Bradshaw & Bryant

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Minnesota Airplane Accident Attorneys

Strong advocacy when aviation accidents cause injuries and fatalities

Commercial airplane accidents are complex. They may involve overlapping legal jurisdictions, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board, and many local agencies and investigators. There are likely to be multiple plaintiffs and multiple defendants. Airline-related accidents can occur on board a plane or while onboarding or offboarding the aircraft. They can occur while traveling locally in the US or during the course of an international flight. Airplane accidents, helicopter crashes, and other aviation accidents are often more catastrophic and more fatal than any other type of accident.

At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our Minnesota airplane accident attorney team aggressively represents individuals who have been injured in such airline incidents. Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, is defined by our strong experience and award-winning talent. For ten consecutive years, attorney Michael Bryant has been recognized as a SuperLawyer and has been named among Minnesota's Top 40 Personal Injury Lawyers by Minnesota Law & Politics Magazine.

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How can we help you?

How dangerous are airline accidents?

Airplane accidents can cause numerous deaths. Tragically, sometimes, everyone on the aircraft may die. The possible injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and paralysis, burn injuries, traumatic amputations, broken bones, tissue damage, nerve damage, muscle damage, back and neck pain, internal organ damage, and many other types of catastrophic or long-term injuries.

What types of airline accidents do you handle in Minnesota?

At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we handle many different types of aviation accidents, including accidents involving:

  • Commercial airlines (national and international)
  • Private airlines, including commuter planes and air taxis
  • Helicopters and air ambulances
  • Tourist planes that let passengers see the attractions of Minnesota from high above the ground

Generally, commercial airlines have the most governmental oversight and more safety features (such as copilots, multiple engines, and backup navigation support) than non-commercial planes. Many passengers use helicopters to avoid security hassles and time delays. Many hospitals use air ambulances to transport patients to their facilities quickly.

Smaller planes are more subject to the dangers of bad weather and may travel to more remote locations – which makes it more likely for pilots to get lost and more difficult for rescue teams to provide assistance.

Why do airplane accidents happen?

Some of the common causes of airplane accidents, depending on the type of accident, include the following:

  • The negligence of the pilot, including improper control of the plane, failing to anticipate and handle emergencies (such as bad weather), flying in unknown areas, and many other types of pilot error
  • The negligence of air traffic controllers, including communication errors.
  • The negligence of airline mechanics and maintenance crews, including failing to properly inspect, maintain, and repair the planes
  • Defective plane and helicopter parts
  • Not having the proper equipment
    Not having the proper amount of fuel
  • Colliding with other planes or objects
  • Lack of education and training
  • Flying at the wrong altitude
  • Improper takeoff and/or landing procedures
  • Failing to inspect and monitor the airplane terminal

Who is liable for airplane accidents?

The people and businesses responsible for your airline accident may include:

  • The airline that owns the plane
  • The airline pilot
  • Manufacturers of defective airline parts
  • Maintenance and repair companies
  • Many other defendants, depending on the type of accident or the contractual relationships between the airline companies

Luggage falling from overhead storage compartments, hot coffee spilled on passengers, and even unruly passengers who are not adequately restrained in their behavior can lend themselves to legal actions.

Jurisdiction of airplane accidents

In the case of international travel, jurisdiction for liability purposes is established under the protocols of the Montreal Convention and the Warsaw Convention, which define the extent to which an airline may be held liable and how remedies may be pursued. In the case of domestic travel within the US, federal aviation rules and various state laws regarding negligent conduct and product liability will be brought into play.

Common carrier liability

Airlines, as common carriers, owe passengers the highest degree of care that is reasonably practicable under the circumstances. A common carrier is “a person or a commercial enterprise that transports passengers or goods for a fee and establishes that their service is open to the general public.” The margin for error here is very thin, and any compromise of care is considered negligent.

Airline automation

Another emerging cause of airplane accidents is automation, which can help pilots handle their planes but can also create problems due to faulty software and over-reliance on automation or lack of education/training on how to use the software.

How do your Minnesota aviation lawyers fight for airplane accident victims?

At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, our Minnesota airplane accident attorney team is able to evaluate cases quickly and educate clients about their options after any type of accident involving aircraft. We maintain a close-knit network of aviation experts and medical specialists to determine the root cause of an accident and to evaluate the long-term impact of our client’s injuries on their lives.

What is the value of my airplane accident claim in Minnesota?

We work to recover all the costs of an aviation accident, including medical bills of every nature, lost wages, physical pain and emotional suffering, loss of bodily function, scarring and disfigurement, the inability to enjoy life’s pleasures, and other financial and personal damages. We aggressively pursue maximum payment for your claim.

If a loved one tragically died, we file wrongful death actions on behalf of the family members. We seek payment of the funeral and burial costs, payment for the loss of financial support your loved one would have provided the family members, and the loss of personal support (guidance, comfort, love, and education) your loved one would have provided the family members.

In some cases, such as when a pilot operates a plane while intoxicated or the airline manufacturer uses parts it knew were defective, we also seek punitive damages.

How much time do I have to file an airline accident claim in Minnesota?

We recommend that you contact us immediately. The timeline for filing your claim depends on many factors. These factors include whether we file your claim in an international court, a federal court, or the Minnesota state courts. There may be different time limits depending on whether you have a personal injury claim, a product liability claim, or a wrongful death claim. There are very short time limits if you have a claim against a governmental agency.

The sooner we begin our representation, the faster we can investigate the accident, review your medical needs, speak with witnesses, and take other steps to help you.

Do you have a Minnesota airplane accident lawyer near me?

Yes. Our airplane accident lawyers meet with prospective clients and families in our office at 1505 Division Street in Waite Park, Minnesota.

If your health prevents you from traveling, we’re able to make arrangements to see you at your home, a healthcare facility, or another convenient location. We also conduct conversations by phone and through online conferences.

We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through each step of your claim.

Speak with Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an airline accident, our Minnesota airplane accident attorney team has 50 years of experience and working relationships with aviation experts to help you obtain justice. At Bradshaw & Bryant, PLLC, we’re here to help you understand your rights and legal options. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We handle aviation accidents on a contingency fee basis.

Our lawyers represent clients in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul and the nearby suburbs. We also advocate for clients across Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, Brainerd, and Alexandria, and Stearns, Sherburne, Wright, Morrison, and Benton counties.