Jacksonville Airline Injury Lawyer: Mechanical Defect/Malfunctions

Every plane crash is fully investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the likely causes of the accident. This is no easy task, as many factors can come into play during such an event. While pilot error is generally named as the most common cause of airline accidents, problems such plane design errors or equipment malfunction also occur all too often.

There are many complex components to an airplane, and many additional pieces of equipment used by pilots, crews, and runway workers to ensure the safety of everyone on board. If any of these devices fail, people can be seriously injured as a result.

Types of Mechanical Error

Types of airline accidents caused by mechanical malfunction include:

• Engine failure
• Failure of safety equipment such as oxygen masks or emergency lights
• Structural errors in a plane’s build
• Damage to the plane caused by poor maintenance
• Flaws in the equipment used to fix or maintain airplanes

Determining Responsibility

Even after it has been decided that mechanical failure caused a plane crash, determining who is legally responsible can still be a complicated process. Different entities have different responsibilities to commercial airline clients, private owners of small planes, and other aviators.

For example, if a plane crash occurred because a plane was poorly designed or built, then the plane’s manufacturer is legally liable. If the plane was built well, however, it may have become damaged because it was not properly maintained. In that case, the airline or company that rents out the plane is legally responsible. Other legal factors can come into play as well.

Contact a Jacksonville Mechanical Defect Injury Lawyer

Filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent airline or manufacturer is a difficult task, but Jacksonville aviation injury lawyer Don Guthrie has the experience needed to help you. Contact our offices today at 904-493-6455.