New York Airplane Accident Lawyer | HKD

In most cases, air travel is safe. Aviation accidents are relatively rare considering the tens of thousands of airplanes that fly every day. Unfortunately, if a plane does crash, it is very likely that passengers will be severely injured or killed. When an airplane accident has been caused by negligence, the carrier or individual owners can be held liable for injured passengers’ losses and for the losses suffered by family members of the deceased.

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It can be devastating to learn that a tragic New York airplane accident could have been avoided, but victims have legal recourse. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a plane accident, contact Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. to discuss the incident and your rights to compensation.

Causes of Airplane Crashes

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association says that, at any given moment, roughly 5,000 planes are in the skies above the United States. On an average day, air traffic controllers handle some 28,500 commercial flights (major and regional airlines), 27,100 general aviation flights (private planes), 24,550 air taxi flights (planes for hire), 5,250 military flights and 2,150 air cargo flights (Federal Express, UPS, etc.).

Despite this air traffic, the Aviation Safety Network, which tracks accidents globally, says 22 airplane accidents in 2014 resulted in 992 fatalities – the most since 2005, when 1,014 people were killed. Of the incidents in 2014, eight involved passenger airlines.

Airplane accidents may be caused by:

  • Pilot error
  • Defective airplane equipment
  • Icing and inclement weather
  • Negligently operated equipment at the gate or on the tarmac
  • Errors by the control tower

If there has been an airplane accident, you can be assured that something went wrong that should not have. Air travel is safe as long as everyone and everything involved performs as they should.

Why Hire An Airplane Accident Attorney?

After a major airplane accident occurs, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team of specialists will respond to the accident scene and investigate every facet of the crash. An analysis of the black box data recorder on airplanes can provide important information about the contributing factors in an airplane crash. Along with gathering that data, individual NTSB specialists analyze:

  • Operations: The history of the flight involved in the accident and crewmembers’ duties for as many days prior to the crash as appears to be relevant.
  • Structures: Documentation of the plane’s wreckage and the accident scene, including calculation of impact angles to help determine the plane’s pre-impact course and attitude.
  • Powerplants: Examination of engines (and propellers) and engine accessories.
  • Systems: Study of components of the plane’s hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic and associated systems, as well as instruments and elements of the flight control system.
  • Air Traffic Control: Reconstruction of the instructions provided to the plane, including acquisition of air traffic control radar data and transcripts of controller-pilot radio transmissions.
  • Weather: Gathering of all pertinent weather data from the National Weather Service, and sometimes from local TV stations, for a broad area around the accident scene.
  • Human Performance: Study of crew performance and before-the-accident factors that might be involved in human error, including fatigue, medication, alcohol and drug use, medical histories, training, workload, equipment design and work environment.
  • Survival Factors: Documentation of impact forces and injuries, evacuation, community emergency planning and all crash-fire-rescue efforts.

The NTSB publishes preliminary and final reports of its findings, all of which are public information. In most cases, the causes of a major airline disaster are uncovered and explained, and all those who are affected by the crash have access to the data. The investigation of a general aviation accident involving a corporate jet or small private plane may be less complete. A New York law firm experienced in handling aviation accidents can undertake an independent investigation to determine all the contributing factors.

We Can Help During Your Recovery from an Airplane Crash

After an airplane accident that has been caused by negligence, those who have been injured can obtain compensation for medical bills, property damaged or lost, lost income due to injuries or disability, pain and suffering, and other losses. In accidents with fatalities, payments for wrongful deaths, such as for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and loss of support, will be available to spouses and dependents.

When a significant airline disaster causes multiple fatalities and injuries, the airline’s management will likely recognize the company’s liability prior to the NTSB’s final report and set aside funds for legal claims. In smaller accidents, or accidents involving regional airlines, general aviation, and air cargo, the airplane is insured just as a larger airliner is, and the owners will have funds available to pay claims.

In other cases, if problems with one or more of the airplanes’ systems caused the crash, the manufacturer(s) and/or distributor(s) of those parts may be held liable for passengers’ losses. They, too, are insured and will have the funds necessary to make payments to those harmed.

Payments of some sort will be made to survivors of an airline disaster and smaller aviation accidents in many cases. However, to ensure that you obtain the full settlement you deserve in a timely manner, you should obtain the assistance of an experienced airplane accident attorney.

