Richmond Aviation Accident Lawyers

Richmond Aviation Accident Attorneys

Here to help after you or a loved one is injured in a plane accident in Virginia

Flying is one of the safest ways to travel, but when something goes wrong, the results can be tragic. Whether it’s a private plane crash, a commercial airline accident, or a problem on the runway, aviation accidents often cause serious injuries or death. If you or a loved one was hurt in a plane crash in Virginia, you need a law firm that understands the complex world of aviation law.

At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we help victims and families get justice after devastating aviation accidents. Based in Richmond, we serve clients throughout Virginia. Our experienced legal team knows how to investigate plane crashes, deal with large insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Aviation accidents in the Richmond area

Richmond is home to two major airports.

  • Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the busiest airports in Virginia, serving both commercial and cargo flights. It handles more than 4 million passengers each year.
  • Chesterfield County Airport / Richmond Executive Airport (FCI) is a popular airport for private pilots, business charters, and flight training. It’s located in Chesterfield County, just southwest of downtown Richmond.

While both airports are well-managed, accidents can still happen. These may involve private planes, small charters, medical transport flights, helicopters, or even commercial jets.

Aviation accidents aren’t always full crashes. Some incidents occur on the runway, during takeoff, or while taxiing. Others involve mechanical issues mid-flight that lead to emergency landings. Regardless of the type of incident, the consequences can be life-changing.

What are some common causes of aviation accidents in Richmond?

Airplane accidents are rare in comparison to something like car crashes. However, when they do happen, they’re typically more complicated. Multiple factors can lead to a crash or injury. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • The most common cause of aviation accidents is human error, especially mistakes made by the pilot. This could include poor decision-making, misjudging weather conditions, flying too low, or failing to follow proper flight procedures. Inexperienced or distracted pilots are more likely to make dangerous errors.
  • Airplanes are complicated vehicles that require regular inspections and maintenance. If a part fails, like an engine, landing gear, or navigation system, it can cause a serious accident. Sometimes the issue can be due to a manufacturing defect, while other times it’s due to poor maintenance.
  • Air traffic controllers help pilots stay safe by guiding them through takeoffs, landings, and flight paths. When they make a mistake, like giving the wrong directions or missing a conflict between aircraft, it can lead to a crash or a near miss.
  • Thunderstorms, fog, heavy winds, or ice can make flying dangerous. Pilots are trained to handle different weather conditions, but flying into a storm or making a bad judgment call can lead to disaster.
  • Runway accidents include incidents like ground collisions, planes sliding off the runway, or hitting obstacles during takeoff or landing. Runway accidents can involve pilot error, poor maintenance, or miscommunication with ground crews.
  • Planes require constant upkeep. If the maintenance crew fails to spot an issue or skips required checks, they may be responsible for putting an unsafe aircraft in the sky.
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What types of aviation accidents do your lawyers handle?

At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we represent people who have been seriously hurt or lost a loved one in all types of aviation-related incidents, including:

  • Private plane crashes
  • Helicopter crashes
  • Runway collisions
  • Turbulence injuries
  • Emergency landings
  • Charter plane accidents
  • Injuries caused by mechanical failure
  • Injuries during boarding, takeoff, or landing

Whether the accident happened at Richmond International Airport, Richmond Executive Airport, or elsewhere in Virginia, we’re here to help.

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Who is liable in a Richmond aviation accident?

One of the most difficult parts of aviation injury claims is figuring out who’s responsible. In many cases, more than one person or company may be at fault. Our job as your aviation accident lawyers is to find out exactly what went wrong and who caused it. Potentially liable parties include:

  • The pilot
  • The aircraft owner
  • The airline or charter company
  • The maintenance company
  • The manufacturer of the plane or its parts
  • Air traffic control or airport staff

For example, if a private plane crashes due to engine failure, the pilot, mechanic, and parts manufacturer may all share some responsibility. If a commercial airline passenger is injured during turbulence, the airline may be responsible for failing to secure the cabin or warn passengers.

How can your Richmond aviation accident lawyers help with my case?

Plane crash cases are different from other types of personal injury claims. They often involve federal laws, government agencies, and deep investigations. Our experienced attorneys know how to handle these complex cases and guide you through the process with care and determination. Here’s how we help:

  • We work with aviation experts, engineers, and accident investigators to get to the bottom of what happened. This includes analyzing flight records, black box data, maintenance logs, and weather reports.
  • Aviation insurance companies often try to settle for as little as possible. We know how to push back and negotiate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
  • Plane crashes are usually investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). We understand how these agencies work and how to use their reports in your case.

If negotiations fail, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. We have a strong record of success in complex personal injury litigation, and we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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What is the value of my Richmond aviation accident claim?

If you were injured in a plane accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Depending on your case, this may include:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Disability or disfigurement
  • Wrongful death damages (for families who lost a loved one)
  • Loss of companionship or support

Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of your accident. At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we can help you understand the value of your case and then fight for every dollar you deserve.

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Wrongful death in Richmond aviation accidents

Sadly, many plane accidents result in fatalities. If you lost a spouse, parent, or child in an aviation crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This type of lawsuit helps surviving family members seek justice and financial support for:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of love, companionship, and guidance
  • Emotional pain and suffering

We know no amount of money can bring a loved one back. However, holding the responsible parties accountable can help your family find closure and rebuild your life.

Why choose Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers for my aviation accident case?

At Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers, we don’t take every case. We focus on serious injury and wrongful death claims that require experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to justice. Here’s what makes us different:

  • We specialize in high-stakes personal injury cases like aviation accidents.
  • We’re experienced trial lawyers who are not afraid to go to court if that’s what it takes.
  • We treat every client with compassion, respect, and honesty.
  • While based in Richmond, we work with top aviation experts across the country to build strong cases.

We understand how overwhelming life can feel after an aviation accident. You don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Do you have a Richmond aviation accident lawyer near me?

Phelan Petty’s office is located at 3315 West Broad Street in Richmond, near several state courthouses. Our Richmond personal injury lawyers serve the entire Commonwealth of Virginia and handle cases in other states. We make home and hospital visits if you are too injured or ill to travel to us.

Richmond aviation accident lawyers working for you and your family

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident in Virginia, whether at Richmond International Airport, Chesterfield County Airport, or anywhere else, contact Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers today. We’re here to listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you decide your next steps. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation.