Airplane Accident Attorney Los Angeles, CA

Aviation Accidents Demand Expert Legal Representation. We're Prepared.

Airplane crashes and aviation accidents involve FAA regulations, NTSB investigations, and defendants — airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers — who have legal teams defending these cases for years. L&F Brown brings the expertise to hold them accountable.

800-953-0075

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California law

What You Need to Know Before You Settle

CA Law

FAA regulations as evidence of duty

Federal Aviation Administration rules govern virtually every aspect of commercial and general aviation — pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, and operational procedures. Violations of FAA regulations are evidence of negligence per se.

CA Law

NTSB investigations and their role

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates aviation accidents independently. While NTSB final reports are generally not admissible at trial, the factual findings and witness statements gathered during the investigation are critical discovery tools.

CA Law

Statute of limitations: federal preemption issues

Aviation accident claims often involve federal law questions. Most claims are governed by California's 2-year personal injury statute (CCP §335.1), but international flights may trigger the Montreal Convention's 2-year limit running from landing date. Identifying the correct deadline is a threshold issue.

CA Law

Multiple defendants in most crashes

A single aviation accident can involve the airline operator, aircraft manufacturer (airframe and engine), maintenance contractor, avionics manufacturer, airport authority, and air traffic control (FAA). Pursuing all defendants maximizes recovery.

Aviation accidents take many forms

Types of Aviation Accident Claims We Handle

Whether the crash involved a Boeing 737 or a Cessna, the legal principles of aviation liability apply — and so does the complexity of identifying all responsible defendants.

Commercial Airline Crashes

Major airline accidents involving passenger fatalities or serious injuries — often multi-plaintiff litigation coordinated in federal court.

General Aviation Accidents

Small aircraft, charter, and private plane crashes — frequently involving pilot error, mechanical failure, or inadequate maintenance.

Charter Flight Accidents

On-demand charter operators face different regulatory requirements than airlines; negligence in maintenance and pilot oversight is common.

Aircraft Product Liability

Defective engines, avionics, structural failures, and design defects — manufacturer liability under California and federal standards.

Airport Ground Accidents

Ground collision, tarmac accidents, and jetbridge or loading area injuries at LAX and regional airports.

Act immediately

What to Do After an Aviation Accident

Airlines mobilize their response teams immediately after an accident. Having legal representation in place early is essential to protecting your claim.

Seek full medical evaluation

Trauma from aircraft accidents can include internal injuries not immediately apparent. Get comprehensive emergency and follow-up care.

Document everything you can

Boarding passes, ticket records, seat location, and photographs at the scene if possible. Preserve all communications with the airline.

Do not accept early settlement offers

Airlines sometimes approach survivors quickly with settlements. These offers are designed to close claims before the full extent of injuries and liability are known.

Preserve communications

Keep all emails, letters, and notifications from the airline, insurer, or their legal representatives. Do not respond without counsel.

Contact L&F Brown immediately

Aviation accident litigation moves quickly. Early legal engagement is critical to preserving NTSB and FAA records and identifying all defendants.

Injured in an Aviation Accident?

Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Free consultation · Pay nothing unless we win · 6,000+ cases handled

800-953-0075

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

UCLA Law · Personal Injury Partner · 6,000+ Cases

Airlines and manufacturers have had legal teams building their defense since before the wreckage was cleared. We move just as fast — and we know what records to demand, what regulations were violated, and how to build the case that forces them to pay.

Client Stories

Hear From the People We've Helped

“I had a very good experience with these lawyers. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for quality legal advice and fantastic service. Curt is an Ace.”

Jack Hoskinson

“Overall experience was great. Arya was extremely knowledgeable and guided me through a stressful time in my life. Response times were quick and reassuring. Very happy with the outcome of my case.”

David Chau

“Helped now on three different occasions. Have referred Curt to at least three other people.”

Scott MacDonell

What you can recover

Compensation Available After an Aviation Accident

Aviation accidents frequently cause catastrophic injuries. California law allows victims and families to recover the full scope of their economic and non-economic losses.

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Medical Expenses
Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for traumatic injuries.
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Lost Wages & Earning Capacity
Income lost during recovery and reduced future earnings from permanent disability.
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Pain & Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress — including fear experienced during the crash.
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Permanent Disability
Compensation for lasting physical limitations, including catastrophic injuries common in aviation accidents.
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Wrongful Death
Surviving family members can recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship when a crash is fatal.
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Punitive Damages
Available when the operator knowingly ignored known safety defects or regulatory requirements.

Track record

Recent Verdicts & Settlements

Past outcomes don't guarantee future results, but they show what's possible when evidence is preserved and all defendants are pursued.

$6M Auto versus government entity settlement.

$4M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$2.5M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$1.5M Complex auto vs auto case.

$900K Complicated auto vs auto accident.

$700K Resolved following an auto accident injury.

Know your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I sue after an airplane crash?

Aviation accident claims can involve multiple defendants: the airline or charter operator (negligent operation, crew error), the aircraft manufacturer (design or manufacturing defects), maintenance contractors (improper repairs), the FAA or airport authority (air traffic control errors or facility defects), and component manufacturers (engine, avionics, structural parts). We investigate all potential defendants and pursue all available insurance and corporate assets.

Does the Montreal Convention limit what I can recover?

The Montreal Convention applies to international airline flights between signatory countries and sets a two-tiered liability structure. For proven damages up to approximately 128,821 SDR (roughly $175,000 USD as of 2024), airlines cannot contest liability. Above that threshold, airlines can defend with a "reasonable measures" defense. Critically, the Montreal Convention does not cap damages when the airline's negligence is proven — it only provides a floor for strict liability. We can advise you on whether the Convention applies to your specific flight.

What if the crash happened in another state?

Jurisdiction in aviation cases can be complex. If you are a California resident or the defendant has significant California ties, California courts may be available. Federal courts handle many multi-plaintiff aviation cases under multi-district litigation (MDL) rules. We navigate jurisdiction questions and choose the forum that best serves your case.

How long do I have to file an airplane accident claim?

For domestic flights, California's standard 2-year personal injury statute generally applies (CCP §335.1). For international flights covered by the Montreal Convention, the 2-year limitation runs from the date of arrival at the destination, the date the aircraft should have arrived, or the date transportation stopped. Getting the deadline right is critical — contact us immediately.

Aviation Accidents Demand Expert Legal Representation. We're Prepared.