Questions About Aviation Accident Litigation

The first step when pursuing a legal claim is finding lawyers who are right for you. Aviation accident litigation is highly specialized, and it is important to work with attorneys who understand both the legal and technical aspects of aircraft accidents.

The attorneys at Katzman Lampert & Stoll focus exclusively on aviation accident litigation. Many members of the firm are pilots and work closely with aviation engineers and accident reconstruction specialists when evaluating potential cases. Our role is to help families understand their legal options following a serious aviation accident.

In many situations it is helpful to speak with counsel early in the process. Aviation accidents are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and those investigations can involve the preservation and examination of critical evidence such as wreckage, flight data, maintenance records, and operational documentation.

While families often focus first on the immediate aftermath of an accident, early legal guidance can help ensure that relevant evidence is preserved and that technical and regulatory issues are evaluated as the investigation develops.

Speaking with an attorney does not obligate you to pursue litigation. It can simply provide an opportunity to understand how aviation investigations work and what legal options may be available.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is the federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States. Its investigators examine wreckage, flight data, maintenance records, and other technical evidence in order to determine the probable cause of an accident.

The NTSB investigation is independent from any civil litigation that may arise from the accident. While the agency’s findings can provide important technical information, parties in a lawsuit conduct their own investigation and analysis of the evidence.

For a detailed explanation of how these investigations work, see our article on the NTSB Investigation Process.

Aviation accident litigation is often more complex than many other types of personal injury cases. Aircraft accidents may involve multiple parties, federal regulatory oversight, extensive engineering analysis, and parallel government investigations.

These cases frequently require coordination with aviation engineers, accident reconstruction specialists, and other technical experts while also navigating federal regulatory frameworks and complex procedural issues in court.

Additional information about how these cases are handled is available on our Aviation Accident Litigation page.

Responsibility depends on the facts of the accident and the evidence developed during the investigation. Potentially responsible parties can include aircraft or component manufacturers, maintenance providers, charter operators, pilots, training entities, and—in some cases—owners or management companies.

Because aviation accidents often involve layered operational relationships and technical issues, identifying the appropriate parties usually requires careful review of maintenance records, operational documentation, certification materials, and investigative findings.

In some aviation accident cases, the investigation may involve questions about aircraft design, manufacturing processes, component failures, or safety warnings provided by the manufacturer. When appropriate, claims may be brought against aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, or component suppliers.

These cases often involve complex engineering evidence and detailed examination of aircraft certification materials submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration. Manufacturers may also raise legal defenses based on federal aviation regulation, which are addressed through careful legal and technical analysis.

Determining where an aviation accident lawsuit should be filed requires careful evaluation of several factors, including:

• the applicable law in potential jurisdictions
• the location of witnesses and evidence
• the relationship between the parties and the accident location
• procedural considerations affecting the litigation

Aviation cases often involve multiple jurisdictions, and selecting the appropriate forum is an important strategic decision early in the case.

The length of aviation accident litigation varies depending on the complexity of the case. Matters involving general aviation accidents may take several years to resolve, while major airline disaster litigation can involve longer investigative and procedural timelines.

Our attorneys work to move cases forward as efficiently as possible while ensuring that technical investigation and legal preparation are conducted thoroughly. Throughout the process we keep clients informed about the status of their case.

Our attorneys encourage clients to remain informed and involved throughout the legal process. While the level of involvement varies from person to person, there are times when client participation is essential, including providing factual information, reviewing documents, and preparing for testimony when necessary.

We work closely with each client to ensure they understand the progress of the case and the decisions that may arise during aviation accident litigation.

Each aviation accident case is different. Some cases proceed to trial, while others resolve through negotiated settlement. Our attorneys provide careful guidance about the advantages and risks of each approach, but the ultimate decision whether to proceed to trial always belongs to the client.

The attorneys at Katzman Lampert & Stoll are experienced trial lawyers who prepare each case as though it may ultimately be presented to a jury. That preparation often plays an important role in achieving favorable resolutions for clients.

Our attorneys work on a contingent fee basis. This means legal fees are paid only if a recovery is obtained on your behalf. Litigation costs and expenses are typically advanced by the firm and later addressed as part of any recovery.

If you would like additional information about how contingency agreements work, please contact us and we will be glad to explain the process.

In the immediate aftermath of an aviation accident, it is generally important to preserve documents and communications that may later be relevant, including travel records, correspondence from insurers or operators, medical records if applicable, and any information received from investigators.

Families are often contacted quickly by insurers or others. If you have questions about what information to provide or how the process typically unfolds, an early consultation can help you understand next steps and avoid unintended mistakes.

You may see other law firms prominently advertising the verdicts or settlements they have obtained. While our firm has secured significant recoveries for clients over many years of aviation litigation, we generally do not publicize the details of individual settlements.

Many aviation accident settlements include confidentiality provisions that protect the privacy of the individuals and families involved. Respecting those obligations—and protecting client privacy—is an important part of how we practice.

General information about representative outcomes can be found on our
Selected Aviation Verdicts and Settlements page.