Aviation accident cases are not cut-and-dried. They have several parties involved, extensive investigations, and intricate federal laws and regulations. Having the appropriate legal professional working on a case can make or break a case. A wrong turn in choosing an attorney could cost a victim adequate compensation or delay a case for decades. For victims and families pursuing justice, it’s important to know what one should not do when looking for representation.
You may think any personal injury attorney can litigate an aviation accident case. But these cases demand specialized expertise and experience. Only an experienced aviation accident law firm in Los Angeles will have the right knowledge on how to navigate the complex web of regulations, insurance companies, and aviation experts involved in such claims. The following are five expensive errors to avoid to obtain the best possible result.
1) Employing a General Practice Lawyer
You would notice quite a number of law firms in Los Angeles that identify themselves as proficient in dealing with diverse cases. But don’t be deceived. A general practice attorney would be the right choice to deal with slip-and-fall cases. Meanwhile, aviation accident cases can’t be treated the same. Aviation law in Los Angeles involves federal aviation regulations, technical aspects of the aircraft, and industry standards. An attorney who is not familiar with this background may overlook significant evidence or miss crucial aspects in investigations.
So, prior to hiring, always inquire about specific aviation experience. Get someone who can demonstrate a history of handling such distinctive cases effectively. This ensures the attorney is well-positioned to develop a solid case and defend himself or herself against airlines, manufacturers, and insurers.
2) Failure to Verify the Track Record
A flashy office or an impressive website does not illustrate a lawyer’s ability. Lawyers may have law firms that tout huge verdicts, but such outcomes may result from unrelated cases. Therefore, it is essential for you to ask the true success rate of aviation accident claims.
If they say they have experience in dealing with aviation cases, you may ask them the number of their cases that have actually gone to trial and the settlements they have been able to secure. A reputable lawyer would know how to negotiate with big insurance companies and make large corporations pay. This would be necessary to guarantee you better results.
3) Ignoring Client References and Reviews
Former customers might be able to give you an idea of what to anticipate if you hire a specific attorney. It is not wise if you do not do this step. So, look at reviews on reputable lawyer directories and investigate the state bar association for any disciplinary actions or complaints.
If possible, ask the attorney for references from previous clients with similar cases. A good lawyer won’t hesitate to provide this information. Speaking with past clients in Los Angeles can shed light on communication style, availability, and how well the lawyer handled challenges.
4) Selecting Based Only on Fees
Obviously, the cost of a legal professional is significant, but opting solely based on price can prove dangerous. If you want the most affordable lawyer in Los Angeles, you may find that they have no experience or are not committed. Still, even selecting the most costly one will not necessarily make the outcome go your way.
It is preferable to offset the fee structure with qualifications and resources. Most aviation accident lawyers in Los Angeles practice on contingency. This means they do not charge unless and until they are successful in obtaining the best possible outcome for the client.
Nevertheless, it’s preferable to know what percentage they will take and if there are additional charges for expert witnesses or court charges. Clear fee communication at the beginning prevents surprises in the future. An honest attorney will explain clearly how things work and what you can expect at every step.
5) Not Enquiring About Trial Experience
The vast majority of aviation accident claims settle out of court, but sometimes there simply can’t be a fair agreement. When that happens, having a lawyer who’s willing to take it all the way to trial is a must. Some lawyers don’t want to take the case that far because trials require time, effort, and a lot of resources.
Always inquire about the experience of attorney in court. How many cases of aviation have they taken to a jury? What were the results? A seasoned attorney in court sends a firm message to opposition parties that they will not retreat. This can even be used to obtain better settlements, even without pursuing trials.
Avoidance of the aforementioned five errors saves time and money when working with the aftermath of an aviation crash. Finding the right aviation accident law firm in Los Angeles is pivotal in proving your case in court. A legal professional with a good reputation with specialisation in this field can definitely handle the complexity of an aviation claim. So do your research, and find for yourself someone who will fight tirelessly and handle all the details with care.
