{"id":29892,"date":"2026-08-22T22:50:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T22:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T16:56:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T16:56:10","slug":"airplane-crash-injury-claims","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/","title":{"rendered":"Airplane Crash Cases: Injury Claims &#038; Wrongful Death"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-29914\" alt=\"aviation accident investigators documenting a small aircraft fuselage in a cordoned field at dawn, non-graphic\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo.jpg\" width=\"1584\" height=\"672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo-300x127.jpg 300w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo-768x326.jpg 768w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo-1024x434.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo-1536x652.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo.jpg 1584w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1085px) 1085px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Airplane Crash Cases | Serving Florida<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">After an Airplane Crash, Your Family Deserves Answers and a Clear Path Forward<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">CHG Personal Injury Lawyers helps passengers, crew, and families of those who died in aviation accidents understand their options, from injury claims to wrongful death cases. Our Florida-based lawyers will listen, explain the process in plain language, and help you decide your next step.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Request Your Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Request Your Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Why Florida Families Contact Our Firm<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--location chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">Florida<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Florida-based personal injury firm<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--heart chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">Free<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Confidential first consultation with no obligation to continue<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">Licensed<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Attorneys admitted to The Florida Bar<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document chg-stat-ico\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center chg-stat has-base-color has-text-color\">No Fees<\/h3><p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">No fees or case costs unless there is a recovery<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published October 22, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n<h2>Airplane Crash Cases in Florida: Injury Claims and Wrongful Death<\/h2>\n<p>When a plane crashes, the effects reach far beyond the wreckage. A survivor may wake up to a life that changed in one moment. A family may come home to an empty chair at the dinner table. They may have questions that no one can answer yet.<\/p>\n<p>CHG Personal Injury Lawyers represents people throughout Florida who were hurt in aviation accidents. We also represent families who lost a loved one in one. This guide explains what airplane crash cases are, who may be responsible, and what you can do next.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or a family member survived an airplane crash, you may have a legal claim. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wrecked-light-aircraft-tail-section-and-scattered-debris-cor-photo-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"the tail section and scattered debris of a light aircraft on a rural airstrip after a crash, safely marked off by investigators\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>What Are Airplane Crash Cases?<\/h2>\n<p>Airplane crash cases are legal claims for compensation. Compensation means money paid for losses. These claims arise from injury or death in aviation accidents.<\/p>\n<p>These accidents can involve many kinds of aircraft. They include commercial flights, private planes, helicopters, charter services, air tours, and seaplanes.<\/p>\n<p>Aviation crashes usually cause severe, permanent harm. Minor or temporary injuries are less common. For this reason, these cases differ from many other personal-injury claims.<\/p>\n<p>A survivor may suffer:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Spinal cord injury with paralysis<\/li>\n<li>Traumatic brain injury (TBI), meaning damage to the brain that causes cognitive and physical impairment<\/li>\n<li>Amputation of one or more limbs<\/li>\n<li>Severe burn injuries<\/li>\n<li>Catastrophic back and neck injuries<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When a crash takes a life, the family may bring a wrongful-death claim. The section below explains who may recover and for what.<\/p>\n<h2>How Safe Is Air Travel?<\/h2>\n<p>Commercial aviation in the United States is highly regulated. It has a strong safety record. Aircraft get scheduled maintenance. Pilots are trained and certified. Air traffic control follows established procedures.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.faa.gov\/newsroom\/statements\/accident_incidents\">Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)<\/a> oversees aviation safety. Its work covers aircraft design and maintenance, pilot licensing, and airspace management.<\/p>\n<p>General aviation includes private planes, small aircraft, helicopters, and charter services. It carries a higher accident risk than commercial aviation. These aircraft often operate under different rules. They may face less strict maintenance oversight.<\/p>\n<p>When accidents happen in either category, the injuries are usually catastrophic. A low overall accident rate does not change what a crash means for the people involved.<\/p>\n<h2>How Many Airplane Crashes Happen Each Year?