Aviation travel is a routine part of modern life for many in the Tampa Bay area, connecting us to the rest of the world from airports like St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE) and Tampa International (TPA). When something goes wrong, the results can be devastating for passengers, crew, and their families. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an incident involving an aircraft, you may feel lost and unsure where to turn.
Securing fair compensation requires a deep understanding of complex federal and state laws. A St. Petersburg aviation/airplane accident lawyer from Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can provide the guidance and advocacy you need during this difficult time.
Our firm is committed to helping individuals and families in St. Petersburg put the pieces of their lives back together after a serious incident. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Why Choose Us for Your St. Petersburg Aviation Accident Case?
When you are facing the consequences of an aviation accident, the legal team you choose can make a significant difference. At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring a unique combination of experience, recognition, and a client-focused approach to every case. We understand the high stakes involved in aviation claims and are prepared to stand up to large corporations and insurance companies on your behalf.
Here is what sets our firm apart:
- A Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer: Mark Roman is Board Certified, a distinction held by less than 2% of all attorneys in Florida. This signifies a high level of proficiency and experience in the courtroom.
- Former Defense Counsel Insight: With two former insurance defense attorneys on our team, we have firsthand knowledge of how carriers evaluate claims. We use this insight to build a stronger case for you.
- A Record of Substantial Results: Our attorneys have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients, demonstrating our ability to achieve meaningful outcomes.
- Dedicated and Personal Attention: We intentionally keep our caseload low. This allows us to give your case the focused, detailed attention it deserves from start to finish.
We believe that our role is to be more than just your legal representative; we are your advocates and partners in recovery. Our team is ready to put our 60+ years of combined experience to work for you.
Understanding Your Rights After an Airplane Accident in St. Petersburg
Aviation accidents are unlike other personal injury incidents. They are governed by a web of state, federal, and sometimes even international laws. Investigating these cases involves multiple government agencies, primarily the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The NTSB is responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and issuing safety recommendations, while the FAA sets and enforces safety regulations for aircraft and pilots.
To successfully pursue a claim, you must establish that someone’s carelessness, or negligence, caused the incident. Negligence is a legal term that means someone failed to act with reasonable care, and that failure resulted in harm to another person. In an aviation context, negligence can take many forms, from a pilot’s mistake to a flaw in the aircraft’s design.
An experienced aviation accident lawyer in St. Petersburg can help identify the responsible parties and build a case to hold them accountable.
Types of Aviation Accidents Our St. Petersburg Lawyers Handle
The term “aviation accident” covers a broad range of incidents, not just major crashes. Any event that causes injury or loss connected to the operation of an aircraft can be grounds for a legal claim. Our attorneys have the resources and knowledge to handle a wide variety of aviation-related cases.
We can assist clients affected by:
- Commercial Airline Incidents: This includes accidents involving major carriers as well as smaller regional airlines operating out of local hubs.
- General Aviation and Private Plane Crashes: Accidents involving smaller, privately owned aircraft are more common than commercial crashes. These often occur near smaller airfields like St. Petersburg’s Albert Whitted Airport.
- Helicopter Accidents: These can involve sightseeing tours, news helicopters, or air ambulances.
- In-Flight Injuries: Serious injuries can happen without a crash. This includes harm caused by severe, unexpected turbulence, falling overhead luggage, or issues with service carts.
- Ground Operations Accidents: Injuries can also occur on the tarmac, involving ground crews, baggage carts, or other service vehicles.
No matter the specific circumstances of the incident, our team is prepared to conduct a thorough investigation to protect your rights.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Florida Aviation Accident?
One of the most challenging aspects of an airplane accident case is determining who is legally responsible. Unlike a typical car accident with one or two at-fault drivers, an aviation incident can involve multiple liable parties. A skilled airplane accident lawyer will investigate every possibility to identify all potential sources of compensation.
Depending on the findings of the investigation, a claim could be brought against one or more of the following entities:
- The Pilot or Crew: Pilot error remains a leading cause of aviation accidents. This can include mistakes in judgment, failure to follow procedures, or flying under the influence.
- The Airline or Aircraft Operator: Airlines can be held responsible for the actions of their employees through a concept called vicarious liability. This legal doctrine holds an employer responsible for the negligent acts of its employees. Airlines may also be liable for inadequate training or failing to properly maintain their fleet.
- Aircraft or Component Manufacturers: If the accident was caused by a faulty part or a defect in the plane’s design—such as a flawed engine, a structural weakness, or a software malfunction—the manufacturer can be held liable.
- Maintenance and Repair Companies: Third-party companies are often hired to service and repair aircraft. If they perform shoddy work or fail to identify a dangerous issue, they can be held responsible for a resulting crash.