The airline is likely to initially offer low settlements after an accident. Such offers may be made before all of your losses are even recognized and accounted for, which can occur if you have ongoing medical problems from catastrophic injuries.

An experienced airplane accident attorney at Hecht Kleeger & Damashek can serve as your advocate in dealings with the airline or airplane owners and their legal teams. We can stand up to them and allow you to concentrate on your recovery. We can calculate the full extent of your losses and negotiate a full and fair settlement on your behalf. Where funds are set up for the survivors of major disasters, we can ensure that your claim is included, and all filing requirements and deadlines are met.

Legal Help is Available: Call Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C.

Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. is a skilled personal injury firm that can provide the legal assistance necessary to ensure you are properly compensated in complex cases involving aviation accidents. If you have lost a loved one in an airplane accident, we will fight for your rights to benefits and work hard to ensure you receive the financial settlement you deserve.

Our firm has the knowledge and resources to thoroughly investigate and document how the incident affected you and to vigorously pursue a settlement that ensures your financial recovery from the accident. Please contact Hecht Kleeger & Damashek today for a free consultation about your case.

CLIENT REVIEWS

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09/09/2021

When I spoke to Mr.Noah Reiss he gave me valuable legal advice. Connected the dots who and why. He is a great asset to this firm. Will call him again as a friend. Thank you so much.

5 Stars Review 5
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08/11/2021

Ross Raggio, did an amazing job on my case. The office staff was responsive and very helpful to my questions and concerns. I had a very good experience. I highly recommend this firm.

5 Stars Review 5
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06/22/2021

I had a great lawyer with a great Paralegal that made everything easy to understand.

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04/01/2021

I am extremely satisfied and pleased most of all grateful for the services of Jonathan and his team! It is such a relief to have a strong team supporting you through a process that’s stressful. Thank you again for everything.

5 Stars Review 5
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03/01/2021

Hetch,Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., is the law office I highly recommend. My attorney Judd Kleeger, accomplished to represent me, support my needs & secure my future after suffering a traumatic accident. Other lawyers couldn’t guarantee this to me but Judd…

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02/25/2021

I can say without hesitation that if you are injured due to someone else’s fault, that no one will fight harder and more passionately for you than Jordan Hecht and Judd Kleeger. I have worked side by side with them…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

Amazing job, settled my case in 90 days.

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02/23/2021

I highly recommend the law firm of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek – as well as my attorney, Jordan Hecht. Jordan was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease. He was always responsive and patient. He…

5 Stars Review 5
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02/23/2021

I have referred numerous cases to Judd Kleeger and the team at HKD. I feel very confident when i refer a client that they will be treated with the highest regard. Each of my referrals has had very positive experiences…

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01/29/2021

I was always able to reach my attorney Judd Kleeger with any concern I had about my case. He responded timely and with the utmost courtesy to my sometimes desperate phone calls and email. He knew exactly what to do…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/19/2021

The attorneys at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are smart, professional, responsive and dedicated to achieving the best results for their clients. Most importantly, they are trustworthy and genuinely good people who you can depend upon.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/18/2021

Judd Kleeger and his team are extremely competent, super professional and have achieved consistently better results than I or my clients had anticipated. He is my “go to” PI team. This was my experience over a decade and not just…

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I have known Judd Kleeger for over a decade now. By far the smartest hardest working attorney I have ever dealt with. His advice has been spot on time and time again. Highly recommend him.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I retained Judd Kleeger for a personal injury case. I would, without hesitation, recommend Judd, and his firm, for anyone who finds themselves in a situation that demands a tenacious advocate who will not stop fighting until he gets results.

5 Stars Review 5
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01/15/2021

I can’t recommend Judd Kleeger enough. He is without a doubt the most professional lawyer I’ve encountered. Judd Kleeger is diligent and quick in his responses, always making sure his clients are in the right hands. I’ve never had to…

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01/14/2021

Judd Kleeger is an exceptional attorney who makes sure to get the best possible outcome for his client. He is always available, and is knowledgeable, prepared and dedicated to his clients. He is not afraid to go to trial and…

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01/14/2021

Mr. Judd Kleeger and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek are great! They always provide very thoughtful and caring advice. Mr. Kleeger is extremely professional and very easy to work with.

