Mark Casto | May 9, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog Columbus
The aftermath of a plane crash is a heartbreaking and overwhelming experience for surviving family members. One of the foremost concerns in such tragic circumstances is whether families of plane crash victims are entitled to compensation for their loss. Understanding the options available can provide some clarity during this difficult time.
Compensation Options for Families of Plane Crash Victims
Family members of plane crash victims in Georgia may be eligible for various forms of compensation. These generally fall under wrongful death claims, which allow close relatives to seek damages related to the death of a loved one.
Compensation can include:
- Economic damages: These include clear losses like funeral costs, medical bills before death, loss of financial support, and the services the deceased used to provide.
- Non-economic damages: Families can claim compensation for pain and suffering. They can also seek compensation for loss of companionship, loss of parental guidance, and emotional distress.
- Punitive damages: Courts can impose these in cases of serious negligence or intentional harm. This aims to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar actions.
These damages aim to address the financial, emotional, and practical impacts of the tragedy.
Who Can File a Claim After a Plane Crash in Georgia?
Georgia law limits who can bring a wrongful death claim. The right to file generally follows this order:
- Spouse of the deceased
- Children, if there is no surviving spouse
- Parents, if the victim has no spouse or children
- Estate representative if no immediate family survives
This gives close family members the first chance to seek justice and get financial help for their loss.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Plane Crash Case?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for a plane crash, depending on the cause. An investigation often uncovers one or more liable parties, such as:
- Airline companies for negligence in maintenance, pilot training, or safety oversight
- Aircraft manufacturers, if defective parts or systems contributed to the crash
- Maintenance contractors who failed to properly inspect or repair the aircraft
- Air traffic controllers or regulatory bodies, if errors in navigation or communication occur
- Third-party individuals, such as negligent ground crew members
Understanding liability is key. It decides who the family can go after for compensation and how complex the case will be.
Georgia’s Comparative Negligence Rule in Aviation Accidents
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if the victim is found to have been 50% or more at fault for the accident, their family cannot recover damages. If the victim is found less than 50% at fault, compensation is reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault.
This rule also applies to aviation accidents. It can affect the results of wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits from plane crashes.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim After a Plane Crash in Georgia
Families pursuing compensation must act within the legal time limits. Under Georgia law, the statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims is two years from the date of death or injury. Missing this deadline typically results in losing the right to pursue compensation.
It’s important to begin legal proceedings as soon as possible to avoid procedural pitfalls and ensure evidence is preserved.
Challenges in Plane Crash Cases
Plane crash cases are complex. They involve detailed investigations, federal aviation laws, and several liable parties. Common challenges include:
- Jurisdictional issues if the crash involved out-of-state or international flights
- Lengthy investigations by agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Technical complexities in proving negligence, mechanical failure, or pilot error
- Disputes over liability among multiple defendants
Many families seek help from skilled aviation accident attorneys. These lawyers manage the complex details, allowing families to focus on healing.
Pursuing Compensation After a Plane Crash in Georgia
Losing a loved one in an aviation accident is hard. Seeking compensation can help you find financial stability and hold others accountable. An attorney can assist in:
- Investigating the cause of the crash and identifying all liable parties
- Handling claims under federal and state aviation laws
- Calculating the full extent of your losses, including long-term financial and emotional damages
- Representing you in negotiations or litigation to secure fair compensation
Families often feel overwhelmed during such a traumatic time, but they do not have to face the legal process alone.
Understanding Compensation Rights After a Plane Crash
Families of plane crash victims in Georgia can seek compensation. They can do this through wrongful death and related claims. Money can’t replace a loved one, but compensation can ease the financial and emotional stress that comes after such losses. If you need help, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Contact the Columbus Airplane Accident Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus [practice areas] lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