<\/h2>\n<p>The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates aviation accidents across the United States each year. Commercial aviation makes up a small share of those accidents. General aviation makes up most of them. This includes private planes, small multi-engine aircraft, and helicopters.<\/p>\n<p>Aviation accidents are rare compared to the number of flights. They are still a serious cause of catastrophic injury and death. For the people involved, the harm is often permanent.<\/p>\n<h2>What Causes Airplane Crashes?<\/h2>\n<p>Most aviation accidents have one or more causes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pilot Error<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Poor decisions, fatigue, weak training, or skipped safety steps can affect a pilot&#8217;s judgment and reaction time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mechanical and Maintenance Failures<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Defective parts, poor maintenance, repair mistakes, or skipped maintenance steps can cause a mechanical failure in flight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aircraft Defects<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Manufacturing defects, design flaws, or failure to warn about known hazards can make an aircraft unsafe. Manufacturers may be liable when a defect causes or adds to a crash.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Weather and Environmental Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Severe turbulence, icing, wind shear, poor visibility, and thunderstorms can contribute to accidents.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Air Traffic Control Errors<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Miscommunication, navigation errors, or late guidance can lead to collisions or unsafe flight paths.<\/p>\n<p>Most crashes result from several of these factors together. Pilot error, poor maintenance, and weather decisions can all contribute to one accident.<\/p>\n<h2>Catastrophic Injuries in Airplane Crashes<\/h2>\n<p>The forces in an aviation accident are extreme. Survivors often face permanent, life-changing injuries.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/spinal-cord-injury\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20377890\">Spinal cord injuries<\/a> happen when the spine is injured during impact or structural collapse. <a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/paraplegia\/\">Paraplegia<\/a> (<a href=\"\/resources\/glossary\/paralysis\/\">paralysis<\/a> of the lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are common outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>These injuries can cause permanent loss of movement and feeling. Survivors often need lifelong medical care, mobility equipment, and changes to their home.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Traumatic Brain Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Impact forces, turbulence, or objects striking inside the cabin can cause severe head injury. TBI survivors may have memory loss, personality changes, seizures, and chronic pain. Recovery is often incomplete. It can take years of rehabilitation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Amputations and Limb Loss<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Crush injuries, fire, or structural damage can cost a survivor one or more limbs. Amputation survivors face permanent disability and prosthetic needs, meaning artificial limbs. Many also live with phantom pain, which is pain felt in a limb that is gone. Many also live with the emotional toll of a changed body.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Severe Burn Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Post-crash fires or fuel ignition can cause severe burns. Burn survivors often endure painful treatment and multiple surgeries. They may face scarring, infection risk, and permanent disfigurement.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Catastrophic Back and Neck Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A severe impact can damage the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine. This can cause chronic pain, loss of mobility, and nerve damage.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Wrongful Death: Who May Recover Under Florida Law<\/h2>\n<p>When a crash causes a death, the family&#8217;s loss is permanent. Florida law gives the family a way to seek justice.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0768\/Sections\/0768.19.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 768.19<\/a> explains this. When someone&#8217;s wrongful act or negligence causes a death, the party who would have been liable is still liable for damages. This applies even though the injured person died. The injured person would have had the right to recover damages if death had not followed.<\/p>\n<p>A complaint is the document that starts a lawsuit. Beneficiaries are the people who may recover. This includes the decedent&#8217;s estate. The decedent is the person who died. The complaint must also state how each person was related to the decedent.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0700-0799\/0768\/Sections\/0768.21.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 768.21<\/a>, the people who may recover include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>A surviving spouse<\/strong>, who may recover for loss of the decedent&#8217;s companionship and protection, and for mental pain and suffering from the date of injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Minor children of the decedent<\/strong>, and all children if there is no surviving spouse. They may recover for lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance. They may also recover for mental pain and suffering from the date of injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Each parent of a deceased minor child<\/strong>, who may recover for mental pain and suffering from the date of injury.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Each parent of an adult child<\/strong>, who may recover for mental pain and suffering if there are no other survivors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Any survivor who paid medical or funeral expenses<\/strong> caused by the injury or death. That survivor may recover those expenses.