Wisconsin Aviation Accident & Plane Crash Lawyer

When you hear about a plane crash, you might imagine a major commercial airline disaster. However, most air travel incidents involve smaller, private aircraft. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, the path forward can be complex and overwhelming. The Wisconsin plane crash lawyers at our personal injury firm can provide the clear, supportive guidance you need for aviation litigation to secure the compensation you deserve.

Aviation Hubs in Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Area

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the state’s primary hub for passenger travel, ranking 57th in the U.S. for passenger volume. Lawrence J. Timmerman Airport (MWC) and Waukesha County Airport (UES) accommodate private and corporate flights.

Appleton International Airport (ATW) and Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) in Madison also host significant general aviation activity, operating under federal aviation law that differs from large airlines in the aviation industry.

What Are the Statistics for Airline Accidents in Wisconsin for 2023?

While major commercial aircraft 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) show that “general aviation” flights (private, non-commercial pilots flying friends or family), which operate under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91, account for a much higher number of accidents than commercial airlines.

In 2023, there were twenty-five reported civil aviation accidents in Wisconsin, resulting in five fatalities. All were general aviation flights involving private, non-commercial, or small planes.

Common Causes of Aviation Crashes

Aviation accidents are rarely caused by a single mistake. Investigators often uncover a chain of events that led to the incident. Common contributing factors include:

• Pilot error is a leading cause, involving inadequate pilot training, poor decision making, failing to follow checklists, or losing control of the aircraft.
• Mechanical failure is when a defective part or improper maintenance leads to system failure. This may open the door to a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the plane or one of its components.
• Air traffic control (ATC) mistakes by controllers, such as providing incorrect instructions or failing to maintain safe separation between aircraft, can have catastrophic results.
• Adverse weather conditions like icing, severe turbulence, or low visibility can exceed a pilot’s skill or the aircraft’s operational limits.
• Violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations or ignoring the safety rules established by the FAA creates unnecessary risk.
• Onboard incident injuries on commercial flights can also occur from falling luggage, beverage cart accidents, passenger-on-passenger incidents, or slips and falls.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Aviation Accident?

Identifying the responsible parties requires a detailed investigation. Our legal team will review all evidence to identify the at-fault individual(s), including crash site data, flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and witness accounts.

Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on one or more of the following:

Airlines, Charter Companies, or Private Pilots

The operator of the aircraft, whether a Part 121 airline, a Part 135 charter, or a Part 91 pilot, may be held liable.

Aircraft and Component Manufacturers

If a design or manufacturing defect caused the accident, manufacturers may be held liable.

Aircraft Maintenance Providers and Repair Facilities

If negligent service contributed to the failure, these facilities may be held liable.

Government Entities

Publicly operated airports or federal agencies like the FAA could be partially responsible. Claims against public bodies in Wisconsin have specific rules (Wis. Stat. § 893.80).

Wisconsin’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Wisconsin uses a modified comparative negligence rule (Wis. Stat. § 895.045). This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is not greater than the fault of the party you are suing. If you are found 20% at fault, for example, your total compensation award would be reduced by 20%.

Statute of Limitations in Wisconsin

According to Wis. Stat. § 893.54, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Wisconsin is generally three years from the date of the injury. For a wrongful death claim, the lawsuit must be filed within three years.

What Compensation Can Be Recovered?

Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses in helicopter crashes or other airplane crashes. This includes seeking compensation for economic damages for medical bills and medical expenses for ongoing treatment, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. It can also cover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where a life is lost in an aircraft accident, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim.

How a Milwaukee Aviation Accident Lawyer Can Help

The airplane accident lawyers in our law firm will handle the complexities of your case so you can focus on healing. We launch a thorough investigation to preserve evidence, determine liability, and build a strong case to pursue compensation for your losses. We will manage the paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Contact Our Milwaukee Aviation Attorneys for Help

If you or a family member suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in a helicopter accident, plane crash, or other aviation-related incident, let our team provide the support you need. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case. A Milwaukee aviation accident attorney from our law firm is ready to review the details of your legal claim and explain your options for financial recovery.