When air travelers think of aviation accidents, commercial airliners might be the first thing that comes to mind. You may be surprised to learn that the majority of air travel incidents involve smaller, private aircraft. When these accidents happen, the consequences can be devastating, leaving victims and their families unsure of where to turn. Well-versed in aviation law, the Kentucky plane crash lawyers at our personal injury firm can guide you through the complexities of an aviation claim and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
In this Article
What Are the Major Airports in Kentucky?
Kentucky is a key hub for both passenger travel and cargo logistics. The state’s aviation landscape is anchored by Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), which ranks 3rd in North America for the amount of cargo handled and 71st for passengers. Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) serve as major international gateways for the entire region.
Beyond these larger hubs, Kentucky is home to numerous general aviation airports, such as Bowman Field in Louisville and Morehead-Rowan County Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport. These smaller airfields support private pilots, charter services, and flight schools, each operating under specific regulations and presenting unique safety considerations.
Aviation Accidents in Kentucky
While major airline disasters are rare, accidents involving general aviation are more common. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) consistently shows that flights operated by private, non-commercial pilots under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 91 account for a significant majority of all civil aviation accidents nationwide. These incidents often involve small planes flown for personal or recreational purposes. NTSB reported two fatalities in a private airplane accident in 2023.
What Are the Major Causes of Aircraft Accidents?
Airplane crashes are seldom the result of a single error. Instead, official investigations frequently reveal a sequence of contributing factors. Common causes include:
Pilot error: this is a leading factor and can involve failing to follow checklists, misjudging weather conditions, or loss of control in flight.
Mechanical failure: issues can arise from defective aircraft parts, improper maintenance, or a failure to perform required inspections.
Air traffic control mistakes: errors by controllers can lead to runway incursions or mid-air collisions.
Adverse weather: conditions like severe turbulence, icing, or thunderstorms can exceed an aircraft’s or pilot’s capabilities.
Operational violations: failure to adhere to established safety protocols and regulations can create a dangerous environment.
Onboard incidents: injuries on commercial flights can also happen from falling luggage, trips and falls, passenger-on-passenger events, or medical events during the flight.
Who May Be Held Liable for Aircraft Accidents?
Identifying the responsible parties in an aviation accident requires careful investigation, since plane crash cases often involve multiple parties. Our team examines all available evidence, including the flight data recorder, cockpit voice recorder, maintenance logs, and witness statements. Depending on the findings, more than one party may be held liable.
Potential defendants can include:
Airlines (Part 121 carriers)
Charter companies (Part 135 operators)
Pilots of private planes and their insurance (Part 91 operators)
Component and airplane manufacturers
Third-party maintenance facilities
Airport authorities or government entities
What Happens If I Am Partially at Fault?
Kentucky follows a “pure comparative fault” rule for personal injury cases. Under this law (KRS 411.182), you can still recover damages even if you are partially to blame in the aviation accident case. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 10% at fault, your final award would be reduced by 10%.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Aviation Accidents in Kentucky?
It is vital to act quickly after an aviation incident. In Kentucky, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally just one year from the date of the accident (KRS 413.140). For wrongful death claims, the action must typically be filed within one year of the appointment of the estate’s personal representative (KRS 413.180). Failing to file within these strict deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering financial compensation.
What Compensation May Be Available for Plane Crash Victims?
Victims of aviation accidents and their families may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. Our goal is to ensure you receive a settlement that covers both present and future needs, including:
Economic damages: compensation for medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity
Non-economic damages: compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
In tragic cases where an accident results in a fatality, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim (411.130 A) to recover from their profound loss.
How a Kentucky Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help
The aviation attorneys in our law offices are here to handle every aspect of your case. We investigate the aviation crash to determine who caused the plane accident. Our aviation lawyers will build a strong case designed to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. We manage the paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
Contact Our Kentucky Plane Crash Law Firm for Help
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in any type of aviation incident, let our team of airplane accident lawyers help you understand your legal options. With a proven record of helping personal injury victims, our Kentucky aviation accident attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today to get started.
Our Kentucky aviation accident and plane crash lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of an aviation claim and fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
$7.5 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when a support wall fell and struck him. (Highest award on record for a construction injury in DuPage County at the time).
$3.2 Million
Recovery for a construction worker injured when he fell in an uncovered foundation trench, ranking as the highest award on record for a construction injury in McHenry County at the time.
$3 Million
Recovery for the family of a man struck by a garbage truck that was making an illegal turn.
$2.2 Million
Recovery for a salesman injured in an automobile collision.
$2 Million
Recovery for a man struck by a speeding vehicle as he waited for the CTA bus.
$1.5 Million
Recovery for a truck driver that was struck by another car on the expressway while his vehicle was disabled.
$1.4 Million
Recovery for a computer programmer that slipped and fell in the washroom at work.
Recovery for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in a parking lot. At the time, this was the second-highest recovery on record in DuPage County for a similar injury.
$800,000
Recovered for a disputed wrongful death claim against a trucking company. The company denied they were involved in the collision.
$660,000
Recovery for a truck driver that was injured while unloading his trailer.
$550,000
Recovery for a person who slipped and fell in a grocery store.
$550,000
Recovery for a woman who injured her neck in a motor vehicle collision.
$500,000
Recovery for a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle while standing on the sidewalk.
$460,000
Recovery for a truck driver that tripped and fell in the parking lot while making a delivery.
$450,000
Recovery for a dental assistant who slipped and fell at work on an unnatural accumulation of ice.
$425,000
Recovery for a union worker struck by a speeding vehicle.
$425,000
Recovery for a passenger in a vehicle struck by an inexperienced driver.
$415,000
Recovered for a woman that required neck surgery after aggravating an existing neck injury in a truck accident.
$400,000
Recovery for a lab technician injured while transporting equipment.
$370,000
Recovery for a construction worker injured on faulty equipment at a construction site.
$315,000
Recovery for a motorist struck by a falling utility pole.
$310,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$300,000
Recovery for a bicyclist struck by a vehicle.
$250,000
Recovery for a young woman struck by another vehicle.
$250,000
Recovered for a woman who sustained a partial finger amputation and other injuries in a rollover car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$250,000
Recovered for a 60-year-old woman involved in a car accident. (Policy Limits)
$250,000
Recovered for a man hit by a semi-truck while operating a go-cart.
$240,000
Recovery for the injured party struck by another vehicle.
$235,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$235,000
Recovery for an inventory clerk injured when shelving toppled onto her.
$219,000
Recovery for a restaurant patron that slipped and fell in the bathroom.
$200,000
Recovered for an airline employee struck on the runway at O’Hare International Airport.
$190,000
Recovery for a person injured in a motor vehicle collision.
$175,000
Recovered for a child injured by fireworks at a fourth of July celebration.
$170,000
Recovered for a person injured when she slipped and fell exiting a major retail store.
$150,000
Recovered for a woman who fractured her leg when she was struck by a vehicle.
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