Chicago Aviation Accident Lawyers for Complex Flight-Related Cases

Aviation accidents are rare, but when they happen the consequences are often catastrophic. If you or your family have been affected by a plane, helicopter, or other aviation incident, our Chicago aviation accident lawyers help injured passengers and grieving families across Illinois pursue answers, accountability, and financial security after life-changing loss.

Illinois Aviation Accidents – Why These Cases Are Different

Aviation cases are very different from typical car or truck accidents. They often involve serious or fatal injuries, multiple corporate and insurance interests, and overlapping state and federal rules. Investigations may include federal agencies, manufacturers, maintenance companies, and others—all moving at their own pace and with their own priorities.


Families, meanwhile, are left in shock, trying to process what happened while dealing with medical crises, funeral arrangements, and sudden changes to household income. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and unsure whether you even “have a case,” especially when officials and companies are tight-lipped. When you work with a Chicago aviation accident lawyer who understands these dynamics, you get a team focused on protecting your rights, translating complex investigations into plain language, and building a claim that reflects the full impact on your life.

Common Types and Causes of Aviation Accidents

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Airplane taking off from a boarding pass.
Commercial Airline and Regional Jet Incidents

Not every commercial airline case involves a headline-making disaster. Passengers can be seriously injured by hard landings, abrupt maneuvers, turbulence, runway overruns, and ground collisions, as well as falls or impacts inside the cabin. In these situations, we look closely at flight operations, crew decisions, maintenance practices, and whether industry safety standards were followed before and during the flight.

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General Aviation and Small Plane Crashes

Many serious injuries and fatalities involve smaller aircraft—private planes, charter flights, air taxis, sightseeing tours, and business jets. These cases often turn on factors like pilot training and qualifications, pre-flight planning, weather evaluation, and adherence to published procedures. We work to understand what happened in the cockpit, what information was available to the pilot, and whether anyone failed to act on known risks.

Black and white line art of a helicopter.
Helicopter Accidents and Medical Transport Flights

Helicopters are used for air ambulances, news and traffic reporting, construction, tourism, and more. Their ability to operate in tight spaces and difficult conditions can also increase risk if safety rules are not followed. Crashes and hard landings may stem from weather, pilot error, mechanical failures, or communication issues. When a medical helicopter is involved, we also consider whether urgency pressures led to unsafe decisions.

Black and white icon of an airplane landing on a runway.
Ground, Airport, and Runway Incidents

Serious injuries don’t only happen in the air. Ground collisions between aircraft and service vehicles, jet blast or prop wash incidents, falls on poorly maintained tarmacs or boarding stairs, and baggage or equipment mishandling can all give rise to aviation-related claims. In these cases, we examine airport operations, contractor responsibilities, and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect passengers and workers.

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Mechanical Failures, Maintenance Issues, and Defective Parts

When a critical system fails in flight—engines, control surfaces, landing gear, or avionics—the results can be catastrophic. Sometimes the root cause is a manufacturing defect or design flaw; other times, it’s inadequate maintenance, rushed repairs, or failure to follow service bulletins. We work with qualified experts to review maintenance logs, service histories, and technical records to determine whether a manufacturer, maintenance provider, or other entity shares responsibility.

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Weather, Air Traffic Control, and Human Factors

Weather and visibility play a major role in many aviation accidents, but “bad weather” alone rarely tells the full story. The key questions are often: What information was available? What decisions did pilots and dispatchers make? Were proper procedures followed for the conditions? Similarly, communication problems with air traffic control, misread instruments, and other human factors can contribute to tragedy. A careful investigation helps separate unavoidable events from preventable mistakes.

What to Expect From Our Aviation Accident Team

From the first conversation, we recognize that you are likely dealing with grief, trauma, and unanswered questions. Our first job is to listen—to understand who was hurt, what you know so far, and what you most want to accomplish. Then we outline a plan that may include:


  • Gathering available incident or accident reports and updates
  • Obtaining medical records, autopsy reports (in fatal cases), and other key documents
  • Monitoring and, when appropriate, coordinating with official investigations
  • Working with aviation experts to interpret technical data and flight records
  • Identifying all potentially responsible individuals and companies, as well as their insurers
  • Documenting the full scope of your losses, including future financial and emotional impact


While agencies and companies conduct their own reviews, we conduct ours with your interests at the center. We translate technical jargon into clear explanations, keep you updated on meaningful developments, and help you make decisions about when and how to move forward with a legal claim. We also take on the communication burden with insurance carriers and corporate representatives so you’re not left facing them alone.

