On April 7, 2010, a jury awarded $89 million in an airplane crash case. The 1999 airplane crash accident left four people dead and one seriously injured. While injuries and death from flying are undoubtedly less common than those from driving an automobile, airplane crashes are not an infrequent occurrence. In March 2010 alone, more than 100 airplane accidents were reported to the National Transportation Safety Board. Such accidents may result from, among other things, a defective airplane, pilot error, or third-party negligence. The many different causes of airplane accidents require an attorney that is experienced in deciphering between the applicable laws, what causes of action may apply, and which individuals or entities may be at fault. The attorney who received this astounding airplane crash verdict is Arthur Wolk.

For instance, the plaintiffs’ attorney in the above referenced case was presented with the daunting task of overcoming the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA), which contains an 18 year repose statute prohibiting suit against airplane manufacturers more than 18 years from the date that the original product was first purchased or leased. Twice, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected the defendant’s argument that the plaintiffs’ case was barred by GARA. The court found that a fraud exception to GARA permitted the plaintiffs to maintain their suit against the manufacturer of the 1968 six-seat Piper Cherokee airplane.

The plaintiff’s attorney successfully argued that a faulty carburetor caused the airplane to crash shortly after takeoff. This argument coupled with proof that the airplane manufacturer defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration relating to airworthiness certificate procedures involving the carburetor resulted in a jury award of $25 million in compensatory and $64 million in punitive damages.

If you or a love one are involved in an airplane crash in Maryland, Washington, D.C. or Virginia and suffer injuries or wrongful death, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who can diligently advocate for your rights and hold responsible those at fault for your injuries. Our lawyers work with groups and other lawyers throughout the United States on airplane cases, and we have the knowledge and resources to get justice for you and your family if you have been involved in an airplane crash. Time is of the essence in preserving a cause of action and crucial evidence related to the airplane accident.

For more information about hiring an airplane crash attorney, contact Goldberg Finnegan toll free at (888) 213-8140. Our lawyers will fight to protect your rights.

Candace Canka
Goldberg Finnegan, LLC