Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC helps people that have been injured in accidents in Louisville. While it’s not the most common kind of accident, it’s not difficult to see how serious an aviation accident can be. Whether it’s a commercial or private, airplane crashes can leave you or someone you love with life-changing injuries and a long recovery ahead.
We can help you through the legal process. Set up a free consultation today.
Should I Get a Lawyer?
With a typical airplane flight, it’s hard to even know when you’re in possible danger. One minute everything feels routine and the next, you’re hurt and left unsure what you can even do. That’s when you should think about talking to a lawyer, and our team will be there with answers. Here’s what we can do:
- Explain your rights and options.
- Investigate the accident to figure out what happened and who’s responsible.
- Gather evidence and records to piece together your losses.
- Handle talks with government agencies, private companies, and even airlines.
- Help you through an insurance claim or a lawsuit, if it comes to that.
Obviously, aviation accidents are incredibly hard to untangle. So, while you’re not required to get a lawyer, having one in this situation can make a huge difference in how things play out.
What Information Will I Need for an Aviation Accident Claim?
When you’re hurt in an aviation accident, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is evidence and documentation. Yet, with these types of accidents, it’s especially crucial. Here’s what to focus on if you want to move forward with a claim:
- Details about what happened. Start by jotting down the details of the accident itself. Note when and where it happened, the type of aircraft, and anything you remember leading up to the incident. Even small details can be important later.
- Pictures/videos. Photos or videos can be surprisingly helpful. If you captured the scene, the damage, or your injuries, those visuals can make a real difference.
- Messages with those involved. Keep a record of any communication related to the accident. Emails, letters, or messages with the pilot, the operator, or insurance companies can all provide context and support your case.
- Medical records. Your medical records are also key. This includes any emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, therapy sessions, or ongoing care related to the accident. Keeping track of these helps show the impact the accident has had on your life.
- Statements. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact information. Anyone who saw what happened or was on the flight with you can provide valuable insight.
- Your own information. Gather any flight documentation you have. This could include tickets, boarding passes, flight logs, or maintenance records. Anything that shows the flight details and conditions at the time can help tell the story.
Even if you know you can file an injury claim after an aviation accident in Louisville, having the right information can make the process much easier. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy to come by–particularly data and reports from the government, airlines or the airport itself. We can help you cut through all that with our resources. And this is important for another reason: figuring out who’s responsible.
Who’s Responsible for My Injuries From an Airplane Crash?
Imagine taking a small private flight from Bowman Field, and suddenly a mechanical issue forces an emergency landing. It’s scary and confusing, and your first thought is probably: who’s at fault? Is it the pilot, the maintenance crew, or the company that made the part?
The truth is, it could be any of them—or even a combination of them. That makes things more complicated, but at least legally, the responsibility comes down to negligence. With that, responsibility for your injuries might fall on:
- The pilot. Mistakes happen, and sometimes a pilot’s judgment, fatigue, or failure to follow proper procedures can contribute to an accident.
- Aircraft owners or operators. The people or companies who own and manage the plane could share responsibility if they were negligent with scheduling, inspections, or maintenance.
- Maintenance crews or repair companies. If a repair was missed or a part was faulty, they might be at fault. In some cases, the manufacturer could also be responsible for a defective part or design flaw.
- Airlines or charter companies. The company running the flight could play a role if their policies, training, or operational decisions contributed to the accident.
- Government agencies. Rarely, regulatory or oversight issues from government agencies can be a factor, though these cases are uncommon.
Even if your accident involved a smaller plane or wasn’t a full-blown crash, you could still end up with serious injuries or ongoing challenges. The effects can last long after the flight, and understanding what happened and who may be responsible is an important step in deciding your next moves.
What Legal Options Do I Have After an Aviation Accident?
Obviously, the aftermath of being involved in one of these kinds of accidents is overwhelming. Between medical bills, injuries, dealing with the shock of what happened, and trying to gather information, it can feel almost impossible to know where to start. Fortunately, you do have legal options, and there are generally two ways to file a claim:
- Filing an insurance claim. Most cases start with the airline’s, charter company’s, or aircraft owner’s insurance policy. Sometimes it goes smoothly, and you receive a fair settlement. But most of the time, insurance is focused on minimizing your payout. And given how complicated these accidents can be, there’s a lot of different directions it can go in. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
- Filing a lawsuit. If an insurance claim doesn’t cover your losses, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. It takes more time, but it often leads to a more accurate and fair result.
Aviation accidents can affect every part of your life. So, when you file a claim, your damages could include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or future lost earnings
- Out-of-pocket costs for damaged luggage and belongings
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Funeral and burial costs in the case of a wrongful death
In Kentucky, there are time limits for filing claims–usually just one year from the date of the accident. While it may feel like you have plenty of time, gathering evidence, medical records, and expert opinions takes effort. The sooner you start, the better.
What Kinds of Aviation Accidents Happen in Louisville?
Aviation accidents in Louisville can happen in a lot of different ways, and they’re not always what people picture when they think of a “plane crash.” Some happen in the air, while others occur on the ground — during boarding, maintenance, or even taxiing. Here are some of the most common situations:
- Mechanical problems. Planes and helicopters are full of moving parts, and sometimes something breaks unexpectedly—engines, landing gear, or other critical systems. Even a small failure can turn into a big problem fast.
- Pilot mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and pilots are no exception. Misjudgments, fatigue, or handling a tricky situation incorrectly can cause accidents during takeoff, landing, or in mid-flight.
- Ground accidents. Not every accident happens in the air. Injuries can occur while boarding, during maintenance, fueling, or moving planes around the tarmac.
- Helicopter incidents. Louisville has helicopters for hospital transfers, corporate travel, and tours. They face unique risks—like landing in tight spots, avoiding obstacles, or dealing with sudden weather changes.
- Training flights. Flight schools and private lessons are common at Bowman Field and other local airfields. While rare, training accidents can happen if something goes wrong or a student encounters an unexpected situation.
Even a smaller incident can leave lasting injuries or shake up your life. Knowing the kinds of accidents that happen locally can help you understand what might have gone wrong and give you a clearer picture of what questions to ask if you’re thinking about a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t know what caused my accident?
This is incredibly common with an aviation accident. You’re likely not going to know what ultimately caused it, but our team can handle the investigation and put together all the pieces.
Do I need to talk to the airline or charter company’s insurance?
Not on your own. Insurance reps often try to get you to make statements that devalue your claim. If you do talk to someone, just stick to the basic facts of what you know.
What if I can’t get evidence from the airline?
Airlines are going to make getting certain information–flight logs, black box data, etc.—very difficult to get. Our team knows how to request this information and make sure it helps your claim.
Reach Out After an Aviation Accident in Louisville
An aviation accident in Louisville can be shocking and stressful. Between injuries, medical bills, and dealing with insurers, it’s a lot to handle — and airlines or operators often move quickly to protect themselves.
The good news is, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our Louisville aviation accident lawyers at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can guide you through the claims process step by step, helping you focus on recovery while we handle the details.
Set up a free consultation today to get started.
