Washington DC Aviation Accident Law Firm

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals and families impacted by aviation-related accidents. Whether the incident involved a commercial airline, private plane, or helicopter, the consequences are often severe and life-changing. As a Washington DC aviation accident law firm, we understand the pressure families face in the aftermath—seeking answers, accountability, and financial support. Our goal is to guide clients through legal options and help them move forward with clarity.

Aviation Accident Law Firm Washington DC

Aviation accidents are different from most other personal injury cases. They often involve multiple parties, such as pilots, airlines, manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Causes can include mechanical failure, pilot error, improper maintenance, air traffic control mistakes, or design flaws. These cases are governed by both federal aviation regulations and state-level personal injury laws, which can make them more challenging to resolve without experienced legal help.

While many think of large commercial crashes, most aviation cases involve:

• Private or chartered aircraft accidents
• Helicopter crashes in recreational or emergency settings
• Injuries from hard landings or in-flight incidents
• Ground accidents involving maintenance crews or passengers

Victims and their families often face mounting medical bills, loss of income, or the devastating loss of a loved one. At that point, they’re not just looking for explanations—they need someone to take action and fight for fair compensation. Our firm investigates each case thoroughly, examining flight data, maintenance records, pilot history, and other critical details.

Proven Results and Experience You Can Count On

Our team has experience representing victims in complex personal injury and wrongful death cases, including those related to transportation and aviation. We’re known for taking on large corporations and insurers and building strong cases backed by detailed evidence and focused legal strategy.

We work with aviation professionals and technical investigators to understand how an incident occurred and who should be held responsible. Our results show our commitment to helping clients recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future care, and emotional loss.

Our legal team also works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless we recover compensation on their behalf.

Talk to a Legal Team That Knows the Risks

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aircraft incident, don’t wait to get legal advice. A Washington DC aviation accident law firm like Cohen & Cohen can review your case and help determine the best way forward. Contact us for a free consultation—we’re ready to listen and help you take the next step.

Types of Aviation Accident Cases We Handle

Air travel is one of the safest ways to move from place to place, but when something goes wrong, the impact is often devastating. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with individuals and families affected by various types of aviation-related incidents—ranging from minor onboard injuries to catastrophic crashes. Each situation brings its own set of challenges, and our goal is to support clients through the legal process while holding the responsible parties accountable.

Private and Charter Plane Accidents

Not all aircraft incidents involve commercial airlines. Many of the cases we handle involve small private planes or charter flights. These crashes often occur during takeoff or landing and may be caused by pilot error, weather conditions, mechanical failure, or inadequate maintenance. Because these flights are less regulated than major carriers, determining liability can be more difficult without a legal team that knows what to look for.

We investigate the maintenance history of the aircraft, the qualifications of the pilot, and the records of the charter company to uncover signs of negligence. Victims of private aviation accidents may be passengers, crew members, or even people on the ground who were injured by falling debris.

Helicopter Crashes and Hard Landings

Helicopter accidents can be especially dangerous due to the aircraft’s design and typical flight environment. These incidents may occur during tourism flights, news operations, medical transport, or construction work. In many cases, pilots are flying in tight areas or challenging conditions, and even a small error can lead to a serious crash.

We’ve seen cases involving rotor failure, loss of control, poor maintenance, and limited visibility. Injuries from helicopter crashes are often severe and may involve long-term medical care or loss of life. Our firm investigates each case to determine whether operator error, equipment failure, or unsafe conditions led to the crash.

In-Flight Injuries on Commercial Aircraft

Not all aviation injury claims involve a full crash. Many passengers are hurt during commercial flights due to turbulence, falling luggage, faulty seating, or crew negligence. These cases are often overlooked, but they can result in broken bones, head injuries, and spinal trauma.

We handle incidents involving:

• Failure to warn passengers about turbulence
• Inadequate response to medical emergencies
• Unsafe storage of baggage or equipment
• Slips and falls in the cabin or boarding area

Airlines have a duty to keep passengers reasonably safe. When that duty is breached, we work to hold them financially responsible.

Ground Crew and Maintenance-Related Incidents

Accidents don’t just happen in the air. Ground crew members and maintenance workers are at risk during aircraft servicing, refueling, and inspection. Faulty procedures, communication breakdowns, or equipment issues can lead to injuries or even death. We help injured workers understand their legal options outside of traditional workers’ compensation if third-party negligence played a role.

These claims can involve:

• Poorly maintained ground support vehicles
• Fueling accidents or fire hazards
• Injuries from moving aircraft or tarmac conditions

In these cases, we look beyond employer responsibility and explore claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or airline operators.

Call a Team That Knows the Legal Process

If you or someone close to you has been affected by an aircraft-related incident, it’s important to take action early. Our Washington DC aviation accident law firm at Cohen & Cohen is prepared to evaluate your situation and help identify the best legal approach. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help you move forward with confidence.

7 Common Causes Our Law Firm May Investigate

Air travel is often considered the safest form of transportation, but when something goes wrong, the results can be devastating. At Cohen & Cohen, we work with individuals and families affected by both major airline crashes and smaller aircraft incidents. We’ve seen how fast an error—on the ground or in the air—can result in life-altering injuries or loss. Understanding the most common causes of aviation accidents can help identify when a legal claim may be worth pursuing.

Pilot Error or Misjudgment

Human error remains one of the most frequent causes of airplane and helicopter crashes. Mistakes during takeoff, landing, or mid-flight operations can quickly lead to serious consequences. In some cases, a pilot may misinterpret weather data, ignore warnings, or make the wrong decision under pressure.

