Free consultation with an injury lawyer. Call 412-802-6666, text 412-855-5511, or send us a message.
Aviation cases are technical, federal and fast-moving. Families need answers.
Since 1997, the attorneys at Flaherty Fardo Rogel & Amick have represented injured people and their families throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We work closely as one team. Every case that heads toward trial has the whole team behind it. Flying is generally safe, but when a plane or helicopter crashes the injuries are often catastrophic. Airlines and charter operators carry passengers for a living, and the Federal Aviation Administration regulates nearly every part of aviation, from pilot training to aircraft maintenance.
Common Causes of Plane Crashes
- Pilot error
- Pilot fatigue or impairment
- Flying into poor weather
- Improper maintenance
- Defective aircraft design or manufacture
- Mechanical or instrument failure
- Air traffic control errors
Who May Be Responsible
- The pilot and operator, including airlines, charter companies and flight schools.
- Maintenance and repair shops.
- Manufacturers of the aircraft, engines and parts.
- The United States, when a federal employee, such as an air traffic controller, was negligent.
Federal Rules That Shape Aviation Cases
- NTSB reports cannot be used in court. The National Transportation Safety Board investigates crashes, but federal law bars using the Board’s accident reports as evidence in a civil damages case (49 U.S.C. § 1154(b)). That makes an independent investigation essential.
- An 18-year limit for some manufacturer claims. For general aviation aircraft, generally those with fewer than 20 passenger seats not in scheduled passenger service, claims against the manufacturer are generally barred if the crash happened more than 18 years after the aircraft was delivered, or after a replacement part was installed. There are exceptions, including for people who were not on board and when a manufacturer hid information from the FAA.
- Claims against the federal government. A claim against the United States must first be presented in writing to the right federal agency within two years.
Pennsylvania Rules You Should Know
- Deadline. Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years.
- Shared fault. You can recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share.
- Wrongful death. When a crash takes a life, Pennsylvania allows both a wrongful death claim for the family and a survival claim for the estate. See our wrongful death page.
- No cap. Pennsylvania does not cap compensatory damages in these cases.
How We Build Aviation Cases
- Independent investigation. We gather maintenance logs, pilot records, flight data and weather information.
- Experts when they matter. Pilots, engineers and accident reconstructionists explain what went wrong.
- Experience with federal claims. We have pursued claims against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
- Trial-ready. Aviation insurers know we are prepared to try cases to a jury.
What You Can Recover
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering and loss of life’s pleasures
- Scarring, disfigurement and permanent disability
- Wrongful death and survival damages for the family of a person killed
Related Cases We Handle
Talk to an Injury Lawyer
Every case starts with a conversation with a lawyer. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case and what it may be worth. Our injury cases are handled by Noah Fardo and Bill Rogel, working with Shawn Flaherty.
Call 412-802-6666 or email Managing Partner Noah Fardo at npf@pghfirm.com. Prefer to text? Use 412-855-5511. More answers: Personal Injury FAQ.
There is no fee unless we obtain a monetary recovery. We advance the case costs and are reimbursed from the client’s share only if we are successful. General information only, not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.











