Las Vegas Attorneys - Air Accidents
Benson & Bingham > Areas of Practice > Air Accidents

Air Accidents Lawyers in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Grand Canyon and Arizona

The most devastating losses come with plane crashes. Often the cause of aircraft cases are mysteries, and must be examined from many angles. In tort law, not only do these bring traditional negligence actions, but also product liability. If the investigation proves the pilot did not error, than the exact culprit of the crash should be identified through what remains of the evidence. Often, attorneys rely on the Latin phrase and legal theory of "Res Ipsa Loquitor" meaning, "the facts speak for themselves." Ruling out pilot error, planes and aircraft do not typically malfunction unless some type of equipment was the cause. Jet aircraft are the most reliable transportation vehicles in the world. Small aircraft statistically do not perform as well, most likely because of faulty maintenance. It is important to look at all the flight logs, the hours, and the plane's specific maintenance records when investigating a crash. The duty of the lawyer becomes one of an investigator. Working closely with the NTSB and other agencies is extremely important in pin pointing liability.

Las Vegas has its share of plane crashes: Cessna, King Air, Piper, and other small aircraft have all gone down in the Las Vegas valley. Occasionally, the missions flown into the Grand Canyon in Arizona become national headlines due to the crashes. Local operators fly thousands of trips into the canyon every year. The North Las Vegas air terminal is home to the majority of small aircraft traffic in Las Vegas. Many of the tour operators such as Scenic Airways have been sued for crashes in the Grand Canyon. The cause of such accidents are the result of pilot error (air speed, or lack thereof, bad weather), and engine failure. Benson & Bingham specializes in aircraft accidents and small plane crashes.

Helicopter accidents are usually fatal. Again, the issue is pilot error verses equipment failure. Crashes of this sort need to be examined the same way as planes. Similar to airplane crashes, helicopter crashes are very common in the Grand Canyon area, as well as in Nevada.

Airline Operators Servicing McCarran International Airport and the Las Vegas, Nevada area: