidence
- Connect the dots on what went wrong with the engine
- Handle all the talks with airlines and insurance companies
Most of all, our team can give you and your family the space to recover. We’ll handle the legal side of things. And a huge part of that in these kinds of accidents is about the documentation and evidence there is.
What Evidence Will I Need to File a Claim?
After an engine failure, every detail matters. Small things that might seem insignificant at the time—like a vibration, a grinding noise, or an unusual warning light—can reveal why the engine failed and who could have prevented it. Some of the most important evidence includes:
- Flight and maintenance records. These show when the engine was last serviced, who worked on it, and whether any issues were ignored. Skipped inspections or overlooked repairs often appear here.
- Black box and flight data. The plane’s memory captures altitude, engine performance, and pilot inputs in the moments leading up to the failure. These records are essential for recreating the flight’s critical moments.
- Crew and passenger statements. What people felt, heard, and saw can confirm the timing and nature of the engine trouble. A sudden jolt, smoke, or unusual sound may hold the key to understanding the failure.
- Expert testimony. One of the biggest pieces of evidence in cases like this come from expert testimony. Engineers and maintenance experts can look at the engine’s components, maintenance logs, and flight data to figure out what went wrong.
- Manufacturer records. If there was a known defect or recall involving that engine model, those records can show whether the problem should have been addressed before the flight.
- Air traffic control recordings. Transcripts or recordings can show if the pilot reported engine trouble or if warnings were ignored.
- Photos and videos. Even a quick snapshot from a passenger’s phone can show smoke, fire, or damage that investigators might overlook later.
There’s also your own perspective–built around what you noticed, what your injuries are, and how you’re dealing with the aftermath. That’s where your medical records and other post-accident evidence can really help. Overall, a strong claim starts with strong evidence, and while every situation is different, it’s this evidence that’s going to give you a roadmap for a claim. The next step is figuring out who’s responsible.
What Can Cause Engine Failure With an Airplane?
Engine failures usually don’t happen out of nowhere. Most start small—a worn part, a missed inspection, or a minor issue that goes unnoticed until it becomes critical. When an engine fails mid-flight, the consequences can be severe, making it essential to understand the common causes:
- Wear and tear. Over time, the various parts of the engine can wear down. If not replaced or repaired on schedule, these components may fail unexpectedly.
- Improper maintenance. Skipped inspections, rushed repairs, or use of incorrect or worn parts can all lead to engine problems. Even a small oversight can snowball into something catastrophic.
- Defective parts or design. Sometimes an engine or a specific part isn’t built to handle the stresses of flight. A flaw in design, materials, or assembly can cause the engine to fail, even on a well-maintained plane.
- Fuel or lubrication issues. Engines rely on proper fuel and oil flow. When there’s issues like contamination, leaks, or poor lubrication, it can cause the whole engine to fail.
- Pilot or crew error. Engine failures can be worsened if a pilot misses (or outright ignores) warning signals, mismanages engine controls, or fails to follow emergency procedures in the right way.
Every engine failure has a story behind it, and understanding what went wrong often takes detailed investigation, maintenance records, and expert analysis. Identifying the cause is the first step toward holding the right parties accountable and helping victims recover.
Who’s Legally Responsible For an Airplane Accident Caused by Engine Failure?
Obviously, not every engine failure is the same. Sometimes it’s a defect in the engine itself. Other times it’s a maintenance mistake, a skipped inspection, or a problem with a specific part. Sometimes multiple factors combine in a way that nobody could have predicted—but someone still made a mistake along the way.
All of these things amount to negligence, and that’s what gives you the right to file a claim in the first place. But a key question is simple: who’s actually responsible legally? It depends on who knew what and when, but generally, it can fall on:
- The aircraft manufacturer. If the engine design was flawed or a critical component failed unexpectedly, the company that built the plane or engine may be responsible.
- Engine or component manufacturers. Even a single faulty turbine blade or fuel pump can cause disaster. If a part fails, the manufacturer could be responsible.
- Maintenance crews or repair facilities. Skipped inspections, improper repairs, or using the wrong parts can make maintenance teams responsible when there’s an accident.
- The airline. Airlines are responsible for keeping their planes safe to fly. Ignoring known engine issues or cutting corners on maintenance can make the airline partially responsible.
- Pilots and flight crew. If warning signs were missed, or emergency procedures weren’t followed correctly, crew members’ actions could be a factor.
- Regulatory agencies. In rare cases, the FAA or other regulatory agencies could share some responsibility, especially if they didn’t enforce regulations or respond to known hazards.
Figuring out who’s responsible in this situation isn’t easy–but it’s vital. It tells you who you’re going to be filing your claim against, and even more importantly, who has to pay for your damages.
What Options Do I Have to File an Injury Claim After One of These Accidents?
It might not feel like it, but when you’re hurt in an airplane accident caused by engine failure, you have certain options for getting financial help. Ultimately, it’s like any other type of accident that happens to you on land–you figure out who’s legally responsible, then file a claim against them to get “damages.” You do that by either filing:
- An insurance claim outside of court.
- A personal injury lawsuit in court.
Every accident is different, but you want to put everything together so your claim accurately reflects what you’ve gone through. This means you can possibly recover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost income
- Repair/replacement costs for your damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral or burial expenses, loss of companionship, or financial support in a wrongful death claim
Acting quickly is important—not just because of deadlines, but because the sooner you start, the better your chances are at having a successful claim. And remember, you don’t have to try to do all this by yourself–you can lean on our team for support and guidance.
Louisville Airplane Accident Victims Can Trust Kaufman & Stigger
An airplane accident caused by engine failure usually doesn’t happen because of just one mistake—it’s often a chain of events. While you never know when it could happen, you should have the right team in your corner when it does.
Our Louisville aviation accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC know how to untangle these complicated situations and can make a difficult situation much easier for you and your family. Get in touch today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps.
