When Tragedy Strikes: Expert Legal Help for Aviation Accident Victims
Aviation accidents are catastrophic events that can change lives forever. If you or a loved one has been injured in an airplane crash or aviation incident, the Chicago aviation accident attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. are ready to help you navigate the complex legal path ahead.
With over 30 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Illinois, our legal team provides the skilled representation you need during this difficult time. We fight for maximum compensation while you focus on recovery.
PROVEN RESULTS: $1.75 million aviation accident settlement secured for the family of an elderly man who suffered a wrongful death after a private plane crash.
Call us today at (312) 957-4166 for your free consultation. We don’t charge lawyer fees until we win for you.
Aviation Accidents: Rare But Devastating
While air travel is statistically one of the safest forms of transportation, accidents can and do happen. When they occur, the results are often catastrophic due to the speed, height, and size of aircraft involved.
Recent Statistics: According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were 29 fatal US aviation accidents in the first two months of 2025, down from 31 during the same period in 2024 and 28 in 2023.
While fewer in number, some recent crashes have been particularly severe, including the January 2025 midair collision near Washington DC that claimed 67 lives.
Types of Aviation Incidents We Handle
- Commercial airline crashes
- Private plane accidents
- Helicopter crashes
- Charter flight incidents
- Airport ground accidents
- In-flight injuries.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents rarely have a single cause. They typically result from a combination of factors:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Pilot Error | The NTSB and other federal agencies report that human error contributes to approximately 80% of aviation accidents. This includes mistakes in judgment, poor decision-making, or failure to follow proper procedures. |
| Mechanical Failures | Defective parts, inadequate maintenance, or design flaws can lead to catastrophic failures during flight. |
| Weather Conditions | Severe turbulence, thunderstorms, fog, and ice can create dangerous flying conditions that contribute to accidents. |
| Air Traffic Control Errors | Miscommunications or mistakes by controllers can lead to collisions or other serious incidents. |
| Improper Maintenance | Failure to properly inspect, repair, or maintain aircraft components can lead to mechanical failures during flight. |
| Fuel Issues | Contamination, miscalculation of fuel needs, or fuel system failures present serious risks. |
| Defective Equipment | Manufacturing defects in the aircraft or its components can lead to system failures. |
Types of Aviation Accident Injuries
Survivors of aviation accidents often face severe, life-altering injuries:
Physical Trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries: Potential lifelong cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord damage: Possible paralysis and permanent disability
- Severe burns: Multiple surgeries, scarring, and psychological trauma
- Multiple fractures: Extended rehabilitation and potential disability
- Internal organ damage: Ongoing medical treatment and monitoring.
Psychological Impact
- PTSD: Emotional suffering and psychological treatment
- Anxiety and depression: Long-term mental health challenges
- Fear of flying: Potentially lifelong phobia.
Worst-Case Scenario
- Wrongful death: Devastating loss for surviving family members.
Aviation injuries require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and often result in permanent disability. The financial burden can be overwhelming, with medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care needs adding up quickly.
The Complex Nature of Aviation Accident Cases
Aviation accident cases are among the most complex personal injury cases for several reasons:
- Multiple potential defendants: Cases may involve airlines, aircraft manufacturers, component manufacturers, maintenance providers, air traffic controllers, and others.
- Federal regulations: Aviation is heavily regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies, creating a complex legal landscape.
- Technical complexity: These cases involve highly technical evidence related to aircraft systems, maintenance records, and flight data.
- Jurisdictional issues: Aviation accidents may cross state or national boundaries, creating jurisdictional complications.
- Extensive investigation: Cases require thorough investigation by experts in aviation, engineering, weather, human factors, and other specialties.
How Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. Can Help
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience, resources, and dedication needed to handle plane & aviation accident cases. We offer:
Thorough Investigation
We work with aviation experts, accident reconstructionists, and investigators to determine the exact cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties.
