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Phoenix Aviation Injury Lawyers

Our Phoenix injury attorneys represent victims of plane crashes and other accidents

Plane crashes refer to accidents involving nationwide and privately chartered aircraft. Charter planes are typically used for a variety of purposes, including business travel, leisure trips, medical evacuations, or cargo transport. When a charter plane crashes, it can result in varying degrees of damage, injuries, or fatalities. Having an experienced Phoenix aviation attorney on your side can make a difference in how your future unfolds.

Since 1991, the Phoenix aviation accident attorneys of Plattner Verderame, P.C. have provided high-quality legal services for their legitimate injuries and claims. We treat our clients like real people, and we work hard for them to obtain justice in aviation, hot air balloon, skydiving, and other aircraft-related and tourism accidents. Our experienced Phoenix injury lawyers help you assert your rights and get you the compensation you deserve when you’ve been in a plane accident.

Partner Frank Verderame has been a licensed pilot since 1989, and has brought numerous plane crash cases to verdict. One such case resulted in a $10 million verdict for clients injured in a crash near the Grand Canyon. Another included a $2.3 million settlement after an airplane crash at an air show claimed the life of a young boy.

How can we help?

How popular is air travel in Arizona?

There are close to a hundred airports in Arizona. The City of Phoenix owns three of them – Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix Deer Valley Airport and Phoenix Goodyear Airport – and co-governs a fourth: Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. On top of that, there are 22 places across the state where you can take a helicopter tour (or learn to pilot one), and almost 20 places you can take a balloon ride. In short, a lot of people spend a considerable amount of time in the air over our state.

Here are some of the airlines and balloon tour companies that serve the Phoenix area:

Airlines

  • American Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Allegiant Air
  • Frontier Airlines

Tour companies

  • Westwind Air Service
  • Arizona Balloon Safaris
  • Scottsdale Air Center
  • Aerogelic Ballooning
  • Fly High Hot Air Balloons
  • Rainbow Ryders
  • Arizona Soaring

In 2021, there were 946 non-fatal and 201 fatal civil aviation accidents
in the United States.

What types of aircraft are used in charter flights in Phoenix?

Charter flights in Phoenix, Arizona, use a variety of aircraft depending on the specific needs and preferences of the passengers and the charter company providing the service. These aircraft can range from small turboprop planes to larger jet aircraft. Here are some common types of aircraft used in charter flights in Phoenix:

  • Turboprop aircraft. Turboprop planes like the Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Caravan, and Pilatus PC-12 are commonly used for shorter regional flights. They are known for their versatility, short takeoff and landing capabilities, and reliability.
  • Light jets. Light jets like the Cessna Citation CJ series and the Embraer Phenom series are often chosen for shorter to mid-range trips. They offer speed and efficiency for small groups.
  • Midsize jets. Aircraft like the Hawker 800, Learjet 45, or the Cessna Citation XLS are popular choices for charter flights in the midsize category, accommodating more passengers.
  • Super-midsize jets. Super-midsize jets such as the Gulfstream G200, Challenger 300, and Citation Sovereign are suitable for longer-range travel.
  • Heavy jets. For larger groups or longer-distance travel, heavy jets like the Gulfstream GIV, Challenger 600 series, and Falcon 900 may be selected.
  • Turbine helicopters. In some cases, charter companies may also offer turbine helicopters for short-distance travel within the region, providing flexibility for passengers to reach destinations that may not be easily accessible by fixed-wing aircraft.

What makes charter planes different from commercial airplanes?

Charter planes differ from commercial planes in a variety of ways, including:

Regulatory Oversight

  • Charter Planes: Charter operators are subject to aviation safety regulations, but the regulatory environment can be different from that of commercial airlines. Charter operators are often regulated by civil aviation authorities, and safety oversight can vary depending on the specific type of charter operation.
  • Commercial Airplanes: Commercial airlines are subject to comprehensive and rigorous safety regulations enforced by aviation authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. These regulations cover aircraft maintenance, pilot training, operational procedures, and more.

