New York (NY) Lawyer Helping Charter Plane Crash Victims

Although flying in a commercial plane is four times safer than riding in a car, small single engine planes or charter planes have an accident rate 7 times higher than autos and the death rate is also higher.

There are many reasons why single engine or charter plane’s crash, however, pilot error and weather conditions are the primary reasons.

If your family has lost a loved one in a plane crash, you may need help dealing with the grief and sorrow that happens when a life is taken. If you were fortunate to have survived a plane crash, you may need someone to talk to.

Below we’ve listed a few online resources that can provide you with information, counseling and support. There are many groups and organizations willing to reach out and give assistance to plane crash victims and their families.

• National Transportation Safety Board
• National Transportation Safety Board’s Aviation page
• The Federal Aviation Administration
• Airline Investigation Unit
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Chat Group
• National Air Disaster Alliance/Foundation
• AirCraft Casualty Emotional Support Services (ACCESS)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• American Red Cross
• Disaster News Network
• National Organization for Victim Assistance
• Church World Service Emergency Response Program
• Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response

Stephen E. Barnes and Brian A. Goldstein are both active Federal Aviation Administration certified and instrument rated pilots with more than 20 years combined flight experience. Brian Goldstein additionally serves as an FAA certified flight instructor and an instrument flight instructor in both single and multi-engine aircraft

Both Mr. Barnes and Mr. Goldstein, along with attorney Robert J. Schreck have represented individuals in aviation disasters ranging from single engine small aircraft to large commercial airlines. Robert Schreck recently resolved a wrongful death claim, less than two years from the date of the crash. 

Additionally, we have a team of 33 attorneys on staff. With their combined experience in one of New York’s largest personal injury law firms, we have the power and resources necessary to take on an airline corporation.

At Cellino & Barnes, our goal is to provide you with exceptional legal services. We will work hard to ensure you receive the highest standard of excellence.

Each year men and woman in our military are killed in helicopter crashes. Although the majority of these crashes occur during combat, some have occurred due to mechanical defects.

Because helicopters are very complex machines, they require the highest level of operational and mechanical skill. When these skills are compromised, accidents happen.

Helicopters are also used to transport those critically injured from remote accident scenes, used for law enforcement, sightseeing, and recreation.

Plane crashes are caused by many factors, including product defects, improper maintenance and pilot error. Airplanes are designed and built to stay in the air. They are supposed to be properly checked and maintained at all times but unfortunately, this is not always the case.

The following are common causes of plane crashes:

• Bad weather or turbulence
• Air plane design problems
• Runway incursions
• Air traffic controller errors
• Repair or maintenance mistakes
• Approach or landing errors
• Pilot error
• Engine failure
• FAA violations

Investigating a plane crash claim takes experience and is very costly. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex plane crash cases and we have the resources to handle these costly cases.

What is a runway incursion?

A runway incursion is an incident at an airport, which involves an aircraft, vehicle, person or object on the ground that creates a hazard either when the plane is taking off or landing.

Runway incursions result from pilot error, air traffic controller error and ground personnel errors. Runway incursions have caused both minor and catastrophic accidents.

Who Investigates Plane Crashes?

Unfortunately because all plane crashes are different, the agencies involved in the investigations vary. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following agencies will be involved, National Transportation Safety Board, Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If an accident happens on foreign soil, the Department of Justice, Department of State or Defense Department may be called. If the plane crash involves a military aircraft, the Military Safety Mishap Board will be called.

What is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is brought against an airline when your loved one was killed as a result of the airlines negligence. An airline can be sued for pain and suffering, mental anguish loss of consortium and future wage loss.

Who Can Be Sued?

An airplane manufacturer may be sued for defects in a plane’s design, assembly of the plane, their choice of materials, testing procedures and more.

The FAA is responsible for monitoring the airplane while in flight. If there is a breach in their duties, there may be a valid claim for damages. Likewise, air traffic controllers have been known to be negligent and thus, the government can be held liable for the error of their controllers.