We assess flight records, cockpit voice data, and pilot training backgrounds to determine whether inexperience, fatigue, or negligence contributed to an accident.

Mechanical Failure or Defective Parts

Aircraft depend on precise engineering and regular upkeep. When a part fails—such as an engine, landing gear, or control system—it can lead to a crash or dangerous situation. Sometimes the issue lies with a flawed design or a faulty part from the manufacturer.

These cases may involve:

• Engine or turbine failure mid-flight
• Brake or landing gear malfunction
• Control system defects in small aircraft

We work with professionals who can examine mechanical breakdowns and help establish how the failure occurred and whether it was preventable.

Faulty Maintenance or Inspections

Even when an aircraft is built properly, it must be regularly maintained and inspected. Skipping steps in a checklist, rushing repairs, or using incorrect replacement parts can all put lives at risk. Maintenance companies, third-party contractors, or airline staff may be liable if they failed to meet safety standards.

Warning signs of poor maintenance include:

• Missed service intervals
• Incomplete documentation
• Known issues not addressed during repair

We examine logs, maintenance schedules, and FAA filings to find out if a failure to maintain the aircraft led to an avoidable accident.

Air Traffic Control Mistakes

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping aircraft safe in the skies and on the runway. When instructions are miscommunicated or radar data is misread, it can result in near misses, runway collisions, or mid-air crashes.

Errors might involve:

• Improper sequencing or separation of aircraft
• Communication failures between tower and cockpit
• Incorrect routing or altitude assignments

We review ATC audio recordings and logs to determine whether controller missteps contributed to the incident.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Flying through storms, heavy winds, or icy conditions adds significant risk. Pilots and airlines have a responsibility to avoid flying in dangerous weather unless the aircraft is properly equipped. Some accidents occur because flights proceed despite clear forecasts showing high risk.

Although weather is outside human control, we assess whether those responsible made the right decisions based on the information available at the time.

Fuel Mismanagement

Running out of fuel or having the wrong fuel mix can cause a sudden engine shutdown or even a crash. These incidents often result from poor planning or oversight during pre-flight preparation. Fuel issues may also stem from leaks or faulty gauges.

We investigate whether pilots followed required safety protocols and whether fueling companies performed their duties correctly.

Bird Strikes and Foreign Object Damage

Aircraft engines can suffer damage if birds or debris are sucked in during takeoff or landing. While these events are sometimes unavoidable, airports and airlines must take proper steps to reduce these risks—such as bird control measures and runway inspections.

If we find that an airport failed to address known hazards, it may be possible to hold them accountable.

Contact a Legal Team Ready to Help

If you or a family member has been involved in an aircraft-related accident, it’s important to speak with a legal team that understands these issues. A Washington DC aviation accident law firm like Cohen & Cohen is prepared to evaluate your case and identify the next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to listen and help you move forward.

Washington Aviation Accident Law Firm Infographic

Washington DC Aviation Accident FAQ

When an aviation accident occurs, it’s more than just a headline—it’s a life-altering event for victims and their families. From commercial airliners to private planes and helicopters, the impact can be devastating. Injuries are often severe, and determining who is responsible can be complicated. In these situations, people are left asking urgent questions about what caused the crash, who may be held liable, and how to move forward. Whether the incident involves a large aircraft or a smaller charter, having clear information helps people take the right next steps.

Who is typically responsible after an aviation accident?

Responsibility after an aviation accident often falls on one or more parties, depending on what went wrong. It could involve pilot error, airline negligence, a maintenance failure, or even a defective aircraft part. In commercial cases, the airline or maintenance contractor might be at fault. With private planes, liability could lie with the pilot, the owner, or the manufacturer. A detailed investigation is required to determine exactly who is legally responsible for causing the crash or contributing to unsafe conditions.

What types of injuries are common in plane crashes?

Aviation accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the incident. Survivors may suffer from burns, spinal cord damage, broken bones, head trauma, or emotional distress. Even less severe crashes, like emergency landings, can lead to significant medical issues. Injuries often require long-term medical care, therapy, and time away from work. Emotional trauma, including anxiety or PTSD, is also common. These factors all play a role when considering legal options and the long-term impact on a person’s life.

Why would legal action be taken after a crash?

Legal action is often necessary to recover costs related to the crash, especially when the injuries are serious or long-lasting. Aviation-related claims can help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, income loss, pain, and suffering. In some cases, lawsuits can bring attention to unsafe practices or mechanical flaws that need to be addressed. Holding the right party accountable may also help protect future passengers. A legal claim is one way victims and their families can take steps toward financial and personal recovery.

How can a legal team help in these cases?

A law firm familiar with aviation accident cases can provide valuable support by reviewing crash reports, working with investigators, and handling communication with insurance companies and other parties involved. At Cohen & Cohen, we help victims of serious transportation accidents—including those affected by a Washington DC aviation accident—understand their rights and legal options. Our goal is to help people recover financially and make informed decisions about their next steps while focusing on their recovery.

Who can file a claim after an aviation incident?

Claims can be filed by injured passengers, surviving family members, or representatives of those who lost their lives. In some cases, even ground crew or bystanders affected by the incident may have legal rights. Whether it’s a commercial airline, a charter flight, or a small personal aircraft, those harmed by someone else’s actions or negligence have the right to pursue compensation. Each case is different, so it’s important to review the situation early and understand your legal standing.