Standing Up to Airlines, Manufacturers, and Insurance Companies

Aviation defendants are often large corporations with sophisticated legal teams and significant resources. Their insurers are skilled at minimizing payout exposure, and their internal investigations are not designed to protect you. At Alberts & Eiler, P.C., our attorneys bring more than 30 years of combined experience working both for and against insurance companies and have completed over 100 jury trials as a team. That trial-tested background matters when negotiating with entities that are accustomed to hard-fought litigation.


We purposely maintain a smaller caseload so we can devote substantial time and attention to complex matters like aviation accidents. That means digging deeply into records, timelines, and expert analyses; understanding the story not only of how the incident happened but of who your loved one was and how this loss has reshaped your life. When corporations or insurers underestimate your claim or try to delay in hopes that you’ll give up, our readiness to take a case into the courtroom sends a clear message: we are prepared to go the distance when that is what justice requires.

Common Questions About Aviation Accidents in Chicago and Across Illinois

  • What should I do if I or a loved one was involved in a plane or helicopter crash?

    In the immediate aftermath, focus on safety and medical care. Follow instructions from emergency responders and treating physicians, and keep copies of all paperwork you receive. As soon as you can, start a file with any communications from airlines, operators, or insurers, including emails and letters. It is also helpful to write down what you remember about events leading up to the flight or incident, while details are still fresh. Before signing any releases, accepting compensation, or giving detailed statements to corporate representatives, speak with an aviation accident attorney in Chicago who can advise you on how to protect your rights.

  • Who can be held responsible in an aviation accident case?

    Responsibility in an aviation matter can extend far beyond the pilot. Depending on the facts, potentially liable parties may include the airline or charter company, the aircraft owner, maintenance providers, manufacturers of defective parts, contractors that provide ground or fueling services, and even, in some situations, government entities. In cases with multiple defendants, insurance coverage and responsibility may be divided or hotly contested. A thorough, independent investigation is essential to identifying every responsible party and every potential source of compensation.

  • Do I need a Chicago aviation accident lawyer if the crash involved an out-of-state airline or aircraft?

    Yes, it often helps to have counsel who understands both local courts and the broader aviation landscape. Aviation cases can involve questions about where a lawsuit should be filed, which state’s laws apply, and how federal regulations interact with state claims. A Chicago-based aviation accident lawyer can help you weigh venue options, coordinate with experts, and pursue claims in the forum that makes the most sense for your situation, even when companies or aircraft are based elsewhere.

  • How long do aviation accident cases take, and what should I expect?

    Aviation cases tend to move more slowly than typical auto or premises claims because investigations are detailed and may involve multiple agencies and experts. It is common for technical findings to unfold over many months. During that time, we focus on gathering the information we need, documenting your losses, and positioning the case for negotiation or litigation. We will be candid about likely timelines, keep you updated, and help you balance the desire for closure with the need to fully understand what happened and what your case is truly worth.

  • How do legal fees work in aviation accident cases?

    In most aviation injury and wrongful death matters, we work on a contingency-fee basis. That means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we obtain compensation through a settlement or verdict. At the beginning of the case, we explain the fee structure, potential costs (such as expert witness fees), and how those expenses are handled so you can make an informed decision about moving forward. Our goal is to make skilled legal representation accessible to families at a time when finances may already feel uncertain.

Ready to Talk With a Chicago Aviation Accident Lawyer?

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an aviation incident involving a plane, helicopter, or other aircraft in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, you do not have to face airlines, manufacturers, or insurers on your own. Our aviation accident law firm Chicago families turn to combines deep insurance-insider experience, substantial trial history, and a deliberately hands-on approach. We offer confidential, no-cost consultations, and you will not owe attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.