Were you or a loved one injured in an airplane accident in Seattle, Washington? You may be facing devastating injuries, medical bills, and time missed from work. While this is an undoubtedly challenging time, you don’t have to face it alone. The experienced legal team at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has 31 years of combined experience, and we’re prepared to use it to advocate for you.
Don’t delay getting the help you need after an airplane accident in Seattle, WA. Contact our law office today at (253) 948-0250 for a free consultation with a Seattle airplane accident lawyer.
How Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After an Airplane Accident in Seattle
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has remained committed to helping accident victims in Seattle since opening our law office 17 years ago. In doing so, we’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients. We are prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve as well.
We have a proven track record of success, and members of our legal team have been recognized in various ways over the years, including the following:
- Martindale-Hubbell – AV Preeminent rating
- Washington State Association for Justice, President’s Award
- Washington State Association for Justice, Trial Lawyer of the Year
- The American Lawyer, West Trailblazer
- National Law Journal, Plaintiffs’ Attorney Trailblazer
- National Law Journal, Litigation Trailblazer
- Thomson Reuters Washington Super Lawyers, Top 100
When you hire our Seattle personal injury lawyers, you can expect us to do the following for your case:
- Conduct a thorough investigation
- Discuss your legal options
- Gather and analyze evidence
- Develop an effective strategy
- Consult experts
- Defend you against unfair claims that you’re at fault
- Ensure you comply with filing deadlines
- Handle communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Represent you at trial if needed
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Seattle personal injury attorney and learn more about your options and how we can help with your case.
What Is My Airplane Accident Case Worth?
Every airplane accident case is different, but the following crucial factors can influence what yours may be worth:
- The severity of your injuries
- Applicable insurance policy limits
- The amount of time you miss from work
- The strength of the evidence
- Whether you are able to return to work
- Medical treatment required
- Property repair estimates
- Whether you suffer from permanent disabilities
- The type of aircraft involved in the crash
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- How the injury impacts your overall quality of life
To help prove the value of your case, the following is often helpful:
- Medical bills
- Photos
- Videos
- Medical records
- Receipts
- Accident reports
- Black boxes
- Expert testimony
- Witness statements
- Weather reports
- Maintenance records
Our skilled legal team can assess the value of your claim and work to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Airplane Accident Victims?
Airplane accident victims in Seattle are often entitled to recover economic damages for financial losses and non-economic damages for emotional suffering.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
Non-economic damages may include:
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
We can evaluate the full extent of your losses and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Airplane Accident Lawyer?
Most airplane accident lawyers in Seattle, WA, work on a contingency fee basis. This fee arrangement allows you to secure the excellent legal help you need without having to deal with the burden of paying legal fees upfront. Instead, you are only required to pay the attorney’s fees if you receive compensation through a settlement or verdict.
If you lose your case, you are not required to pay your attorney’s fees. If your case is won, your attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation.
Reach out to us today to learn more about our contingency fee agreements for airplane accident cases.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Airplane Accident Injuries?
Yes, you can still recover compensation if you’re partly to blame for your airplane accident injuries under Washington’s pure comparative fault laws. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
For example, if your damages are valued at $100,000 and you’re found to be 50% to blame for your injuries, you may only recover $50,000.
Insurance companies will attempt to minimize your damages or shift the blame onto you. It is crucial to consult an experienced attorney who can combat unfair claims that you’re at fault for your injuries.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Airplane Accident Injuries
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer has extensive experience helping airplane accident victims who have suffered various types of injuries, including the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Whiplash
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Concussions
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Nerve damage
- Amputation
- Soft tissue damage
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
It is critical that you seek medical attention immediately following an accident, even if you think you feel fine. It is possible that some symptoms may be delayed or injuries may be more severe than they appear. Getting prompt medical treatment can help strengthen your personal injury claim and improve your well-being.
Whether you are dealing with mild injuries that will heal over time or life-altering brain injuries, we are here for you every step of the way.
How Common Are Airplane Accidents?
In 2024, there were 40.6 million flights in total, and one airplane accident per 880,000 flights. Those accidents led to seven fatalities. There were also 244 on-board fatalities.
The most frequently reported accidents in 2024 were tail strikes and runway excursions.
While there was an increase in fatalities, fatal accidents, and total accidents from the previous year, it is important to note that airplane accidents are rare.
What Causes Most Airplane Accidents in Seattle, WA?
Airplane accidents occur for various reasons, including the following:
- Errors in judgment made by pilots: A pilot makes a decision or fails to make a decision, which contributes to the accident occurring
- Distractions: Pilots may become distracted by air traffic control, social media, or head-down work
- Fatigue: Failure to get adequate sleep can lead to impaired judgment
- Poor maintenance: Failing to properly maintain the airplane, and errors made by maintenance personnel
- Engine malfunctions: May lead to the engine failing and a pilot losing control
- Structural issues within the plane: Design issues, defects, or corrosion
- System malfunctions: Failures with the navigation system, electrical issues, defective equipment, mechanical failures, or problems with the flight control system
- Inclement weather: Poor weather conditions may lead to decreased visibility
- Issues with communication: Unclear instructions, language barriers, or trouble with a radio
- Errors made by air traffic controllers: Failing to understand flight plans, issues with routing planes, or poor communication
- Sabotage: While less common, it is possible that a plane may be intentionally crashed
- Mistakes made by the ground crew: Loading fuel incorrectly, miscommunication, or improper loading
- Inadequate training: Failure to train or supervise sufficiently, resulting in poor decision-making
- Bird strikes: May cause engine damage or even failure
Our dedicated legal team can help identify what caused your airplane crash and who may be liable for your injuries and losses.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Airplane Accident in Washington?
In Washington, you typically only have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after an airplane accident. You also have three years to bring a wrongful death claim if you lose a loved one in an airplane crash. You must bring your case before the statute of limitations runs, or you will be barred from recovering damages.
Don’t delay getting the help that you and your loved ones need after a plane crash. While three years may seem like a long time, it is crucial to act fast, as it can take time to gather relevant evidence, conduct an investigation, and assess your damages. We can handle the legal aspects of your case while you take much-needed time to focus on healing from your injuries and begin to move forward.
Contact Our Seattle Airplane Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were recently injured in an airplane accident, you deserve guidance and support as you seek to navigate this difficult time. We can help you every step of the way, making the often complex claims process more manageable for you and your family.
With over three decades of experience helping accident victims like you, Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is prepared to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Seattle airplane accident attorney and learn more about your options.