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Each survivor<\/strong> who relied on the decedent&#8217;s financial support or household services. That survivor may recover the value of lost support and services. This covers the period from the date of injury to the date of death, and the period after death.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The decedent&#8217;s personal representative may also pursue certain losses for the estate. The personal representative is the person who manages the estate. One example is the decedent&#8217;s lost earnings from the date of injury to the date of death.<\/p>\n<h2>What Companionship and Guidance Mean in Everyday Life<\/h2>\n<p>Legal language can make these losses sound abstract. In a family, they are very real.<\/p>\n<p>Loss of companionship is the Sunday phone call that no longer comes. It is the spouse who no longer shares the morning coffee. It is the weekend trips that will never happen together.<\/p>\n<p>Loss of parental guidance is a child with no parent to help with homework. It is a child with no one to explain a hard decision. It is a child with no one to celebrate a first job, a graduation, or a wedding.<\/p>\n<p>Florida law recognizes that these losses matter.<\/p>\n<p>Losing a parent or spouse also changes daily life. Someone must drive the children to school. Someone must manage the household budget. Someone must keep the family&#8217;s traditions alive.<\/p>\n<p>Florida&#8217;s damages statute lets families seek recovery for the support and services the decedent would have provided. That is why we ask families to share what daily life looked like before the crash.<\/p>\n<h2>Crashes Over Water: The 12-Nautical-Mile Rule<\/h2>\n<p>Many Florida families live near the water. Some aviation accidents happen over it. When a death occurs over the ocean, federal law draws a line based on distance from the shore of the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/46\/30307\">46 U.S.C. \u00a7 30307<\/a>, the statute defines &#8220;nonpecuniary damages.&#8221; These are damages for loss of care, comfort, and companionship.<\/p>\n<p>If a death results from a commercial aviation accident on the high seas more than 12 nautical miles from the U.S. shore, extra compensation for nonpecuniary damages can be recovered. Punitive damages cannot. Punitive damages are extra damages meant to punish serious wrongdoing.<\/p>\n<p>If the accident happened on the high seas 12 nautical miles or less from that shore, the statute says this chapter does not apply.<\/p>\n<p>In plain terms, the crash location can change which rules govern a family&#8217;s claim. The distinction affects what a family may recover. Families whose loss happened over water should not assume that a rule from one setting applies to another. Contact us early so we can review the location and circumstances.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Can Be Held Liable in Airplane Crash Cases?<\/h2>\n<p>Determining who may be responsible after an aviation accident can take a careful investigation. Liable means legally responsible. Several parties may share responsibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Airlines and Operators<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Negligence in any of these areas can create liability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Aircraft Manufacturers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Manufacturers may be liable for design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn about known hazards.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Maintenance Providers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A third party is a company or person outside the airline and the passengers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pilots and Crew<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Air Traffic Control<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Errors in directing aircraft, miscommunication, or late guidance may be examined when deciding responsibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Airport Operators<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Airport operators may be liable for unsafe runways, poor lighting, poor drainage, or other negligent maintenance of airport facilities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Third Parties<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Fuel suppliers, contractors, or others whose negligence added to the crash may also be liable.<\/p>\n<p>In many aviation accidents, more than one party shares responsibility.<\/p>\n<h2>What Happens After an Airplane Crash?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Immediate Response<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Emergency services respond to the scene. Survivors get emergency medical care. The NTSB is notified and begins its investigation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>NTSB Investigation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The NTSB leads the investigation of commercial aviation accidents. The FAA and other federal agencies take part. Investigators examine the wreckage, interview witnesses and crew, review maintenance records, and analyze flight data. Their goal is to find the probable cause, meaning the most likely reason the crash happened.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Investigation Timeline<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NTSB investigations can take months or years to finish.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Medical Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Survivors may need emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. Catastrophic injuries often require ongoing medical treatment for life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Legal Considerations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Injured survivors and families should speak with an attorney promptly. Filing deadlines apply. Evidence must be preserved, meaning kept safe and unchanged. Insurance claims must be made. Liability must be determined.