Most people believe major airline disasters are the biggest threat in air travel, but the truth may be surprising. The majority of plane or helicopter accidents involve smaller, private aircraft. When these incidents happen, the consequences can be devastating, and the legal path forward is often confusing. The experienced Columbus plane crash lawyers at our personal injury firm can provide the clear guidance you need to navigate a claim and fight for the full compensation you are entitled to.
Aviation Hubs in the Columbus Area and Ohio
In the Columbus area, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) handle significant passenger and cargo traffic.
Beyond major airports, Ohio’s smaller facilities serve private pilots, flight schools, and charter flights operating from smaller airfields. These operations follow different rules from commercial airlines.
What Are the Statistics for Airline Accidents in Ohio for 2023?
While major aviation disasters capture headlines—like international flights Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019 and Lion Air Flight 610 in 2018 for plane manufacturer liability—they are statistically rare. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that most aviation accidents involve “general aviation” flights (private, non-commercial pilots flying friends or family), which operate under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91.
In 2023, there were eighteen reported civil aviation accidents in Ohio, resulting in three fatalities. Sixteen of the accidents and all three fatalities were general aviation flights involving private non-commercial planes.
What Are the Major Causes of Aircraft Accidents?
Aviation accidents are seldom the result of a single failure. Common causes include:
Pilot Error or Negligence
This is a leading factor and can include failing to follow safety protocols, poor decision making in bad weather, or loss of aircraft control.
Mechanical Failure
An accident can result from a defective part or improper maintenance. This may lead to a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the aircraft or one of its components.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Errors
Mistakes made by air traffic controllers, such as providing incorrect runway clearance or failing to maintain safe separation between aircraft, can cause serious accidents.
Adverse Weather
Conditions like severe turbulence, icing, or thunderstorms can surpass an aircraft’s capabilities or a pilot’s skill level.
Violations of Operational Rules
Not following the safety standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can create unnecessary risks.
Onboard Incidents
On commercial flights, injuries can also happen due to falling luggage, assaults, or slips and falls.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Airplane Crash?
Determining liability in an airplane accident or helicopter crash requires a thorough investigation. Our team of experienced aviation accident lawyers reviews and preserves evidence, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR), flight data recorder (FDR), maintenance records, witness statements, and other forms of evidence.
Depending on the specific circumstances of the crash, one or more parties in the aviation industry could be found responsible, including:
- Major airlines: these are Part 121 carriers.
- Charter companies: these are Part 135 operators.
- Private pilots and owners of private planes: these flights operate under Part 91.
- Component and aircraft manufacturers: they are responsible for the design and safety of their products.
- Third-party aircraft maintenance facilities: they are hired to service and repair aircraft.
- Government entities: publicly operated airports or federal agencies like the FAA could bear some responsibility; claims against these entities in Ohio are governed by specific sovereign immunity laws.
Ohio’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Ohio follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Under this law (Ohio Rev. Code § 2315.33), you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is not greater than the combined fault of all other parties (51% or more). If you are found partially responsible, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An airplane accident lawyer can explain your potential liability.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Ohio?
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10). For a wrongful death claim, the lawsuit must typically be filed within two years of the person’s death (Ohio Rev. Code § 2125.02).
Can I Recover Compensation in an Aviation Crash?
Aviation accident victims and their families who have suffered injuries may seek compensation for their losses. This can cover economic damages for medical bills, medical expenses for future medical treatment, lost wages, and loss of future earning ability. It may also include non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a life is lost, family members may pursue a wrongful death claim.
How a Columbus Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help
We help injured clients by investigating root causes to find out who was responsible for the accident. Our airplane accident attorneys examine every detail, from pilot logs to maintenance reports. We engage aviation experts and medical professionals to build a powerful case and negotiate with insurance companies to recover maximum compensation for you.
Contact Our Columbus Aviation Accident Lawyers for Help
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a plane crash or other aviation incident, let our legal team provide the legal assistance you need to guide you through the legal process to recover fair compensation.
The Columbus aviation accident attorneys from our law firm have a proven track record of helping personal injury victims. Schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll review your case and outline your clear legal path forward.
(312) 223-1700