When an aviation accident happens, the consequences can be devastating. Injuries from plane crashes, small aircraft accidents, and other aviation incidents often result in catastrophic harm. If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident in Tulsa, Abel Law Firm can help you pursue compensation.
Our team has over 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases. We have recovered more than $550 million for clients. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Why Choose Abel Law Firm for Your Aviation Accident Case
Abel Law Firm brings decades of experience to aviation accident claims. Our legal team includes multiple Super Lawyers recognized by their peers for work in personal injury litigation. Kelly Bishop has been selected as a Super Lawyer for 13 consecutive years. T. Luke Abel has been named Lawyer of the Year for Product Liability by Best Lawyers in America in both 2023 and 2025.
Our firm has recovered over $550 million for injured clients throughout Oklahoma. We maintain a 5.0 rating on Google with over 220 client reviews. Our Tulsa office is located at 5525 E 51st St, Suite 540. We’re available 24/7 to discuss your case.
Our attorneys have experience in catastrophic injury cases, product liability litigation, and wrongful death claims. Many are admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, giving us experience in federal litigation relevant to aviation cases. Injuries in these matters are often severe, and liability may involve multiple parties and federal regulations.
Common Causes and Liable Parties in Aviation Accidents
Aviation accidents can result from many different factors. Understanding what caused your accident is crucial to determining who may be responsible.
Common causes include pilot error and FAA violations, mechanical failure and equipment defects, air traffic control issues, weather-related incidents, maintenance failures, and bird strikes. Each cause may involve different potentially liable parties.
Multiple parties may share responsibility for an aviation accident. Potentially liable parties include aircraft manufacturers and parts suppliers, pilots and flight crews, air traffic control facilities, aircraft owners and operators, maintenance contractors, airport operators, and federal agencies such as the FAA.
A plane crash might involve both pilot error and a mechanical defect in the aircraft. Our attorneys have experience pursuing claims against multiple defendants, including large manufacturers and government-related entities. We understand how to address the complex web of liability that aviation cases can present.
Types of Compensation in Aviation Accident Claims
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident, you may be able to seek several types of damages.
Medical expenses can include emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, and ongoing treatment. You may pursue lost wages for time away from work during recovery and lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to return to your prior job.
You may also seek compensation for pain and suffering, which accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover for loss of companionship and lost financial support. Funeral and burial expenses may also be recoverable. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available under Oklahoma law.
The Legal Process Following an Aviation Accident
After an aviation accident, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) typically conducts an investigation to determine probable cause. This federal investigation is separate from any personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys monitor this process and independently seek to preserve evidence crucial to your claim.
We engage expert witnesses—including aviation engineers, pilots, and maintenance specialists—to analyze what went wrong and help establish liability. Preserving evidence early is critical, because physical evidence and records can deteriorate or be lost over time.
Aviation accident cases often involve complex questions of liability. Federal and state aviation regulations govern how aircraft must be maintained, how pilots must be trained, and how air traffic control must operate. We review these regulations and industry standards to assess whether any party failed to meet its obligations.
In some situations, international treaties and laws may apply, particularly if the accident involved international flights. We also consider whether federal tort claims procedures apply when federal agencies are involved. Experience with federal court practice allows us to address these issues effectively.
Why Aviation Accident Cases Are Complex
Aviation accident litigation differs from many typical personal injury cases. Federal agencies like the FAA and NTSB have authority over many aspects of aviation, meaning federal regulations and procedures are often central.
Multiple potential defendants—manufacturers, airlines, pilots, maintenance companies, airports, and government entities—may be involved, each with separate insurance and legal teams. Statutes of limitations and notice requirements can differ from those in other personal injury matters, especially where government entities or international issues are present.
Expert testimony is almost always required to explain technical issues and establish how the accident occurred and who was responsible. Insurance coverage can be complicated, with multiple policies and layers of coverage potentially in play. Abel Law Firm has handled cases with comparable complexity and understands how to address the unique challenges these matters present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after an aviation accident?
Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Document the scene with photos or video if possible and preserve any physical evidence. Contact local authorities and cooperate with their investigation. Avoid detailed discussions with insurance companies or signing documents before speaking with an attorney. Contact Abel Law Firm as soon as you can so your rights can be protected and evidence preserved.
What is the statute of limitations for aviation accident claims in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for many personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of injury. However, aviation matters may involve additional or different rules, particularly when federal agencies are involved. It is important to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within all applicable deadlines.
Can I sue if the accident was partially my fault?
Oklahoma follows comparative fault rules. You may still recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of responsibility is less than 50 percent. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could potentially recover $80,000.
How long do aviation accident cases typically take?
Complex aviation accident cases often take several years from the date of the accident to resolution. The timeline depends on the length of the NTSB investigation, the time needed to establish liability, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. We keep clients informed throughout the process and work to move cases forward while fully developing the evidence.
What if the accident involved a commercial airline?
Commercial aviation cases involve additional federal regulations, including rules governing airline liability and passenger rights. There may also be issues involving international law if a foreign carrier is involved. These cases can draw significant public attention and may involve multiple plaintiffs. Our attorneys are familiar with the special considerations that arise in commercial aviation claims.
Do I need an expert witness in my aviation accident case?
Yes, aviation accident cases almost always require expert testimony. Experts may include aviation engineers who can explain mechanical failures, pilots who can address pilot error or standard procedures, maintenance specialists who can evaluate service issues, and medical experts who can describe your injuries and prognosis. We work with qualified experts to help present a clear case.
What if a family member was killed in the aviation accident?
Wrongful death claims allow certain surviving family members—such as spouses, children, and parents—to seek compensation. Recoverable damages may include loss of companionship, the emotional impact of losing a loved one, lost financial support, and funeral and burial expenses. Our attorneys have experience handling wrongful death cases and understand the emotional difficulties families face.
How much does it cost to hire Abel Law Firm?
Abel Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the amount obtained, so you do not pay out of pocket during the course of the case. This arrangement allows injured people to pursue claims without immediate concern about legal fees.
Contact Abel Law Firm for Your Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident in Tulsa or elsewhere in Oklahoma, contact Abel Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your situation. Call (918) 777-7046 to speak with a member of our team. We serve clients throughout Oklahoma from our offices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