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you or a family member survived an airplane crash, you may have a legal claim. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>NTSB and FAA Investigations: What You Need to Know<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ntsb.gov\/Pages\/monthly.aspx\">National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)<\/a> is an independent federal agency. It investigates commercial aviation accidents. The NTSB determines the probable cause of an accident. It does not assign fault or liability. Its goal is to establish what happened and why.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Investigation Process<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>NTSB investigators examine physical evidence and interview witnesses. They review maintenance and training records. They also analyze flight data recorders, often called &#8220;black boxes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Public Records and Recordings<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/49\/1154\">federal law<\/a>, a party in a court case generally may not use discovery to get cockpit or surface vehicle recordings that the NTSB has not made public. Discovery is the formal process of gathering evidence before trial.<\/p>\n<p>A court may allow it only under the conditions the statute sets out. When such material is disclosed, the statute requires a protective order. A protective order is a court order that limits how the material can be used.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your Claim Proceeds Separately<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An NTSB report answers questions about cause, for safety purposes, and no part of it may be admitted into evidence or used in a civil lawsuit for damages arising from the crash. Your own claim is a separate legal matter. It is usually built on many sources of evidence. These include witness statements, maintenance records, medical records, and the documented effects of the crash on your life or your family&#8217;s life.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Airplane Crash Cases We Handle<\/h2>\n<p>CHG Personal Injury Lawyers represents survivors of catastrophic injuries. We also represent families who lost loved ones in these types of crashes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Commercial airline crashes (major carriers and scheduled flights)<\/li>\n<li>Private plane crashes (single-engine, multi-engine, and executive jets)<\/li>\n<li>Helicopter crashes (medical, tour, and private helicopters)<\/li>\n<li>Charter flight crashes (air taxi services and charter operators)<\/li>\n<li>Air tour crashes (sightseeing and scenic flights)<\/li>\n<li>Seaplane crashes (amphibious aircraft and water-based operations)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Compensation in Airplane Crash Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Injured survivors and grieving families may seek compensation for:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment<\/li>\n<li>Lost wages and loss of earning capacity<\/li>\n<li>Pain and suffering<\/li>\n<li>Permanent disability and loss of independence<\/li>\n<li>Loss of enjoyment of life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In wrongful-death cases, the categories in the Florida law section above apply. These include loss of support and services for each survivor, loss of companionship and protection for a surviving spouse, and lost parental companionship, instruction, and guidance for minor children (or all children if there is no surviving spouse). They also include mental pain and suffering for eligible survivors.<\/p>\n<p>Compensation depends on the facts of each case. No result can be promised. Every case is different.<\/p>\n<h2>Statute of Limitations and International Flights<\/h2>\n<p>A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Florida sets time limits for filing lawsuits. These deadlines apply to every claim. Aviation claims may also be governed by federal law or international treaties. A treaty is an agreement between countries.<\/p>\n<p>The two-year deadline for international flights comes from the <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-26\/FullText.html#79720\">Montreal Convention<\/a>, not from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/49\/1154\">49 U.S.C. \u00a7 1154<\/a>. Section 1154 says no part of an NTSB report on an accident may be admitted into evidence or used in a civil action for damages resulting from a matter mentioned in the report.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the date the carriage stopped<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>When the court hearing the case allows discovery of a still image, a non-public part of a cockpit or surface vehicle recorder transcript, or a recorder recording, it must issue a protective order.<\/p>\n<p>Under <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-26\/FullText.html#79631\">Article 17 of the Montreal Convention<\/a>, the carrier is liable for a passenger&#8217;s death or bodily injury, but only upon condition that the accident which caused the death or injury took place on board the aircraft or in the course of any of the operations of embarking or disembarking. The carrier is the airline. It also applies during boarding or leaving the aircraft.<\/p>\n<p>Evidence can be lost. Witnesses&#8217; memories fade. Investigation findings can become harder to obtain over time. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an aviation accident.