Should victims or their families negotiate with the airline or its insurance company after an airline accident?

Consulting an experienced aviation attorney is advisable before negotiating with the airline or its insurance company. Aviation accidents involve intricate legal and regulatory matters, and an attorney’s legal guidance is crucial in helping victims navigate complexities, assess damages comprehensively, and achieve a settlement that adequately compensates for injuries, losses, and long-term consequences.

Without legal guidance, settling with an airline or insurance company may result in accepting an offer that fails to account for the full extent of the harm suffered.

Aviation lawyers are equipped to evaluate crash circumstances, determine liability, and ensure victims or their families receive just compensation. Airlines and insurance companies always prioritize their interests in settlement negotiations. Hence, legal representation becomes essential to provide victims with an advocate who can safeguard their rights and pursue a fair resolution.

Understanding settlement options after an airplane accident

Gathering evidence for your case and the stress of going to trial often make settlements seem the best path forward. Only with expert representation can plaintiffs receive appropriate compensation for injuries suffered or death, and defendants can avoid a lengthy legal process. However, not all settlements happen the same way. Your lawyer considers the specifics of your case, the other parties involved, and how to best proceed following possible avenues such as:

• Lawyer-to-lawyer discussions are usually the first level of engagement in any airplane accident settlement discussions. Lawyers will call each other or use written communication to demand or offer compensation.
• Meetings between attorneys and insurance providers – Insurance providers have the final say in settlement payments because they sign the check. At some point in negotiations, the defendant’s attorneys will involve an insurance representative.
• Meetings with the plaintiff – Settlement negotiations eventually reach the point where the defendants and their lawyers meet with the plaintiff to see how they respond to their offers. An experienced lawyer will know when it is suitable for the plaintiff to attend meetings.
• Meetings with all parties – In particular cases, settlement meetings with all parties involved are the most effective. They usually ensure significant steps forward in discussions and can easily reach an amicable resolution. However, lawyers must be able to gauge situations before bringing everyone together, especially if emotions run high between the plaintiffs and the defendants.