Aviation Accidents
Experience When Aviation Cases Become Complex
Aviation accidents present some of the most technically complex and aggressively defended cases in personal injury litigation. Determining what went wrong can require an investigation extending far beyond the airline itself—to aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, component suppliers, maintenance providers and other entities responsible for the design, manufacture, inspection and safe operation of an aircraft.
At Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek (EEP), our attorneys have experience representing individuals injured in major commercial aviation incidents and pursuing claims involving multiple parties within the aviation industry.
Our Experience With Southwest Airlines Flight 1380
EEP represented a passenger in litigation arising from Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, the April 17, 2018 commercial aviation accident involving a Boeing 737-700 traveling from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Dallas.
During the flight, a fan blade in the aircraft’s CFM56 engine failed. Portions of the engine inlet and fan cowl separated from the aircraft and struck the fuselage. A cabin window was compromised, causing rapid depressurization of the aircraft. The flight made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. One passenger was killed and others were injured.
The litigation arising from Flight 1380 involved multiple major aviation companies and presented complicated questions concerning aircraft and engine design, manufacturing, inspection, maintenance and passenger safety.
EEP successfully resolved its client’s claim on confidential terms.
Our involvement in the Flight 1380 litigation, including leading a comprehensive investigation prior to filing, provided our attorneys with experience addressing the intersection of aircraft design, engine failure, component failure and the responsibilities of the different companies involved in bringing a commercial aircraft into service.
Aviation Accidents Often Involve More Than the Airline
When a catastrophic event occurs aboard a commercial aircraft, identifying every potentially responsible party can be critical. Depending upon the circumstances, an aviation case may involve claims concerning:
- Airlines and aircraft operators
- Aircraft manufacturers
- Engine manufacturers
- Engine and aircraft component manufacturers
- Maintenance and inspection providers
- Defective aircraft or engine design
- Manufacturing defects
- Failure to adequately inspect or maintain aircraft
- Failure to warn of known safety hazards
- In-flight engine and structural failures
- Cabin depressurization and passenger injuries
EEP approaches these cases with the understanding that the cause of an aviation accident may involve decisions made by multiple companies, sometimes years before the accident occurs.
New York Lawyers. National Reach.
Headquartered in New York, Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek represents seriously injured clients in complex litigation involving some of the world’s largest corporations.
When an aviation accident involves an American aircraft, engine, component manufacturer or other U.S.-based entity, there may be significant claims and evidence within the United States even when an accident occurs elsewhere in the world.
Our attorneys understand the importance of identifying those connections early, preserving critical evidence and determining every party that may bear responsibility.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a commercial aviation accident, contact Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek to discuss your rights and the potential parties responsible for your injuries.
