ORLANDO AVIATION ACCIDENTS ATTORNEY

Aviation accidents in Orlando can leave victims facing catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and uncertain futures. Whether the accident involves a commercial airliner, private plane at Orlando Executive Airport, helicopter tour, or cargo aircraft at Orlando Sanford International, these cases demand immediate legal attention and thorough investigation to preserve critical evidence.

At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., we have been helping injured people in Orlando and throughout Florida navigate complex aviation accident claims. Our Orlando personal injury lawyers understand the federal regulations, technical aviation standards, and investigation procedures necessary to build strong cases against airlines, manufacturers, and other liable parties.

Why Choose Our Orlando Aviation Accident Law Firm?

Aviation accident cases require significantly more resources and knowledge than typical personal injury claims. Our firm brings together decades of trial experience, relationships with aviation technical consultants, and a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for injury victims throughout Central Florida.

Decades of Experience in Aviation Law

Our firm has been serving the Orlando community for over 60 years, handling thousands of personal injury cases including aviation accidents. Partners at our firm hold board certification from the Florida Bar in civil trial litigation, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in representing injured clients. We have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in various accident types, including aviation incidents.

FAA-Licensed Pilots and Aviation Experts on Staff

We work closely with FAA-licensed pilots, aircraft maintenance specialists, accident reconstruction professionals, and other technical consultants who understand the complexities of aviation operations. These relationships allow us to thoroughly investigate what went wrong, identify all responsible parties, and present compelling evidence to insurance companies and juries.

Proven Track Record of Million-Dollar Settlements

Our case results speak for themselves. We have secured significant compensation for clients injured in aviation accidents, helping them cover medical expenses, replace lost income, and rebuild their lives. Each case receives personalized attention from attorneys who genuinely care about achieving the best possible outcome.

No Fees Unless We Win Your Case

We handle aviation accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs or attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This approach allows injured victims to access top-quality legal representation without financial barriers.

Common Types of Aviation Accidents in Orlando

Orlando’s position as a major tourism and business hub means significant aviation activity throughout the region. From commercial airlines at Orlando International Airport to private aircraft operations at smaller facilities, various types of aviation accidents can occur.

Commercial Airplane Crashes

Commercial aviation accidents may involve major airlines serving Orlando International Airport. These incidents can result from pilot error, mechanical failures, air traffic control mistakes, or inadequate maintenance procedures. Airlines owe passengers a duty of care to operate safely and maintain their aircraft properly.

Private Plane Accidents at Orlando Executive Airport

Orlando Executive Airport handles thousands of general aviation flights annually. Private plane crashes may occur during takeoff, landing, or in-flight operations. These accidents often involve questions about pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and compliance with FAA regulations.

Helicopter Crashes

Helicopter tours over Orlando’s attractions and medical transport helicopters both present risks for accidents. Helicopter crashes may result from mechanical failures, pilot error, improper maintenance, or dangerous weather conditions. The rotating blade system and complex controls make helicopters particularly vulnerable to certain types of failures.

Cargo Plane Incidents at Orlando Sanford International

Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as a major cargo hub. Accidents involving cargo aircraft can injure crew members, ground personnel, and people near the airport. Improper loading, maintenance failures, and pilot fatigue may contribute to these incidents.

Aviation Maintenance Failures

Inadequate maintenance represents a leading cause of aviation accidents. When maintenance companies, airlines, or aircraft operators fail to properly inspect, repair, or service aircraft according to FAA standards, catastrophic failures can occur. Maintenance records become crucial evidence in these cases.

General Aviation vs. Commercial Aviation Accidents

General aviation accidents involving private pilots typically follow different investigation and legal procedures than commercial airline crashes. However, both categories may result in serious injuries requiring substantial compensation. Understanding these distinctions helps attorneys build effective legal strategies.

In-Flight and On-Ground Aviation Injuries

Not all aviation injuries occur in dramatic crashes. Passengers and aviation workers may suffer serious harm from various in-flight incidents and ground operations around airports.

Turbulence-Related Injuries

Severe turbulence can throw passengers against cabin walls, ceilings, or other passengers. Airlines have a duty to monitor weather conditions, warn passengers appropriately, and require seatbelt use when turbulence is anticipated. Failure to take these precautions may constitute negligence.

Falling Luggage and Overhead Bin Accidents

Improperly secured luggage in overhead bins can fall and strike passengers during flight or when bins are opened. These injuries may include head trauma, shoulder injuries, and broken bones. Airlines and crew members must ensure luggage is properly stowed.

Jetway and Boarding Accidents

Passengers frequently suffer injuries while boarding or deplaning aircraft. Gaps between jetways and aircraft doors, wet or slippery surfaces, inadequate lighting, and missing handrails can all lead to falls and serious injuries. Airport operators and airlines share responsibility for maintaining safe boarding areas.

