When plane crashes happen, the consequences can be devastating. Although commercial airline crashes are rare, they do happen, and passengers of small aircraft can suffer serious and fatal injuries in crashes caused by a wide variety of factors.
At Jackowiak Law Offices, we bring decades of experience to representing individuals and families who are struggling to cope with the effects of plane crashes throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Founded in 1996 by attorney Lawrence (“Larry”) Jackowiak, today, we are a team of experienced litigators who have the skill, resources and dedication to take on the large corporations that are responsible for our clients’ injuries and losses.
Have you been injured or lost a loved one in a plane crash? If so, we want to help you. We want to help you recover as quickly as possible, and we want to make sure you have the financial resources you will need in the years (or decades) to come. When you choose our firm to represent you, we will fight vigorously to obtain a fair settlement as quickly as possible; and, if a fair settlement is not on the table, we will be fully prepared to protect your rights at trial.
Attorneys for Victims of Serious and Fatal Plane Crashes in Chicago, IL
As experienced plan crash lawyers, we have a proven record of success securing just compensation for our clients. We represent individuals and families against the airline companies, traffic control operators and other large corporations that are responsible for plane crashes involving departures and arrivals at all airports throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, including:
- O’Hare International Airport
- Midway International Airport
- Gary/Chicago International Airport
- Chicago Executive Airport
- Chicago Rockford International Airport
Non-Fatal Plane Crashes
Most plane crashes are not fatal. Most crashes occur on the ground, and they involve an airplane failing to stop when and where it should. However, even in these “minor” plane accidents, passengers can still suffer serious injuries. Some of the most-common non-fatal injuries in commercial and private plane crashes include:
- Bone fractures (most commonly in the legs, knees and feet)
- Burns, severe lacerations and soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains and tears)
- Facial injuries (including eye, ear, nose and jaw injuries)
- Traumatic brain injuries (such as concussions)
- Whiplash (resulting from the rotating or sudden stop of the aircraft)
Fatal Plane Crashes
In the case of a fatal plane crash, the victims’ families will be entitled to just compensation for the financial and non-financial losses they suffer as a result of their loved ones’ deaths. This is true for crashes that result in death at the scene of the crash as well as crashes that result in life-threatening injuries that later lead to loss of life. If you have lost a family member in a plane crash, we offer our deepest sympathies, and we want you to know that we will do everything necessary to hold the appropriate parties accountable for your loved one’s death.
Seeking Financial Compensation After a Plane Crash: Answers to FAQs
Q: Can I seek financial compensation for injuries from a plane crash that was weather-related?
Yes. In addition, just because your crash occurred in bad weather, this does not necessarily mean that the accident was weather-related. Pilots, groundcrew, air traffic controllers, and other airport and airline personnel should all be adequately trained for flying in bad weather, and it may be that the crash was simply the result of human negligence.
Q: How long do I have to seek financial compensation after a plane crash in Chicago?
As a general rule, Illinois’ statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years. However, aviation accident cases are unique in several respects; and, to preserve your legal rights, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Additionally, while two years may sound like a long time, it can go by quickly once you begin the process of moving on, and it takes time to collect the evidence needed to pursue a successful claim for financial compensation.
Q: What should I do to protect my legal rights after a plane crash?
After a plane crash, there are two critical steps you should take as soon as possible. The first is to seek medical attention. You need to obtain a complete and accurate diagnosis of your injuries, and you need to make sure you have a clear picture of your road to recovery.
Second, you need to speak with an experienced aviation accident attorney. Airplane crash cases can be extraordinarily complex, and you need an attorney who can take on the liable parties and their insurance companies without faltering. You should also avoid speaking with anyone from the airline or any insurance company without legal representation, and you should not sign anything until you have it reviewed by an attorney.
Q: Is it worth it to pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim after a plane crash?
This is a complicated question, and it is one that you will need to answer for yourself. If you have been seriously injured or lost a loved one, you could be entitled to a significant financial recovery. Most accident victims’ losses are far greater than they realize, and it is not until they speak with an attorney that they grasp the full scope of their physical, emotional and financial harm.
When you contact Jackowiak Law Offices, we will arrange for you to meet with one of our attorneys in a free and confidential consultation. During your appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask all of your questions, and we will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about asserting your legal rights.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney in Confidence
If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about a plane crash in the Chicago area, please contact us to arrange your free initial consultation. You can call us 24/7 at (312) 795-9595, or send us your contact information and someone from our firm will be in touch as soon as possible.
