our-team-page-title

San Francisco Aviation Accident Lawyer

Scales
Scales
Scales

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.

Commercial Plane crashed and broken in half

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.

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.

Blue and white private plane involved in an aviation accident

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

What is the most common injury in a plane crash?

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.

How much compensation do you get for a plane crash victim?

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.

What does the FAA consider a serious injury?

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.

What is aviation injury?

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.

What is the average survival rate of a plane crash?

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.

What laws govern aviation accident injury claims?

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.

Are there different rules for private plane vs. commercial plane accidents?

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.

What is the statute of limitations for filing an aviation injury claim?

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.

Can a passenger file a claim for injuries during turbulence?

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.

Are aviation accident claims handled in federal or state court?

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.

Will my travel insurance cover aviation accident injuries?

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.

What kind of documentation do I need for an aviation injury claim?

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.

Can multiple parties file a joint lawsuit after an aviation accident?

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.

Are settlements in aviation cases usually public or confidential?

Most settlements are confidential, especially those involving commercial airlines or manufacturers. Confidentiality clauses are common and may limit the disclosure of compensation terms.

How are damages calculated in catastrophic aviation injury cases?

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.

Can a passenger injured during an emergency evacuation file a claim?

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.

Do airlines owe a duty of care to disabled or elderly passengers?

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.

Can injuries from air marshal interventions be grounds for a claim?

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.

What type of compensation can victims receive after an aviation accident?

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.

Are airlines automatically liable for injuries on board?

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.

Call us today at 415-442-4646 and speak with Mr. Green, one of our founding attorneys.

Verdicts & Settlements

We’ve recovered millions for our clients

Construction Death

The husband and father of 4 young children was working at a construction site when he died because of another contractor’s negligence. After more than two years of hard fought litigation, our team of experts was able to win a tremendous victory on behalf of our clients and ensure that all of their financial needs will be met. We could not bring back the husband/father for this family, but we were able to protect them from the financial devastation that can and often does result where the primary source of income for the family is taken away. We then worked with our team of financial planners to make sure that this family will always have financial security.

$10,400,000

Bad Faith Insurance Claim

Insurance Coverage/Bad Faith Bad Faith – Pollution Coverage Prior to forming his own firm, Mr. Green worked at one of the largest and most prestigious firms in the U.S. He was the primary attorney on an environmental insurance case that went to trial in San Francisco. After a several week trial, Mr. Green came away with a trial verdict against the insurers with a value of over $10,000,000 in available insurance coverage.

$10,000,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

A 16 year old developmentally disabled kid was hit by a bus while in a crosswalk. He suffered a concussion which turned into post concussive syndrome, where the symptoms of the concussion don’t heal completely. This is also known as a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (“mTBI”). Our firm was hired as trial counsel 6 months before trial because of our expertise in TBIs as well as cutting edge trial techniques. When we first associated into the case, there was a very minimal settlement offer and it did not appear that the Defense was taking the case seriously. Our team of attorneys, experts and staff immediately immersed ourselves in the case as we prepared to demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of this incident. Shortly before trial, the Defense could see that we had put all the pieces together to prove liability and that full justice for our young client required damages in the many millions of dollars. The matter settled for $5,750,000.

$5,750,000

Disability Claim

Disability – Neurological Issues Our client became disabled from neurological issues. Our attorneys were able to work with the client and his physicians to quickly assemble all of the documentation necessary to support out client’s claim of total disability. The insurer agreed that our client was totally disabled and paid his claim.

$2,400,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury to Child A three year old child was being carried across the street when she was struck by an oncoming car. The child suffered a serious traumatic brain injury when she hit the ground. Her injuries were so serious she had to be hospitalized for several months. Our firm negotiated a settlement of $2,000,000 by forcing the payment of all of the available insurance from the driver’s automobile insurer ($1,250,000), the entire amount of the homeowners insurance limits available ($500,000), and all of the amounts that the person carrying the little girl was able to recover from the negligent driver ($250,000). We then arranged for another firm to prepare and fund a large Special Needs Trust for the health and welfare of the injured child.

$2,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client became disabled by a heart attack. The insurer refused to pay, claiming that our client was still able to perform his occupation. We met with all of our client’s doctors, obtained reports confirming the client’s inability to perform his prior occupation, and ultimately convinced the insurance company to pay the claim in full.

$1,800,000

Builder’s Risk/Collapse

A contractor suffered a severe collapse at one of his sites. The claim was submitted to the insurer and denied. Mr. Green reviewed all of the facts, researched the law, and brought together the necessary experts to prove that the Contractor’s Builders Risk insurer was responsible for a substantial portion of the loss. He also proved that a subcontractor was negligent and the subcontractor’s insurer also paid a substantial settlement. In total, Mr. Green was able to obtain more than $1,700,000 in compensation for his client.

$1,700,000

Traumatic Brain Injury

Our client suffered a mild Traumatic Brain Injury when heavy object struck her in the head. The responsible party denied all fault and insisted until the very end that our client had not suffered a brain injury and offered nothing to settle the case. Our firm assembled a team of world renowned expert‘s to demonstrate that our client had suffered a mild Traumatic brain injury. The case settled shortly before trial.

$1,000,000

Heart Condition Disability

Our client had worked for the government for many years when she began suffering from a serious heart condition. All of her doctors told her that she could no longer work and if she continued to do so, she would be risking further injury to her heart or even death.

$1,000,000

Traumatic Hand Injury

Our client was working at a manufacturing plant. While operating a piece of machinery, his glove became caught in the machinery and part of his hand was severely injured. Ordinarily, this type of injury would be restricted to remedies available through Worker’s Compensation. However, through the knowledge, ingenuity, and creativity of our team of attorneys, we were also able to obtain a very substantial civil settlement for our client in addition to the workers comp settlement of his case.

$985,000

Aviation Death Settlement

A husband and father of two small children was killed in an aviation accident involving a small aircraft. Our firm represented the widow and two children against the pilot of the aircraft. By hiring experts in aviation (to prove negligence) and economists (to prove damages), and utilizing William Green’s expertise as an instrument-rated pilot, we were able to make a very powerful case and obtain a very favorable settlement that allowed the family to survive financially.

$975,000

Forklift Accident

A construction supervisor went to pick up some materials for a construction job. A worker at the yard neglected to set the parking brake on a piece of heavy equipment a few yards away. While the construction supervisor had his back turned, the machine rolled into him, pinning him against the side of his pick-up truck. He suffered several broken ribs, but that was the least of his injuries. Within several weeks of the accident, he had partially lost his sight. By working with medical experts, our firm was able to directly connect the sight loss to the injuries caused by the machine that rolled into our client. The case settled at Mediation without any need for a trial.

$700,000

Contact Us