Airport Wheelchair Service Injuries

Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance may be injured by negligent or inadequately trained airport personnel. These incidents can involve falls, collisions, or improper transfers between wheelchairs and seats. Both airports and airlines may bear liability for these injuries.

Terminal and Gate Area Incidents

Slip and fall accidents, moving walkway injuries, and other incidents in terminals and gate areas may fall under airport operator liability. Property owners must maintain safe conditions and address known hazards promptly.

Causes of Aviation Accidents

Understanding what caused an aviation accident is essential for identifying liable parties and building a successful legal claim. Most aviation accidents result from multiple contributing factors rather than a single cause.

Pilot Error and Negligence

Pilot mistakes represent one of the most common causes of aviation accidents. Errors may include poor decision-making, failure to follow procedures, inadequate pre-flight inspections, misreading instruments, or flying while fatigued or impaired. Even highly trained pilots can make critical mistakes with devastating consequences.

Mechanical Failures and Defective Parts

Aircraft contain thousands of components, any of which may fail and cause an accident. Engine failures, landing gear malfunctions, control surface problems, and electrical system failures can all lead to crashes. Manufacturers may be held liable when defective parts cause accidents.

Air Traffic Controller Mistakes

Air traffic controllers provide crucial guidance to pilots, managing the flow of aircraft through busy airspace. Controller errors, such as providing incorrect instructions, failing to warn of traffic conflicts, or miscommunicating altitude assignments, can lead to mid-air collisions or other accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions

While weather itself cannot be controlled, pilots and airlines have a responsibility to avoid flying in dangerous conditions or to take appropriate precautions. Flying into known thunderstorms, icing conditions, or low visibility without proper equipment may constitute negligence.

Inadequate Maintenance and Inspections

The FAA requires regular inspections and maintenance for all aircraft. When operators skip required inspections, use substandard parts, or fail to address known mechanical issues, they may be held liable for resulting accidents. Maintenance records must be carefully examined to uncover these failures.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Aviation Accident?

Aviation accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial for maximizing compensation.

Airlines and Aircraft Operators

Commercial airlines and charter companies owe passengers a duty to operate safely, maintain aircraft properly, hire qualified pilots and crew, and follow all FAA regulations. Violations of these duties may support negligence claims.

Aircraft and Component Manufacturers

When defective aircraft or parts cause accidents, manufacturers may be held strictly liable under product liability law. Manufacturing defects, design defects, and inadequate warnings can all form the basis for claims against manufacturers.

Maintenance and Repair Companies

Companies performing maintenance and repairs on aircraft must follow FAA standards and manufacturer specifications. When maintenance errors or negligence cause accidents, these companies may be held liable.

Pilots and Flight Crew Members

Pilots who operate aircraft negligently or recklessly may be held personally liable for injuries they cause. Flight crew members also have duties to passengers, such as ensuring proper seatbelt use and securing the cabin.

Airport Operators and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs)

Airports and FBOs that provide services to aircraft may be liable for accidents caused by their negligence. This includes maintaining safe runways, providing accurate weather information, and properly fueling aircraft.

Government Entities and Air Traffic Control

While sovereign immunity protections can make claims against government entities challenging, they may still be liable in certain circumstances. The Federal Tort Claims Act provides a path for claims against federal air traffic controllers and other government employees.

Common Injuries in Aviation Accidents

Aviation accidents frequently result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

Head impacts during crashes commonly cause traumatic brain injuries ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. These injuries may result in cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and permanent disability.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The violent forces involved in aviation accidents can cause spinal cord damage leading to partial or complete paralysis. Victims may face lifetime costs for medical care, adaptive equipment, and assistance with daily activities.

Severe Burns and Smoke Inhalation

Post-crash fires and explosions can cause devastating burn injuries and smoke inhalation damage. Burn victims often require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and face permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Broken Bones and Crush Injuries

The impact forces in aviation accidents frequently cause multiple fractures, crushed limbs, and internal organ damage. These injuries may require surgical intervention and lengthy recovery periods.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Surviving an aviation accident can leave lasting psychological trauma. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and fear of flying may significantly impact a victim’s quality of life and may be compensable as part of a personal injury claim.

Compensation Available in Orlando Aviation Accident Cases

Victims of aviation accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation to address their injuries and losses.

Medical Expenses and Future Care Costs

Compensation may cover all past and future medical treatment related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and in-home care. Future medical needs must be carefully calculated with input from medical professionals.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If injuries prevent you from working, you may recover compensation for lost income. More significantly, if your injuries permanently reduce your ability to earn income in the future, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for lost earning capacity over your expected work life.

Pain and Suffering Damages

Aviation accident victims may recover compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and reduced quality of life caused by their injuries.