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Prompt Legal Help Matters<\/h2>\n<p>Aviation claims involve federal regulations and possible international treaties. They also involve several possible defendants. Many of these defendants have large insurance coverage and legal resources. Families benefit from representation that can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Obtain and review NTSB and FAA materials<\/li>\n<li>Identify every potentially liable party, including the airline, manufacturer, maintenance provider, pilot, air traffic control, and airport operator<\/li>\n<li>Bring in aviation professionals, engineers, and medical professionals to analyze the crash and the injuries<\/li>\n<li>Address federal aviation rules and international treaties where they apply<\/li>\n<li>Negotiate with insurers and pursue cases against well-funded defendants<\/li>\n<li>Preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>What to Do If You or a Loved One Was Hurt in an Airplane Crash<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Get Medical Care<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Your health comes first. Get emergency care right away. Follow your doctors&#8217; treatment plan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Preserve Evidence<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If it is safe, document the scene and take photographs. Keep every communication with the airline, the FAA, or other parties. Do not throw away physical evidence, tickets, or travel records.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gather Witness Information<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Collect names and contact information from other passengers, crew members, and witnesses.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do Not Sign Documents Without Legal Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Do not sign settlement agreements, liability waivers, or recorded statements for insurers until you have spoken with an attorney. A liability waiver is a document that gives up your right to sue. Insurance companies may act quickly to limit their own liability.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Cooperate With Investigators<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cooperate with NTSB and FAA investigations. Give truthful statements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Keep Records of Your Recovery<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Keep detailed medical records, rehabilitation notes, receipts, and records of lost income. If you are a family member, keep notes on how the loss affects daily life. Include the roles your loved one filled.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Contact an Attorney<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start investigating, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights.<\/p>\n<h2>Our Approach to Airplane Crash Cases<\/h2>\n<p>CHG Personal Injury Lawyers is a Florida-based personal-injury firm. We handle personal-injury cases of every severity. These include catastrophic injury and wrongful-death claims. We represent clients throughout Florida.<\/p>\n<p>Our responsible attorney on this page is Igor Hernandez, a licensed attorney in Florida. Our team works with investigators, engineers, and medical professionals to build each case. We keep families informed at every stage.<\/p>\n<p>We charge no attorney&#8217;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery. Some cases may be handled together with, or referred to, other law firms. We will explain this clearly if it applies to your matter.<\/p>\n<p>Office location: [bona fide office city to be confirmed before publication]<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the most common cause of airplane crashes?<\/summary><p>Pilot error and mechanical failure are among the leading causes. Most crashes result from a mix of factors.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How long does an NTSB investigation take?<\/summary><p>NTSB investigations can take months or years. The time depends on how complex the accident is.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I sue an airline for an airplane crash?<\/summary><p>Airlines must maintain aircraft safely, hire qualified crew, and follow safety rules.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the difference between the Warsaw Convention and the Montreal Convention?<\/summary><p>Both are international treaties. They set rules for liability in aviation accidents on international flights. Under the <a href=\"https:\/\/laws-lois.justice.gc.ca\/eng\/acts\/C-26\/FullText.html#79653\">Montreal Convention<\/a>, the carrier cannot exclude or limit its liability for a passenger&#8217;s death or bodily injury for damages up to 151,880 SDR. SDR stands for Special Drawing Rights, an international unit of value. This limit took effect on 28 December 2024. When announced, it was about US$202,500.<\/p>\n<p>The limit for death or bodily injury rose from 128,821 SDRs to 151,880 SDRs (about US$202,500) (originally 100,000 SDRs in 2003) (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.icao.int\/news\/international-air-travel-liability-limits-set-increase-enhancing-customer-compensation-0\">ICAO announcement<\/a>). It can also avoid liability by proving that a third party alone caused the damage.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What if the crash was caused by weather?<\/summary><p>Weather alone does not automatically decide the question of liability.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Who can recover in a wrongful-death case in Florida?<\/summary><p>Florida law names possible beneficiaries. These include a surviving spouse, children, parents in certain situations, and the decedent&#8217;s estate. Rights and amounts depend on the relationships and the facts. The Florida law section above explains this.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How much compensation can I recover?<\/summary><p>The amount depends on liability and on how severe the injury or loss is. No amount can be promised in advance.<\/p><\/details>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ntsb-specialist-examining-recovered-aircraft-engine-componen-photo-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"a National Transportation Safety Board specialist examining recovered aircraft engine components in a secured hangar\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Get Help Today<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a family member survived an airplane crash, you may have a legal claim. This is true if you now live with spinal cord injury, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, amputation, severe burns, or other catastrophic harm. It is also true if you lost a loved one in an aviation accident.