Harrisburg Aviation Accident Lawyer

Were you recently injured in an aviation accident in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania? It’s important to consider your legal rights and options. You could be entitled to compensation, and the Harrisburg aviation accident lawyers at Marzzacco Niven & Associates can help you fight to maximize your recovery.

Since 2008, we’ve been helping airplane injury victims and grieving families in Harrisburg stand up and fight back after devastating accidents. Collectively, our nationally acclaimed Pennsylvania trial attorneys have 120+ years of experience handling complex cases like yours. We’ve won tens of millions of dollars for our clients in meaningful verdicts and settlements.

Take this opportunity to get the compensation you deserve. Put yourself in the best position to win by contacting our Harrisburg, PA, law office for help at (717) 231-1640. We’re always available to take your call and arrange a free consultation – 24/7/365.

How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help If You’ve Been Hurt in an Airplane Accident in Harrisburg, PA

How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help If You’ve Been Hurt in an Airplane Accident in Harrisburg, PA

What caused the aircraft accident? How could the aviation accident have been avoided? Is the pilot at fault? What about the airline or manufacturer? What kind of evidence will you need to win your case?

In truth, airplane accidents are anything but simple. In a related injury claim for damages, you’ll face resistance every step of the way. That’s why our Harrisburg personal injury lawyers should be your first call for help.

We understand the unique challenges you’ll face as you pursue compensation. We’re ready to back your case with our in-depth knowledge of aviation law, experience handling complex personal injury matters, and considerable resources. We’ll take on defense attorneys, insurance companies, and other parties who attempt to stand between you and the money you need on your road to recovery.

Our team will:

  • Conduct a thorough independent investigation into your aviation accident
  • Gather evidence, depose witnesses, and obtain information during the discovery process
  • Interview aviation specialists, medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, and other experts
  • Prepare and submit appropriate claims and documentation to the insurance company and/or court
  • Aggressively negotiate the terms of a settlement offer 
  • Prepare to bring your case to a jury in Dauphin County if you’re not offered a reasonable deal

The costs of an aviation accident can be high. At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we don’t want you to forego legal help because you think you can’t afford it. Our law firm works on contingency, so there’s absolutely no cost to you unless we win your airplane accident case.

Call our Harrisburg law office to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Your first consultation is 100 percent free, so contact us for help today.

Are Aviation Accidents Common?

Generally speaking, commercial airline travel is safe. Statistically speaking, you’re much less likely to get into an accident in an airplane than you are if you’re driving in a car. 

In 2020, there were just 11 commercial airline accidents reported across the United States.

However, not all air travel is equal. In truth, aviation accidents happen every day. The vast majority involve small, private aircraft. 

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 1,085 general aviation accidents were reported nationwide in 2020.

At least 205 airplane accidents were fatal that year, resulting in no fewer than 332 deaths.

That breaks down to about 3 private aviation accidents every day, with a fatal accident occurring every 1.7 days.

When Do Airplane Accidents Usually Happen?

There are six different stages of operating and flying an aircraft. 

An analysis of airplane crash data reveals that just 10 percent of aviation accidents occur while an aircraft is cruising at altitude.

Statistically speaking, most accidents (47 percent) happen during the aircraft’s final approach and landing.

Accidents also occur during:

  • Taxi (10 percent)
  • Take off and the initial climb (14 percent)
  • Climb to altitude (8 percent)
  • Descent and initial approach (11 percent)

In terms of fatal accidents, 20 percent occur while planes are cruising at altitude. Final approach and landing is still the most dangerous part of air travel, accounting for 40 percent of all fatal plane accidents. Another 18 percent of fatal crashes occur when an aircraft begins its initial descent and approach.

What Causes Most Airplane Accidents?