Wrongful Death Damages for Surviving Family Members

When aviation accidents result in fatalities, surviving family members may file wrongful death claims to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Florida Aviation Accident Laws and Regulations

Aviation accident claims involve a complex intersection of state and federal law that requires careful navigation.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations in Florida

Florida generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, the statute of limitations for aviation accidents is dependent on the unique details and factors surrounding your specific case. Federal laws, international treaties, and the specific circumstances of the accident may affect filing deadlines, making it critical to consult an attorney promptly.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations

The FAA establishes comprehensive regulations governing aircraft operation, maintenance, pilot qualifications, and safety standards. Violations of these regulations may provide strong evidence of negligence in personal injury claims.

NTSB Investigation Process and Reports

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates most aviation accidents. Their reports can provide valuable evidence, though they are not always admissible in civil cases. Understanding how to use NTSB findings while conducting independent investigations is crucial for building strong cases.

Differences Between State and Federal Aviation Law

Aviation cases often involve both state tort law and federal aviation regulations. Determining which laws apply and how they interact requires significant legal knowledge and experience.

How Our Orlando Aviation Accident Lawyers Can Help

Aviation accident cases demand more resources, technical knowledge, and investigative work than typical personal injury claims.

Thorough Investigation and Evidence Preservation

We act quickly to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears. This includes securing flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, maintenance logs, weather reports, and air traffic control communications. We also work to prevent the destruction or alteration of physical evidence.

Expert Witness Coordination and Testimony

We maintain relationships with pilots, aircraft mechanics, accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists who can provide testimony supporting your claim. Their technical analysis and professional opinions strengthen your case significantly.

Countering Insurance Company Tactics

Aviation insurers are sophisticated and well-funded. They often deploy teams of lawyers and investigators immediately after accidents to minimize liability. We level the playing field by advocating forcefully for your interests and refusing to accept inadequate settlement offers.

Navigating Complex Federal and State Regulations

We understand the intricate web of laws and regulations governing aviation. This knowledge allows us to identify all potential claims and liable parties while avoiding procedural pitfalls that could jeopardize your case.

Trial Representation When Necessary

While many cases settle, we prepare every case for trial and have the courtroom experience to present complex aviation cases effectively to juries. Insurance companies recognize our willingness to try cases and take our settlement demands seriously.

The Aviation Accident Investigation Process

Building a successful aviation accident case requires a comprehensive investigation that goes beyond the NTSB’s work.

Collecting Flight Data and Cockpit Voice Recorders

Flight data recorders capture detailed information about aircraft performance, while cockpit voice recorders document communications and sounds in the cockpit. These devices provide crucial insights into what occurred during the moments leading to an accident.

Reviewing Maintenance Records and Inspection Logs

Aircraft maintenance records reveal whether the aircraft received proper care and whether maintenance companies followed FAA requirements. Gaps in maintenance, deferred repairs, or use of non-approved parts may indicate negligence.

Working with Aviation Accident Reconstruction Experts

Accident reconstruction specialists use physical evidence, flight data, witness statements, and their knowledge of aircraft systems to determine how and why accidents occurred. Their analysis can definitively establish causation and identify responsible parties.

Obtaining Air Traffic Control Communications

Air traffic control recordings document communications between controllers and pilots. These recordings may reveal controller errors, pilot mistakes, or communication breakdowns that contributed to accidents.

Medical Documentation Requirements

Thorough medical documentation establishes the nature and extent of injuries, connects them to the accident, and supports claims for future medical needs. We work with medical professionals to ensure proper documentation of all injuries and treatment.

Steps to Take After an Aviation Accident in Orlando

The actions you take immediately after an aviation accident can significantly impact your legal claim and recovery.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Document Injuries

Your health and safety must come first. Seek medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel your injuries are minor. Many serious injuries do not cause immediate symptoms. Medical records created promptly after accidents provide crucial documentation linking injuries to the incident.

Report the Incident to Authorities

Aviation accidents must be reported to appropriate authorities, including the FAA and NTSB. Cooperate with investigators while being mindful that statements you make may be used later. Having legal representation during this process protects your interests.

Preserve Evidence (Photos, Witness Information)

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, aircraft damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses who may have seen what happened. This evidence can prove invaluable later.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after an accident seeking statements. Be cautious, as these statements can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Politely decline to provide recorded statements until you have legal representation.

Contact an Aviation Accident Attorney Immediately

Time is critical in aviation accident cases. Evidence can be lost, witnesses may disappear, and filing deadlines approach quickly. Contacting an attorney immediately ensures your rights are protected from the start.

Speak Our Aviation Accident Lawyers in Orlando Today

If you or someone in your family has been injured in an aviation accident in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, you need attorneys who understand both the technical complexities of aviation and the legal strategies necessary to secure maximum compensation. Our firm has the highest ranking for Orlando injury lawyers in the Best Law Firms report by U.S. News and World Report, and we bring over 60 years of experience helping injured people throughout Florida.

We handle aviation accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Many of our clients come to us through referrals from other attorneys, civic leaders, and satisfied clients who appreciate the exceptional personal care and attention we provide. Don’t navigate this complex legal process alone. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.