Aviation accidents devastate families, leaving them searching for answers about what went wrong and who should be held accountable. The January 29 collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River is a stark reminder of how air travel can turn tragic in an instant. The crash claimed the lives of everyone on board, leaving grieving loved ones facing unimaginable loss. In Maryland, personal injury law allows families to pursue wrongful death and survival claims to seek financial relief and hold responsible parties accountable. Understanding these legal options is critical for those affected by such tragedies.
Determining Responsibility for an Aviation Accident
Aviation disasters rarely have a single cause. Human error, mechanical failure, regulatory violations, and environmental factors can all play a role. In many cases, multiple parties share responsibility. Airlines may be liable if they fail to follow proper safety protocols, hire unqualified pilots, or neglect aircraft maintenance. Aircraft manufacturers could bear responsibility if faulty components or design flaws contributed to a crash. Air traffic control errors, such as miscommunications or improper clearances, may also play a role in mid-air collisions or unsafe landing conditions.
Government entities may be held accountable when a military aircraft is involved, as seen in the Potomac River collision. However, pursuing legal action against a federal agency involves unique challenges under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which requires adherence to specific procedural rules. Determining liability requires access to flight data, maintenance logs, and communications records. A Maryland personal injury attorney can evaluate these factors and build a strong case for those seeking justice.
What Can Families Do After a Fatal Plane Crash
Families who lose a loved one in an aviation accident often face overwhelming emotional and financial hardship. Maryland law provides two main avenues for seeking compensation: wrongful death claims and survival actions. Wrongful death claims allow immediate family members to recover damages for the loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and financial support that the deceased would have provided. Survival actions focus on the damages the victim could have recovered if they had survived, including pain and suffering before death, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Each type of claim follows specific legal guidelines. Meeting filing deadlines and properly documenting damages is essential to securing compensation. A qualified attorney can help ensure families comply with Maryland law and protect their rights.
How Maryland Law Impacts Aviation Accident Lawsuits
Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning a victim found even slightly responsible for an accident may be barred from recovering damages. While this principle applies broadly in personal injury cases, aviation crashes are unique because they involve extensive federal investigations that influence liability findings. When government agencies like the military or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are involved, claims must be pursued under different legal frameworks, such as the FTCA. International flights may introduce additional legal considerations under the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability for international travel. These complex legal issues require the guidance of an attorney experienced in aviation litigation.
The Urgency of Taking Legal Action
Federal agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA conduct extensive investigations following aviation disasters. These reviews can take months or even years to complete. However, legal deadlines continue to run while families wait for official reports. Maryland law sets a three-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims, meaning families must take action within that timeframe. If a government agency is involved, deadlines may be even shorter. Failing to act in time can result in losing the right to seek compensation
What Type of Attorney Can Help After an Aviation Accident
Aviation accident litigation requires an in-depth understanding of federal regulations, technical evidence, and liability laws. Families already dealing with overwhelming grief should not have to face insurance companies, government agencies, and legal deadlines alone. An attorney with experience handling aviation cases can investigate the cause of the crash, identify liable parties, gather necessary evidence, and file claims within legal time limits. When negotiations fail to provide fair compensation, an attorney can take the case to trial to fight for justice.
Losing a loved one in an aviation accident is an unimaginable tragedy. If your family has been affected, understanding your legal rights is critical. Contact a Maryland personal injury lawyer to help you seek justice and financial security.