- Air Traffic Controllers: The federal government employs air traffic controllers. If their error contributes to an accident, a claim may be possible under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has a unique and strict set of rules.
- Other Third Parties: Other entities, such as fueling companies or airport authorities, could also share responsibility if their negligence contributed to the incident.
Identifying every responsible party is critical to helping you recover the full compensation you are owed for your losses.
Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries and Losses
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of an aviation accident can be immense. The goal of a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is to recover compensation, known as damages, to help you and your family deal with these challenges and move forward.
A St. Petersburg aviation/airplane accident lawyer will carefully document all of your losses to build a comprehensive claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable financial losses you have incurred because of the accident. These are calculated based on bills, receipts, and financial records.
They typically include:
- All past and future medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy)
- Lost wages from being unable to work
- Diminished future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job
- The cost of replacing or repairing any damaged personal property
These damages are intended to restore the financial stability that was disrupted by the incident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal, non-financial losses that profoundly affect your quality of life. While they do not have a specific price tag, they are a very real and significant part of your suffering.
These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In cases where an accident is fatal, our attorneys can help eligible family members file a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. This allows survivors to seek compensation for their own losses, such as lost companionship, emotional pain, and the financial support the deceased would have provided.
What to Do After an Aviation Incident
After an aviation accident, you may wonder what you should do to protect your legal rights. The actions you take in the days and weeks following an incident can be important for any future legal claim.
- Preserve All Documentation: Keep everything related to your travel, including your ticket, boarding pass, baggage claim stubs, and any photos or videos you took. Also, save the contact information of any other passengers or witnesses you met.
- Keep a Detailed Journal: Write down everything you remember about the incident itself. In the following weeks, document your physical pain, emotional state, and any ways the injuries are affecting your daily life. This can become valuable evidence later.
- Avoid Speaking with Airline or Insurance Representatives: You will likely be contacted by representatives from the airline and their insurance company. It is best to decline to give a recorded statement or sign any documents until you have spoken with an attorney. Their goal is to limit their company’s financial liability.
- Be Cautious on Social Media: Refrain from posting details about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery on social media platforms. Anything you post can potentially be used against you by the opposing side.
- Consult a St. Petersburg Aviation/Airplane Accident Lawyer: The sooner you get professional guidance, the better. An attorney can immediately begin to protect your rights, manage communications with investigators and insurers, and start building your case.
Taking these steps can help lay a strong foundation for your claim.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Airplane Accident Claims
Every state has laws that set deadlines for filing lawsuits. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. It is a strict time limit on your right to take legal action. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation in court forever.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for general negligence claims resulting in personal injury is typically two years from the date of the incident. However, the specifics of an aviation accident can complicate this.
For example, if a government entity like the FAA is involved, the deadlines and procedures for filing a claim are much shorter and more complex. Because of these strict and varied deadlines, it is vital to speak with a St. Petersburg aviation accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are preserved.
St. Petersburg Aviation/Airplane Accident FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions our attorneys receive about aviation accident claims.
What if the airplane accident had happened over international waters?
If an accident occurs during international travel, the claim may be governed by an international treaty known as the Montreal Convention. This treaty sets uniform rules for airline liability and damages. These cases are highly complex and require an attorney with a thorough understanding of both domestic and international aviation law.
How much does it cost to hire a St. Petersburg aviation/airplane accident lawyer?
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. This allows you to access high-quality legal representation without any financial risk.
Will my airplane accident case have to go to trial?
Many personal injury cases are resolved through a negotiated settlement without ever going to court. However, airlines and their insurance companies often fight these claims vigorously. Our firm prepares every case as if it will go to trial. With a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer on our team, we are always ready to present your case to a jury if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
What is the NTSB’s role, and how does its investigation affect my case?
The NTSB is an independent federal agency that investigates every civil aviation accident in the U.S. Its primary goal is to determine the “probable cause” of the accident to prevent future incidents. While the NTSB’s final report cannot be used in court to assign blame, its factual findings are often critical evidence that can help your attorney build a strong case for civil liability.
I was not physically injured, but the event was terrifying. Can I still file a claim?
In some situations, it is possible to seek compensation for severe emotional distress, such as PTSD, even without a significant physical injury. These claims, often called “negligent infliction of emotional distress,” can be challenging to prove but are a valid avenue for recovery when a traumatic event causes lasting psychological harm.
Contact Our St. Petersburg Aviation/Airplane Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a family member has been impacted by an airplane or helicopter accident, you do not have to face the legal process by yourself. The dedicated team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here to provide the compassionate support and determined legal advocacy you deserve. We will stand by your side, answer your questions, and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Your time to act is limited. Call us today or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation with our trusted aviation accident attorney.