Aviation Law Firm

What is an Aviation Law Firm?

An aviation law firm is a legal entity formed by one or more attorneys/lawyers who specialize in aviation law. Aviation law firms are created to practice this distinct subset of law; the primary service offered by these entities is to advise their clients (individuals or corporations) concerning their legal rights and responsibilities.

It takes a distinct type of knowledge of the aviation industry and the understanding of aircraft mechanics to practice this type of law. The majority of services provided by aviation law firms comes in the form of litigation; an aviation law firm is required if you or a loved one is injured or killed as a result of aviation negligence or aircraft defect. To file a claim—and to subsequently win a case—an aviation law firm will attempt to prove negligence after painstaking investigation and review of past accidents. To build an effective claim, aviation law firms rely on their expert knowledge of the industry and aircraft mechanics.

In addition to their knowledge for the actual field of aviation, an aviation law firm is experienced in filing claims as they relate to the laws and regulations instituted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. Through their experience, aviation law firms possess an inherent knowledge of procedures and policies instituted by said government agencies.

In order to claim substantial settlements from airlines, aircraft manufacturers and aviation insurers an aviation law firm must be willing to provide a significant investment in time and money to your case. Time is required for the extensive research and discovery that is necessary to prepare a suitable claim; funds must be spent to hire expert witnesses and create demonstrative evidence, including flight testing to validate accident analysis.

If you have been involved in airline accident or have suffered the loss of a family member as a result of an aviation wreck you must contact an aviation law firm. The potential to secure a settlement from an airline manufacturer, an airliner or an insurance company is severely diminished without the inclusion of an aviation law firm.

Finding the Right Aviation Law Firm:

If you experienced a trauma due to an airline crash or malfunction of any sort, you must contact an aviation law firm. These professionals are experienced and well-versed with aviation law; if your legal suit revolves around aviation law you must hire distinct professionals. To find a suitable aviation law firm you must utilize an assortment of resources.

The first step to locating aviation law firms in your area requires you to conduct an Internet Search, Using popular search engines, such as Bing or Google, will expedite your quest for adequate representation. To compile a list of all aviation law firms in your area simply access these search engines’ “maps” or “local” tabs and type “aviation law firms” plus your area. This inquiry should yield a complete list of all aviation law firms within a certain radius from your hometown.

After compiling a list of aviation law firms in your area, you should conduct due diligence on each. To secure additional information type the name of the aviation law firm into the search engine plus the following keywords: “client testimonials”; “reviews”; “case history”; “articles”; and “information.” Each result should yield an additional piece of information on a respective aviation law firm, enabling you to climate prospective firms from your list. In addition to this information you must visit each firm’s website to view basic information and accomplishments. Also be sure to visit your state’s Bar association website. The bar association is the regulatory body that institutes licensing requirements for each practicing lawyer. The site offers a database that lists every practicing lawyer, their standing and years of practice. You want to ensure that every prospective aviation law firm in your area is in good standing with your state’s bar association.

After reviewing this information, you should have an idea of which aviation law firms you want to pursuit for business. Once you narrow your list, you should contact the remaining aviation law firms to schedule consultations or preliminary interviews. These meetings are necessary to develop a rapport with the aviation law firm. Also, a consultation allows you to forecast your claim. Does your case have legs? What legal strategy am I pursuing? What should I expect during the claim? All of these questions—and many others—will be answered during your consultation.

Aviation Law Firms: The Consultation

During your consultation with your prospective aviation law firms you must take note of several characteristics. Is the aviation lawyer knowledgeable? Does he/she instill confidence in you? Does the individual sincerely care about your case? Is he/she giving off good vibes? In addition to personality traits that affect your personal feelings, you must also take note of the individual’s experience. Although scholastic achievements, dress and superficial qualities—such as looks—may affect your decision, you must curb these factors for experience.

You want to hire an aviation law firm that is experienced in handling similar claims. Experience denotes a masterful understanding of aviation law and the procedural rules that revolve around the filing of an aviation claim. In general, more experience yields a better chance of winning your case. If you cannot find an experienced aviation law firm in your area you should hire the one that you most feel comfortable with.

Fees Associated with Aviation Law Firms:

Fees associated with aviation law firms are dependent on your location and the firm you employ. For example, some aviation law firms will operate under an hourly pay scale while others will require a retainer before legal services are rendered. Moreover, some aviation law firms operate under flat fee payment arrangements. Although self-explanatory, an hourly payment schedule requires you to pay the aviation law firm hourly for services rendered while a flat fee requires you to provide a lump sum before services are rendered. Lastly, a retainer platform acts as an escrow account. Under this schedule you will provide a flat fee before services are rendered. These funds are placed in escrow and reduced as services are provided.