<\/p>\n<p>Deadlines apply, so please reach out promptly.<\/p>\n<p>CHG Personal Injury Lawyers offers a free, confidential, no-obligation first consultation. We will listen to your story. We will explain your options and help you decide your next step.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Consulta inicial gratuita, confidencial y sin compromiso.<\/strong> Si usted o un familiar sufri\u00f3 un accidente a\u00e9reo o perdi\u00f3 a un ser querido en uno, comun\u00edquese con nosotros. Le escucharemos, le explicaremos sus opciones y le acompa\u00f1aremos en cada paso.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>This is attorney advertising. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Cornish Hernandez Gonzalez, PLLC, 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Suite 300, Coral Gables, FL 33134.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Common Questions Families Ask After an Aviation Accident<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Can Bring a Claim?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Injured passengers, people on the ground, and family members of those who died may have questions about their rights. Whether a claim is brought by an injured person or by a family after a loss of life, our team can explain the options that may apply to your situation.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why the Investigation Matters<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates many aviation accidents and publishes its findings. Those reports can take months or longer, so families often have questions while they wait. Our lawyers can explain how investigation records fit into a legal claim.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting Evidence<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flight records, maintenance logs, wreckage, cockpit and air traffic data, and witness accounts can be important. Early steps to preserve evidence can make a difference, so it is wise to speak with a lawyer promptly.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supporting Your Family<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serious injuries and wrongful death bring medical bills, lost income, and emotional strain. Our team works to make the legal process clearer so you can focus on recovery and on each other.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How CHG Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--chat\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Plain-Language Guidance<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We explain aviation claims, investigations, and legal terms in clear, everyday language, so you always know where your case stands.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attorneys Licensed in Florida<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our attorneys are admitted to The Florida Bar and represent clients throughout Florida.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--users\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Support for Families<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We understand that a crash can affect an entire household. We work with families facing both injury and wrongful death claims.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No Fees Unless There Is a Recovery<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CHG charges no attorney&#x27;s fees and no case costs unless there is a recovery.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--phone\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free, Confidential Consultation<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your first consultation is free, confidential, and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-accent-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--accent,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\">Important: Speak With a Lawyer Before Giving Statements<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Airlines, insurers, and other companies may contact you soon after an accident. Before you give a recorded statement or sign any document, consider speaking with a lawyer. Deadlines apply to these claims, so please contact our firm promptly.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Talk to Our Team Today<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Talk to Our Team Today<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-secondary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Had a Loved One Hurt or Lost in an Airplane Crash? You Do Not Have to Face It Alone.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+17867514283\">Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/contact-us\/\">Contact CHG Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/florida-airplane-crash-lawyer\/\">Florida Airplane Crash Lawyers: Catastrophic Aviation Injury &amp; Wrongful Death Cases<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/charter-air-tour-crash-lawyer\/\">Charter, Air Tour &amp; Sightseeing Flight Crash Claims<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/miami-airplane-crash-lawyer\/\">Miami Airplane Crash Injury &amp; Aviation Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/tampa-airplane-crash-lawyer\/\">Tampa Airplane Crash Lawyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/jacksonville-airplane-crash-lawyer\/\">Jacksonville Airplane Crash &amp; Aviation Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/florida\/\">Airplane Crash Cases in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/miami\/\">Miami<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/orlando\/\">Airplane Crash Cases in Orlando<\/a><\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Airplane crash cases cover catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Learn who may be liable and what to do next. Free case evaluation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/es\/reclamaciones-accidentes-aereos\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Spinal cord injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spinal_cord_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Paraplegia\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paraplegia\"}], \"author\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"CHG