Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1. How long does a typical case last?  This depends upon the complexity of the case and the time needed to research your rights and prepare your case.  Most lawsuits result in a settlement agreement before a trial begins.  Going to court is expensive, time consuming, and can cause physical and emotional stress for a victim.  But sometimes, going to court produces the best overall result.
2. How much can I expect to recover?  This varies by the severity of injury and any local laws that impose limits (called “caps”) on recoverable damages.  A victim may recover for pain and suffering, lost wages and property, future earnings, and interference with marital relations.  There may be other forms of monetary damages available based upon local law.
3. How soon can I sue?  A lawyer knows how to research the facts to gather important information to prove your case.  You can help by gathering important information about yourself and the event.  Get names of people who can help tell your story.  Keep good records of expenses and steps taken to recover.
4. Is there a time limit to sue? Yes! States may have different requirements regarding the time limits to start a legal action.  Once a victim knows or should have known they suffered an injury, the clock usually starts ticking.  An attorney can research these requirements to ensure you do not lose legal rights through the passage of time.

“Did you know?”  Myth v Fact

•  Reliance on myths can lead to a complacent approach to legal rights for plane crash victims.

 
1. Myth- “Plane crashes are nothing more than terrible accidents.”
-Fact- Crashes may be caused by a dangerous or defective airplane or component part, product or careless human act.  This fact is not always readily apparent.  A lawyer can investigate the facts and find the true cause. You may have legal rights.

 2. Myth- “Many plane crashes cause serious burns. But these burns do not hurt because they destroy the layer of skin that contains nerve endings.”
-Fact- Burns are one of the most painful injuries.  Partial thickness burns directly affect the nerve endings thereby causing horrific pain.  And many progressive treatment plans cause more pain as dead skin is peeled away to allow new skin growth.  Burn injuries may require skin grafts or may result in painful infection.  Many people think only of the physical pain.  Burn victims can face a lifetime of treatment, surgery, and physical therapy with a lasting effect on the psychological welfare of the victim, family, and friends.

3. Myth- “Through the miracles of modern medicine, they can simply replace my burned skin”.
-Fact- There are indeed miracles occurring in burn centers across the country as talented staff devote their lives to research and care.  But burns produce irreversible trauma to the body’s largest organ: the skin.  In fact, many people do not die from the initial burn, but succumb to complications like secondary infection and organ damage.

4. Myth- “It won’t happen to me because my airline is safe.”
-Fact- True- chances are good you will never be the victim of a plane crash.  But most victims shared this belief before their crash occurred.  Therefore, it is wise to research and be prepared before a crash happens.

5. Myth- “All lawyers are trained and have the experience to handle plane crash cases.”
-Fact- Not all lawyers understand the comprehensive approach required for handling a plane crash victim’s needs.  These cases and injuries are complex and require a coordinated approach to services.  AGF has a proven track record of learning and understanding this complexity and coordination.  They built a team of lawyers with knowledge and experience in understanding the legal and regulatory environment of the airline industry.

• Myth- “With so many wonderful regulatory and victim support groups, I do not need an attorney to look after my interests.”

-Fact- There are wonderful people in many public and private organizations ready to help plane crash victims.  But remember, an attorney works for you to coordinate all these services and to ensure that your needs are thoroughly addressed.