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Wisner Baum’s lead military accident attorney Timothy A. LorangerMilitary Plane Crashes
Just like general or commercial aviation accidents, military plane crashes are caused by a wide variety of factors, including pilot error, negligent maintenance, aircraft defects (or component part defects), air traffic controller error, or dangerous weather conditions.
While military pilots receive the best possible training, on occasion, they are required to fly aircraft that:
- Could be considered too old to be in service
- Have defective component parts
- Were negligently maintained by a third party civilian contractor
If a mechanical defect should occur during a critical phase of flight, even the best pilots in the world can be pushed to the limits to keep themselves and those traveling with them safe.
While it is true that service members killed or injured in a military plane crash are restricted from taking legal action against the government, a military aviation lawsuit may be filed against the plane’s manufacturer and/or the manufacturer(s) of component parts if they are defective. The same can be said if a third party maintenance company is negligent in performing maintenance on an aircraft or aircraft component or system.
The challenge lies in proving that the plane or its components were “unreasonably dangerous” due to defective design and/or manufacture, or was negligently maintained by a contractor. This is why it is vital to have an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of crash investigations and evidence gathering as your advocate.
Our Military Plane Accident Cases
Our firm has been litigating military plane crash cases since the 1980s. Click on the links below to read more about our cases:
- July 10, 2017 – A Marine Corps KC-130T plane experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure and crashed in Mississippi, killing 15 Marines and one Navy Corpsman. Wisner Baum is honored to represent the families of several victims who lost their lives in this tragedy.
- Dec. 12, 1985 – A McDonnell Douglas DC-8-63CF jetliner operating as Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed near Gander Airport in Newfoundland, Canada. The Army chartered the plane from Cairo, Egypt to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Wisner Baum represented the families of three soldiers killed in the crash.
Military Vehicle Accidents
According to data from the Naval Health Research Center, military vehicle accidents are a major source of non-combat injuries. During Operation Desert Storm, military vehicle accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all non-combat hospital admissions.
While the terrain in warzones like Iraq and Afghanistan present challenges for safe driving, military vehicle accidents are also prevalent outside of operational environments. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) analysis found that military vehicles were the leading cause of over 1,100 military personnel fatalities attributable to on-duty, non-aviation accidents.
Oftentimes, military vehicle drivers are young adults who do not have many years of driving experience, which can lead to accidents. Other variables, such as terrain, weather, vehicle maintenance, or mechanical issues can also be factors contributing to military vehicle crashes.
Our Military Vehicle Accident Cases
Wisner Baum has represented both military personnel and civilians who were injured or killed in military vehicle crashes. Investigating these accidents and uncovering evidence can be challenging, which is why it is in your best interest to hire a military attorney with experience litigating these types of cases.
Learn more our military vehicle accident cases by clicking the links below:
- On July 30, 2020, eight Marines and a Navy Sailor were killed when a military amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) took on water and sank off the coast of Southern California. Our military accident attorneys represent the families of four of the young men who lost their lives in this accident.
- On Sept. 13, 2017, 14 Marines and a Navy Sailor were injured in an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) fire that broke out during a combat readiness training exercise at Camp Pendleton in California. Wisner Baum is honored to represent a brave service member who was severely burned in this tragic accident.
- On April 19, 2013, a woman was killed after a Marine Corps Humvee collided with her vehicle in a head-on collision in an unincorporated part of San Bernardino County, California. Wisner Baum filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the woman’s family, alleging the crash was caused by drowsy driving.
Law Firm Handling Military Accidents
Companies that put profit over the safety of men and women in the military should be held accountable for their misdeeds. When military accidents cause injury or death, filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties can provide victims and their families with compensation in a time of need and help deter future reckless conduct by negligent companies.
To speak with an attorney about filing a claim, please call us at (855) 948-5098 or fill out our contact form.
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