Comprehensive Case Preparation
Our legal team meticulously prepares each case as if it were going to trial, gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, analyzing maintenance records, and reviewing black box data.
Expert Witness Collaboration
We collaborate with industry experts who can provide authoritative testimony on aircraft operations, maintenance standards, and regulatory compliance.
Skilled Negotiation
Lead attorney Matthew Willens has a unique understanding of how insurance companies operate in aviation cases, having previously worked for a major insurance company managing million-dollar-plus personal injury cases.
Trial Experience
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys have the courtroom experience to present your case effectively at trial.
Why Choose Willens & Baez
What makes accident survivors and their loved ones choose Willens & Baez:
Distinguished Legal Excellence
Matthew Willens has earned nationwide acclaim and praise from peers throughout Illinois as an elite personal injury attorney. His designation as both a “Leading Lawyer” and among the “Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers” places him in the most selective tier of legal professionals – distinctions achieved by fewer than 1 in 100 attorneys statewide.
Proven Aviation Case Results
Our aviation accident team secured a $1.75 Million Settlement for the family of an elderly man who suffered a wrongful death after a private plane crash. This is just one example of our strong advocacy for aviation accident victims.
Client-Centered Approach
We limit our caseload to ensure each client receives the personal attention they deserve.
Success-Based Fee Structure
Our representation operates on a results-contingent arrangement, meaning you only pay legal fees when we successfully obtain a settlement or verdict for your case.
Compassionate Guidance
We understand the emotional trauma that follows an aviation accident and provide compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Compensation in Aviation Accident Cases
Victims of aviation accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage.
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional distress
- Diminished enjoyment of life
- Lost consortium.
- Wrongful Death Damages
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance.
Important: In Illinois, personal injury claims, including those involving aviation accidents, are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your rights are protected.
Contact the Top-Rated Chicago Aviation Accident Attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, choose the legal team with a proven track record in aviation cases. Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have secured significant victories for aviation accident victims, including a $1.75 Million Settlement for the family of a private plane crash victim.
Success in Aviation Cases
Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have experience with aviation regulations, aircraft operations, and the complex factors involved in aircraft accidents has helped us secure justice for numerous victims. When you need experienced representation after an aviation tragedy, the Willens & Baez record speaks for itself.
Get In Touch Today
Don’t entrust your aviation accident case to just any personal injury firm. Choose the attorneys at Willens & Baez who have proven success in aviation accident law. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs About Aviation Accident Claims
Which parties may bear responsibility for an aviation incident?
Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include airlines, pilots, aircraft manufacturers, component manufacturers, maintenance providers, air traffic controllers, and even government entities.
What is the timeframe for initiating legal action after an aviation accident?
Under Illinois law, you generally have a two-year window from the accident date to file personal injury claims related to aviation incidents.
What if the accident occurred on an international flight?
International flights are governed by treaties such as the Montreal Convention, which may affect liability limits and jurisdictional issues. Our attorneys have experience handling both domestic and international aviation cases.
What potential compensation could I receive for my aviation accident claim?
The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of injuries, impact on your life, medical expenses, lost income, and more. During your consultation, we can provide a general assessment based on your specific situation.
What timeline should I expect for my aviation accident case?
The timeline varies greatly depending on case complexity, the number of parties involved, the extent of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases settle within months, while others may take years to resolve, especially if they involve multiple defendants or international jurisdictions.
Can I still recover compensation if my loved one was partially at fault for a private plane crash?
Under Illinois’ comparative fault system, recovery remains possible when your loved one’s responsibility doesn’t reach 50% of fault for the accident, though compensation will decrease proportionately to their share of responsibility.
Take Action Now: Contact one of Chicago’s leading aviation accident law firms Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, P.C. by calling (312) 957-4166 for a free consultation. Our record of success in aviation cases, including our $1.75 Million wrongful death settlement, demonstrates our ability to handle these complex claims effectively.
