Although commercial air travel remains one of the safest forms of travel, aviation accidents can and do happen. In some cases, these accidents involve deadly commercial airliners and private plane crashes, but they can also include such incidents as onboard slips, trips, falls, and other injuries occurring on or near aircraft.
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we represent victims and the surviving loved ones of those killed in both commercial and private aviation accidents. In addition to assisting clients following catastrophic airplane and helicopter crashes, we also represent individuals who have suffered all types of injuries aboard various types of aircraft. Our firm has been in practice since 1909, and our North Dakota aviation accident attorneys have extensive experience in this complex area of litigation. We are well-versed in aviation accident and injury cases involving state and federal regulations, defective equipment, and other complicating factors.
If you were injured or if your loved one died in a commercial or private plane or aircraft accident, contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. today at (855) 245-5100 for a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Types of Aviation Accidents?
General aviation, which includes small private planes, has become increasingly safer over the decades. However, there is still a significant risk of being involved in a general aviation accident. In fact, recent reports have found that aviation-related deaths rose in 2020, specifically in relation to large commercial plane crashes.
While there is always a wide variety of factors involved in any aviation accident, studies have shown that the most common types of general aviation accidents include:
- Accidents resulting from human error
- Mechanical failure
- Taxi and takeoff accidents
- Descent and landing accidents
- Issues related to flight maneuvers
- Fuel problems
Sadly, these and other aviation accidents are often deadly. Even when victims survive, they are likely to suffer severe, life-altering injuries and other devastating consequences. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we recognize how challenging it is for victims and their families to recover after serious commercial and general aviation accidents, which is why we are committed to providing the personal attention and aggressive advocacy our clients need.
Common Causes of Airplane & Other Aircraft Accidents
To have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit following an aviation accident, one must prove that another person or party was at fault and/or is legally liable. In the case of commercial aviation accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent government agency, conducts investigations into the cause of the crash. At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we utilize the NTSB’s report to build our client’s case and may conduct an independent investigation to uncover additional evidence when appropriate. In cases involving general aviation, our attorneys work with teams of experts—including mechanical engineers, aircraft specialists, and others—to investigate these incidents and determine how they occurred. This allows us to not only identify the cause of the accident but also, importantly, who is liable.
Some of the most common causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot inexperience or error
- Defective equipment/machinery
- Poor or insufficient maintenance
- Failure to conduct adequate repairs
- Negligent hiring
- Lack of proper training/supervision
- Unsafe weather conditions
- Air traffic controller error or negligence
- Maintenance engineer negligence
Our North Dakota aviation accident lawyers know how to investigate claims and identify the cause of the crash or other incident. We build powerful cases on behalf of victims and the families of those wrongfully killed and fight for the maximum compensation they deserve.
Types of Cases We Handle
At Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., we represent victims of all types of aviation accidents, including but not limited to cases involving:
- Commercial jet and major airliner crashes
- Injuries onboard commercial planes and aircraft
- Private/general aviation accidents
- Fatal and non-fatal crashes
- Chartered jets, planes, and other aircraft
- Helicopter crashes and other accidents
- Injuries onboard private aircraft
- Accidents occurring on the ground
- Federal aviation regulations and standards
We understand the many complexities inherent in these types of cases, and we have what it takes to effectively advocate for your recovery.
We encourage you to reach out to our team today to request a free initial consultation. With two convenient office locations in Minot and Grand Forks, we proudly serve clients in and around Williston, Dickinson, Minot, and Bismarck. In our 100+ years in practice, we have earned a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and success.
Contact us online or call (855) 245-5100 today to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win!