Common causes of airplane accidents in Harrisburg include:

Pilot error

Statistically speaking, pilot negligence is a contributing factor in about half of all aviation accidents. In a review of airplane accidents in the 2010s, pilot error was a factor in 57 percent of crashes

Pilot errors can include:

  • Excessive landing speeds
  • Premature descent
  • Improper procedure
  • Inexperienced operation
  • Distracted operation
  • Drug and alcohol use
  • Fatigued operation
  • Missing the runway
  • Running out of fuel
  • Navigation errors
  • Failure to build up sufficient speed
  • Misuse of airplane instruments
  • Controlled flight into terrain
  • Poor communication with air traffic control
  • Negligent pre-flight inspections

Despite the fact that the FAA requires pilots to get 1,500 hours of flight time under their belts before they can operate a plane on their own, many pilots make simple mistakes that put themselves and their passengers in harm’s way.

Mechanical Failure

Sometimes aviation accidents can’t be avoided, even with the best pilots at the helm. Mechanical failure – due to inadequate inspection and maintenance or defect – contributes to about 20 to 25 percent of airplane accidents every year. 

Mechanical failure might include:

  • Engine failure
  • Damaged propeller or turbine
  • Oil leak
  • Fuel system failure
  • Damaged hydraulics
  • Damaged wheels and tires
  • Jammed wheels
  • Instrument failure
  • Structural failure or defect

In some cases, pilot error and mechanical failure can contribute to airplane accidents in Harrisburg.

Weather

It can be difficult to operate an aircraft in bad weather, especially in cooler climates like those in Harrisburg. Weather conditions – including fog, thunderstorms, poor visibility, rain, ice, and turbulence – contribute to about one out of every ten aviation accidents.

Understanding Liability in Aviation Accident Cases

In Pennsylvania, anyone who contributes to an aviation accident can share responsibility for resulting damages.

Following a thorough investigation of your accident, our personal injury attorneys in Harrisburg might determine that one or more of the following parties are at fault:

  • Pilot
  • Airline crew
  • Commercial airlines
  • Private aircraft owner
  • Sightseeing tours
  • Shipping companies
  • Airports
  • Air traffic controllers
  • Government agencies
  • Aircraft manufacturers
  • Aircraft maintenance professionals
  • Aircraft passengers

Our Harrisburg aviation accident attorneys will carefully consider the circumstances of your case to determine how it happened, why, and who’s at fault. We’ll then seek compensation from anyone who directly or indirectly caused you to get hurt.

What Damages Are Available to Aviation Accident Victims in Pennsylvania?

After an airplane accident in Harrisburg, you can generally seek compensation for your financial losses and the hard-to-value life changes you experience.

These are known as economic damages and non-economic damages, respectively.

Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for your:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages 
  • Disability
  • Disfigurement
  • Pain and suffering
  • Nursing care
  • Personal care assistance
  • Emotional distress
  • PTSD
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Funeral expenses if an airplane accident causes the wrongful death of a loved one

Airplane accident cases can be very technical and nuanced, which is why we’ll bring in aviation accident experts and other specialists to help us throughout the claims process. They can provide insight that allows us to understand what happened and how your life will change as a result. The more information we have to work with, the better positioned we’ll be to leverage a result that really reflects what your aviation accident case is worth.

What’s the Statute of Limitations on Pennsylvania Aviation Accident Lawsuits?

Victims of Pennsylvania airplane accidents will have two years from the date of injury or death to file a lawsuit.

Once the statute of limitations expires, you’ll give up the opportunity to seek compensation from a negligent pilot or another responsible party.

It’s important to act quickly, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to our personal injury law firm in Harrisburg as soon as you can after your airplane accident.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Harrisburg Aviation Accident Lawyer

An aviation accident can cause severe and catastrophic injuries, ranging from broken bones to burns to traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an airplane or helicopter accident while flying out of Harrisburg International Airport, Capital City Airport, or another airport in central Pennsylvania, it’s important to assert your right to compensation. 

Make Marzzacco Niven & Associates your first call for help. Our Harrisburg aviation accident lawyers are ready to stand beside you and work toward a meaningful financial recovery.

We offer a free consultation, so call our law office in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to get started. Our team is always standing by to provide the help and guidance you need.


Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Harrisburg, PA

Marzzacco Niven & Associates
945 E Park Dr Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

Ride there with Uber