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01/06/2021

We quickly had to get legal counsel and we contacted Jordan Hecht. The rapport and guidance was outstanding at all times, prompt, timely and open for calls and updates. I can’t thank Jordan enough for his care, work and expertise….

5 Stars Review 5
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12/29/2020

Had a great experience with attorney Ross Raggio. He was professional and attentive every step of the way – would highly recommend.

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12/28/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio and his team at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., provided excellent legal services. His team and him were absolutely great, always returning calls or emails when we had questions about the case. Always very cordial, caring and…

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12/11/2020

My wife and i are very grateful to Mr. Jordan Hecht for his sincere compassion and legal assistance during one of the most challenging time in our lives. He was extremely professional and answered all of our concerns. Mr. Hecht…

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12/10/2020

Very professional and very responsive. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of an attorney. The attorney Ross Raggio, who was personally assigned to my case consistently followed through and was able to bring the case to…

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12/08/2020

Mr. Ross Raggio went above and beyond to settle my case during the height of the pandemic, a time when my options appeared limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed slim. He was responsive and professional, and was…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/07/2020

I was a sole practitioner specializing in personal injury law in NYC for more than 36 years. When I decided to retire, I had to make several critical decisions before terminating my practice. To whom should I refer my clients…

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12/07/2020

Ross was always available and working with my best interests, also very thorough with any questions I had along the case. Will recommend to others!

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12/04/2020

Jordan Hecht of Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is the best lawyer I’ve ever worked with.  He is smart, tough, and very professional. I highly recommend the firm and could not have asked for a better outcome.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

The HKD law firm is highly professional, responsive and caring. They were willing to handle my case when other firms declined. Not only did we win our case, but received a huge settlement.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/03/2020

My representation by Jordan Hecht and the whole staff at Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek was top notch professional and very productive

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I have had the pleasure to work alongside Ross Raggio on several matters. He is an extremely talented attorney with an exceptional understanding of the law. I would recommend him and HK&D to anyone looking for a personal injury attorney.

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

I came to know the firm through my relationship with one of the partners, Jordan Hecht. Jordan and I became close friends in law school. I have since referred several cases to Jordan and his firm ranging from a mesothelioma…

5 Stars Review 5
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12/02/2020

From the moment that I contacted this Law firm and got assigned Mr. Ross. They have been nothing but helpful, Especially Mr. Ross. In the time that Mr. Ross took my case, it took him 3 months to a get…

5 Stars Review 5
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10/27/2020

The best

5 Stars Review 5
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01/21/2020

I cannot speak highly enough about this firm. The situation that necessitated my need for legal representation was very stressful on me and my family and the lawyers here were with me every step of the way. I could always…

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07/05/2015

I retained Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek for a serious personal injury case. They were very professional and managed to obtain a settlement for me that far exceeded my expectations. I would strongly recommend this firm for anyone’s legal needs.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting a half dozen lawyers at different firms, I decided to go to Hecht, Kleeger and Damashek. As soon as I met Jon Damashek, I knew I had to look no further. Mr. Damashek made me feel at ease…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

After meeting with Jon Damashek I knew immediately he was the right attorney for me. I had met with other attorneys in the past, but Jon’s experience, knowledge, and track record were most impressive. I highly recommend Jon Damashek and…

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07/05/2015

I know all three named partners at this firm and highly recommend them. They are very professional and tireless advocates for their clients. If you need a personal injury attorney, you cannot do better than Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek.

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I have worked with countless attorneys over the years and Jon Damashek stands out among them. I have seen first hand him advocate for his clients vigorously. He fights for the rights of the seriously injured, does not back down…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise and knowledge of the law and more importantly his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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07/05/2015

I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome to my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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06/05/2019

I had the opportunity of having this amazing team of lawyers work on my case. When I first met with Jordan Hecht and Michael Kusz, I really liked their energy and the spunk that they had, it meant business and…

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05/01/2015

“I had the opportunity to work with Jon Damashek and had an amazing experience. I have known Jon for many years and always felt very comfortable relying on his expertise, knowledge of the law, and more importantly – his ability…

5 Stars Review 5
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05/01/2015

“I cannot recommend Jon Damashek highly enough. I attribute the favorable outcome of my case to his consummate and tireless dedication and tenacity. Just as important, he was truly there with me every step of the way. He was very…

5 Stars Review 5
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Average 5 out of 5 rating based on 43 Reviews