Fighting for the Compensation You Need & Deserve
Aviation accidents are some of the most complex and difficult cases to handle. They almost always involve extremely serious injuries or deaths, and determining the causes of the accident can be nearly impossible. An airplane crash often has multiple causes such as pilot error, faulty maintenance, poor or erroneous instructions from air traffic controllers, weather issues, and manufacturing defects in some of the component parts that make up the aircraft.

That is why having someone familiar with aviation-specific issues can be crucial to your case. At the law firm of Delfino Green & Green, our San Francisco aviation accident lawyers have extensive experience handling these complex cases. We will work to hold all responsible parties accountable in an effort to maximize your compensation.
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Call us today at 415-442-4646 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced San Francisco Aviation Accidents Lawyer.
We Understand How to Handle Airplane Accident Cases
In addition to determining causes of the accident, questions of where to sue and who to file suit against can be quite complex.
Other potential defendants include:
- Pilots
- Charter companies
- Mechanics
- Airlines
- Manufacturers
- Contractors
Once a suit is filed, there are a number of other issues that must be considered, such as limits on the amount of damages that can be recovered, multiple state and federal laws that must be understood and applied, and even international treaties that may come into play. Our San Francisco aviation injury lawyers have the experience and skill necessary to tackle all of these issues.
We understand the technical details of aviation itself, the complex process of aviation accident investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other federal agencies, and how to locate and utilize the key experts in the field. With a wealth of trial experience, we understand how to tie all of these complex issues together in a way that makes sense to a jury that often has no experience or expertise in aviation.

Get Help from a San Francisco Aviation Accident Lawyer & a Pilot
Our founding partner, William Green, brings all of the required skills and experience to make him an effective San Francisco Aviation Accident Lawyer. With more than 30 years of experience litigating aviation and catastrophic personal injury and death claims, combined with the fact that he is an active, Instrument Rated Pilot and airplane owner, makes him uniquely qualified to understand both the aviation and legal aspects of these cases. Mr. Green and his staff use this unique perspective to fight for the best possible results for their clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aviation Accident Injuries
In survivable accidents, the most common injuries include fractures, head trauma, burns, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage. In less severe incidents, passengers may suffer whiplash, soft tissue injuries, or emotional distress, especially during turbulence or hard landings.
Compensation varies widely and can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the injury or fatality, loss of income, pain and suffering, and whether the airline or manufacturer is found negligent.
The FAA defines a serious injury as one that requires hospitalization for more than 48 hours, results in bone fractures (excluding simple fingers or toes), causes internal organ damage, involves second- or third-degree burns, or significantly impairs bodily function.
An aviation injury refers to any harm suffered by a passenger, crew member, or individual on the ground resulting from incidents involving aircraft, including crashes, hard landings, turbulence, runway mishaps, or emergency evacuations.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), over 95% of passengers involved in aviation accidents survive. While fatalities in major crashes make headlines, most aviation accidents are survivable but may involve serious injuries.
Claims may fall under federal aviation law, state tort law, international treaties (like the Montreal Convention), or product liability laws if a defect contributed to the crash. Jurisdiction often depends on where the accident occurred and what type of flight was involved.
Yes. Private plane accidents often involve state laws and personal insurance policies, while commercial airline accidents are subject to more complex federal and international regulations. Liability may also shift depending on the aircraft owner, operator, or maintenance provider.
It depends on the jurisdiction and the type of flight. In the U.S., personal injury claims are typically subject to a two-year statute of limitations, but international flights may fall under the Montreal Convention, which also allows a two-year window from the date of arrival or expected arrival.
Yes. If the airline failed to provide adequate warnings, secure the cabin, or follow weather advisories, passengers injured during turbulence may have a valid claim. The key issue is whether negligence played a role.
Many are filed in federal court, especially those involving commercial carriers, international travel, or aviation regulations. However, depending on the parties involved, state court may also have jurisdiction—particularly in private aircraft or wrongful death cases.
Travel insurance may cover some medical expenses, trip interruption, or accidental death benefits. However, coverage is often limited and may not replace the compensation available through a legal claim. Review your policy carefully.
Useful documentation includes your boarding pass, incident reports, witness statements, medical records, photographs, insurance communications, and any correspondence with the airline. An attorney can help gather and preserve additional evidence.
Yes. In large-scale accidents, injured passengers and families of victims may join together in a mass tort or multi-district litigation (MDL) to streamline the process. However, each claim is still evaluated individually.
Most settlements are confidential, especially those involving commercial airlines or manufacturers. Confidentiality clauses are common and may limit the disclosure of compensation terms.
Damages are based on medical costs, future care needs, lost earnings, loss of companionship or support, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The calculation is often supported by expert testimony and detailed economic analysis.
Yes. If the injury resulted from negligence, faulty procedures, poorly maintained exits, or avoidable panic, you may be entitled to compensation. These claims require careful review of safety protocols and airline conduct.
Yes. Airlines are required to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure the safety and dignity of disabled and elderly passengers under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and related federal regulations.
Potentially. If excessive force or wrongful conduct by an air marshal causes injury, a legal claim may be pursued under federal tort claims law or constitutional grounds. These cases are rare and complex.
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, emotional distress, loss of consortium (for family), and wrongful death damages in fatal cases. Each case is unique and requires legal evaluation.
Not automatically. Passengers must prove that the airline or its staff acted negligently or failed to take reasonable precautions. However, under international law, carriers may be strictly liable for some injuries without proving fault, up to a certain compensation cap.
Get In Touch
Call us today at 415-442-4646 and speak with Mr. Green, one of our founding attorneys.
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