Aviation Accident Lawyers in Toronto
Even though aircraft accidents are rare, as compared to car accidents, and there is, thankfully, an overall downward trend in the rate of aircraft accidents, those that do occur are very devastating to the passengers and their families and require rigorous investigation.
Understanding Aviation Accidents
When it comes to aircraft accidents, multiple parties may be responsible, such as the airline, aircraft manufacturer, airplane parts manufacturer, or the plane maintenance company. When an aircraft crash occurs, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigates. These investigations are thorough and can take considerable time.
Further complicating aircraft accident litigation is that the number of people and entities involved means assigning fault for injury can be contentious and complicated. If the crash causes multiple injuries or deaths, victims and their families may need to decide whether to pursue actions individually or together in a class action.
The Role of an Aviation Accident Lawyer
Aviation accident lawyers are dedicated to helping victims and their families navigate the complex legal and regulatory issues that follow an aviation incident. Whether the case involves a commercial airline crash, a private plane accident, or an in-flight injury, aviation lawyers play a crucial role in investigating the cause, determining liability, and pursuing compensation from responsible parties such as airlines, aircraft manufacturers, or maintenance providers. They also assist with navigating international aviation laws and treaties, working with aviation experts, and handling insurance disputes. With deep knowledge of both aviation and personal injury law, our team is committed to protecting the rights of those affected and ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
Hiring a personal injury lawyer experienced in aviation incidents is crucial when you’ve been injured in a plane or helicopter accident. Aviation cases involve complex regulations, technical investigations, and multiple parties such as airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance companies. An aviation injury lawyer will help you navigate this complexity, gather vital evidence, work with aviation experts, and negotiate with insurers to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Types of Aviation accidents
- Runway incursions and excursions
- Mid-Air Collisions
- Controlled Flight into Terrain
- Loss of Control In-Flight
- Mechanical Failure or Malfunction
- Bird Strikes
- Fuel Exhaustion or Mismanagement
- Weather-Related Accidents
- Pilot Error
- Turbulence Injuries
- Hard Landings
- Taxiing Accidents
- Hijackings or Sabotage
- Structural Failure
Types of Aviation Accident Injuries:
- Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Fractures/Broken Bones
- Internal Injures/Organ Damage
- Burn Injuries
- Lacerations and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Emotional and Psychological Injuries
Thomson Rogers Has the Necessary Legal Experience
Knowing your rights following an aviation accident or a plane crash is essential to preserve your ability to retain full compensation for your injuries and other damages. If you have been injured or a family member has been killed in an aircraft accident, you should contact a lawyer who is experienced in this complex legal area to protect your rights.
Thomson Rogers Personal Injury Lawyers has over 90 years of experience helping the seriously injured. We know the personal injury law that comes into play in litigation following an airplane accident. We also have deep expertise with manufacturer product liability, class action law, and damages due to negligence. Our lawyers will answer your questions about how best to proceed with your claim.
Our Aviation Accident Lawyers
- Sloan Mandel
- Darcy Merkur
- Michael Bennett
- Aleks Mladenovic
- Robert Ben
- Ian Furlong
- Stacey Stevens
- Kate Cahill
- Matthew Sutton
- Stephen Birman
- Deanna Gilbert
- Carr Hatch
- Satah Naiman
- Daniel Klein
- Lucy Jackson
- Adam Karakolis
- Chris Lazaris
- Allahnah Karmali
- Alice H. Xiao
- Daniel Garas
- Anna Kiraly
Personal Injury Lawyers with expertise in:
- Aviation Accidents
- Commercial airline crashes
- Private plane accidents
- Helicopter crashes
- Airport ground incidents
- International aviation claims
- Catastrophic Injuries
- Wrongful death
Contact us to arrange a free consultation by completing our online request form, or call 416-868-3100 or toll-free at 1-888-223-0448.
Request A Free Consultation
Contact Thomson Rogers LLP to arrange a free consultation by completing our online request form, or call 416-868-3100 or toll-free at 1-888-223-0448.
Aviation Accident Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do after being involved in an aviation accident?
You should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Aviation accident claims typically involve determining whether an airline or pilot acted the way that a reasonable airline or pilot would act in the circumstances. Answering this question can often involve expert evidence.
Thomson Rogers LLP lawyers have experience succeeding in aviation accident trials. In 2024, our legal team successfully prosecuted a lawsuit, S. v. Ukraine International Airlines JSC, 2024 ONSC 3303, related to the shootdown of Ukraine International Airlines’ flight PS752. Reach out to us at Thomson Rogers LLP for a free consultation.
Can I file a claim for a helicopter or private jet crash?
You can file a claim for a helicopter or private jet crash in Ontario. However, if the claim involves international travel, depending on the circumstances of the accident the claims can be governed by the Montreal Convention or Warsaw Convention, which are incorporated into Canadian law by the Carriage by Air Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-26.
If you would like more information, reach out to us at Thomson Rogers LLP for a free consultation.
Who is liable in aviation accident cases in Canada?
Who is liable in an aviation accident depends on the circumstances of the case. Individuals such as pilots can be liable, as well as the airline carriers. A careful investigation of the accident’s circumstances is needed to determine who should be sued.
If you would like more information, reach out to us at Thomson Rogers LLP for a free consultation.
How long do I have to file an aviation injury claim in Ontario?
As with many personal injury claims, subject to certain exceptions, you have two years from the date that the accident occurred to file your aviation claim in Ontario.
What compensation can I expect from an aviation accident lawsuit?
If your case is not governed by the Montreal Convention, you can claim for the type of compensation available in a personal injury lawsuit. These claims include pain and suffering, income loss, treatment expenses paid out of pocket, housekeeping expenses, attendant care expenses, and medical/rehabilitative expenses.
If your claim is governed by the Montreal Convention or Warsaw Convention, you can also claim for similar compensation to what is available in a personal injury lawsuit, though fault does not need to be established against a third party to obtain compensation up to certain monetary thresholds. These conventions have special provisions (rules) which affect the way that a person proves that they are entitled to compensation beyond those thresholds by reversing the onus of proof. For example, these provisions require the carrier to prove that your injuries are not due to the negligence, wrongful act or omission of the carrier, its servants or agents in order to avoid paying compensation beyond certain monetary thresholds.
If you would like more information, reach out to us at Thomson Rogers LLP for a free consultation.