What is Aviation Law?
Aviation law relates to the operation of aircraft, the maintenance of aviation facilities, and any injuries that may occur either on the aircraft or at the facility. Although states may enact some of their own laws related to air travel, the federal government has supremacy over aviation regulations.
Issues that Arise in the Aviation Industry - Personal injury - Personal injury cases in the aviation industry often involve:
- Accidents that occur while traveling on a plane, such as injuries caused by plane movements during turbulence
- Injuries caused from prolonged sitting in an aircraft seat (thrombosis)
- Slip and fall accidents at airports - Wrongful Death - Although rare, plane crashes and accidents are unfortunate inevitabilities of the aviation industry. Wrongful death lawsuits allow family members to obtain compensation for the loss of a family member in an airplane crash. If your family member has died in an airplane crash, you should speak to a lawyer immediately. Under the Family Assistance Act, airlines must follow specific guidelines after an airplane crash results in death. The airlines are required to:
- Set up family support services, including grief counseling and support
- Designate individual caregivers to assist each family
- Work with families to identify and return remains and possessions
- Set up a communication network with families - Lost or Destroyed Property - In most cases, passengers may not sue an airline for lost luggage. Most airlines insure their passengers' luggage up to a specified amount in case of damage or loss. Consequently, passengers are left with no other recourse but to accept the airline's offer of compensation. Pets are also generally regarded as luggage with no added valuation.
- Cancellation of Flights - Passengers may not sue the airlines for rescheduled or cancelled flights. With the purchase of a ticket, there is a presumption that the passenger is aware of the possibility that a flight may be cancelled or rescheduled to his or her own detriment.
Do I Need an Attorney Experienced in Aviation Law?
In the majority of cases involving the everyday conflicts that may arise with the airline industry, a lawyer is not needed. However, with issues concerning personal injury or wrongful death, an attorney should almost always be consulted to protect your interests and bring a lawsuit if necessary. Vea esta página en español: Leyes de Aviación o visita Abogados-Leyes.com para más información legal. |
 |