Personal Injury Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/\"}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Survivors of aviation accidents and families of people killed in plane crashes\"}, \"headline\": \"Airplane Crash Cases: Injury Claims & Wrongful Death\", \"keywords\": \"airplane crash cases, aviation accident claims, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, plane crash injury claims\", \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"CHG Personal Injury Lawyers\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"inLanguage\": \"en\", \"description\": \"An overview of airplane crash cases, including injury claims and wrongful death claims arising from commercial flights, private planes, helicopters, charter services, and air tours, with guidance on who may be liable and steps families can take next.\", \"mainEntityOfPage\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-cases\/\", \"@type\": \"WebPage\"}, \"isAccessibleForFree\": true, \"mentions\": [{\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Tetraplegia\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tetraplegia\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Paralysis\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Paralysis\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Spinal cord\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Spinal_cord\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Personal injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Personal_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Statute of limitations\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Statute_of_limitations\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Traumatic brain injury\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Traumatic_brain_injury\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Amputation\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Amputation\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Burn\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Burn\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"Montreal Convention\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q326303\"}, {\"@type\": \"Thing\", \"name\": \"International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)\", \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q64297698\"}], \"reviewedBy\": {\"@type\": \"Person\", \"name\": \"Igor Hernandez\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/our-firm\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Attorney\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/directories\/find-mbr\/profile\/?num=106386\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/igorh\/\", \"https:\/\/profiles.superlawyers.com\/florida\/miami\/lawyer\/igor-hernandez\/cd5f52fd-6cf1-4c47-8c6e-5e8f339a380d.html\"]}, \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the most common cause of airplane crashes?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Pilot error and mechanical failure are among the leading causes. Most crashes result from a mix of factors.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does an NTSB investigation take?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"NTSB investigations can take months or years. The time depends on how complex the accident is.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I sue an airline for an airplane crash?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Airlines must maintain aircraft safely, hire qualified crew, and follow safety rules.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the difference between the Warsaw Convention and the Montreal Convention?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Both are international treaties. They set rules for liability in aviation accidents on international flights. Under the Montreal Convention, the carrier cannot exclude or limit its liability for a passenger's death or bodily injury for damages up to 151,880 SDR. SDR stands for Special Drawing Rights, an international unit of value. This limit took effect on 28 December 2024. When announced, it was about US$202,500. The limit for death or bodily injury rose from 128,821 SDRs to 151,880 SDRs (about US$202,500) (originally 100,000 SDRs in 2003) (ICAO announcement). It can also avoid liability by proving that a third party alone caused the damage.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What if the crash was caused by weather?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Weather alone does not automatically decide the question of liability.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who can recover in a wrongful-death case in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Florida law names possible beneficiaries. These include a surviving spouse, children, parents in certain situations, and the decedent's estate. Rights and amounts depend on the relationships and the facts. The Florida law section above explains this.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much compensation can I recover?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The amount depends on liability and on how severe the injury or loss is. No amount can be promised in advance.\"}}], \"@type\": [\"Article\", \"FAQPage\"], \"image\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/investigators-document-a-small-aircraft-fuselage-in-a-cordon-photo.jpg\"}, {\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\", \"itemListElement\": [{\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 1, \"name\": \"Home\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/\"}, {\"@type\": \"ListItem\", \"position\": 2, \"name\": \"Airplane Crash Cases: Injury Claims & Wrongful Death\", \"item\": \"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/airplane-crash-injury-claims\/\"}]}]","chg_meta_description":"Airplane crash cases cover catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Learn who may be liable and what to do next. 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