Pilot Experience and Training

  • Charter Planes: Charter pilots are required to meet certain training and experience standards, but the specific requirements can vary. Charter pilots may have a range of experience levels, from highly experienced to less experienced, depending on the operator and the type of charter operation.
  • Commercial Airplanes: Commercial airline pilots typically undergo extensive and standardized training, including simulator training, recurrent testing, and experience requirements. They often have accumulated a significant number of flight hours and experience before becoming captains.

Aircraft Maintenance

  • Charter Planes: Charter operators are responsible for maintaining their aircraft according to safety regulations. Maintenance practices can vary among operators, and some may outsource maintenance to third-party organizations.
  • Commercial Airplanes: Commercial airlines have strict maintenance programs and standards. They often have their own maintenance facilities or work with certified maintenance organizations to ensure the highest level of safety and reliability.

Aircraft Type and Age

  • Charter Planes: The age and type of aircraft used in charter operations can vary widely. Some charter operators may use older aircraft, while others may have newer, more advanced models.
  • Commercial Airplanes: Commercial airlines typically operate a fleet of relatively modern and standardized aircraft, and they often retire older planes as safety standards and technology evolve.

Safety Culture

  • Charter Planes: Safety culture can vary among charter operators. Some may have a strong safety culture, while others may prioritize cost savings over safety measures.
  • Commercial Airplanes: Commercial airlines usually have well-established safety cultures, with safety as a core value and top priority.

It's important to note that safety is a critical concern for both charter and commercial aviation. Passengers considering charter flights should research and select reputable charter operators with a strong safety record.

Why do general aviation plane crashes happen?

These crashes can be caused by a wide range of factors, including pilot error, mechanical failures, adverse weather conditions, or other technical or operational issues.

Investigations by aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States or the relevant authorities in other countries are conducted to determine the cause of the crash and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Who is at fault for my Phoenix aviation accident?

In aviation accidents, many people and parties can be at fault. The aircraft could malfunction. The pilot could make a grave error, as well. In addition to personal injury and wrongful death claims, other types of aviation cases might include:

  • Contract negotiations
  • Insurance claims and coverage litigation
  • Aviation-related property damage claims
  • Military aircraft claims

Our law firm has a reputation for integrity, honesty, and giving you all the facts — no matter the severity or nature of your case. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries or if a loved one has passed away due to an aviation accident, we want to get to the bottom of it with you. While you focus on healing, we want to create a bulletproof case that nets you the fair compensation you deserve. Our approachable and knowledgeable Phoenix aviation accident attorneys have years of experience settling and litigating cases like yours.

How can the lawyers at Plattner Verderame, P.C. help?

As many cases against aircraft manufacturers have proven, any type or size of aircraft can fail or experience dangerous issues that lead to personal injuries or worse. Improper design or manufacturing, as well as flying in planes that are “lemons,” have hurt many people, some of them Arizonans over the years.

It’s always difficult to know if you should pursue legal action against a common carrier company, helicopter tour company, manufacturer, airport, or pilot, but we can investigate to help find the most accurate at-fault party. We hold responsible parties accountable and work to be able to use your case as a wake-up call for companies to fix potential problems.

Our lawyers have the skill and wherewithal to prepare every case for trial. We are not afraid to aggressively litigate your case in the courts if that’s what it takes to secure the compensation you or your family deserve. While many of our cases settle, due to our reputation as honest and aggressive litigation professionals, companies and individuals know that we mean business. This could mean high-value compensation and damages for you.

Do you have a Phoenix aviation injury attorney near me?

At Plattner Verderame, P.C., we meet clients at our Phoenix office located at 316 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85012. We also have a Tempe office located at 5500 S Lakeshore Dr, Tempe, AZ. Our attorneys can make arrangements to meet clients at their homes or a hospital if they are ill or not mobile.

Plattner-Rule

Confidentially contact a Phoenix aviation accident attorney at our firm

As soon as you have dealt with the medical fallout from your aviation accident, please don’t hesitate to call Plattner Verderame, P.C. Each of our three partners is certified as a Specialist in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation by the Arizona Bar Association Board of Legal Specialization, and we take great pride in offering this higher standard of advocacy. Additionally, we only charge our aviation accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe a dime unless we obtain a verdict or settlement on your behalf. Call our offices to discuss your claim. You can also contact us.

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