Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Name:

E-mail:

Phone Number:

Zip Code:

Your Question:

Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Plane Crashes

Frieda has been writing about helicopter and plane crashes for some time now and she wondered just how and when one would know they needed an Aviation Attorney - or if one is needed at all. So, after doing some research, Frieda offers the following guidelines to help you.

The tragedy of a plane crash or a helicopter crash is devastating - whether you are personally involved or have a loved one who is injured or killed in an aircraft accident. It puts people into positions and situations they never ever expected to be in and presents circumstances they never expected. While in the midst of shock, personal heartbreaking decisions have to be made as well as legal ones. What does one do in these overwhelming circumstances?

* Consulting your family attorney would be the place to start. This person knows you better than anyone else and can advise you on a lot of matters. He or she will also be able to help you decide if you actually need to retain an aviation attorney. The most important thing here is not to make any decisions, accept any compensation, or sign any legal documents without the advice of your attorney.

* You might not need an aviation attorney - the case may possibly be settled without an attorney. However, whoever is responsible for the accident may not have your best interest at heart and will not provide fast and fair compensation. You'll need someone with experience in these matters to advise you (to protect you) on any proposed settlement - someone who handles aviation accidents as a major part of their practice.

* If you decide you need to consult an aviation lawyer, know that generally, most will discuss your case with you without charge. This is gives you a chance not only to discuss with the attorney the merits of your case, his educational background, legal experience, and the results of that experience, but for you to make sure you are comfortable with this person and the law firm. This is so important. Keep in mind he will be working for you, and you need to make sure you will have a good working relationship. Do your personalities work well together? Will he be accessible to you and willing to communicate with you to keep you informed of the progress of your case? Do you feel you can trust him?

Choosing the right aviation attorney is also important because you will have only one chance to bring a lawsuit arising out of aircraft accident.

* Do I need a large firm? Not necessarily. After checking the legal history of the law firm you are considering, you may find a smaller firm will do an excellent job for you. Bigger is not always better. Education, experience, and success is not limited to large firms. Remember what's most important: a firm with which you are comfortable, which you can trust, which is responsive to your needs. With a large firm, it is possible to find yourself lost in a maze of paralegals, secretaries, associate lawyers, and other staff. This is less likely to happen with a smaller firm which chooses to remain small in order to maintain a more personal quality in their relationships with their clients and in the services they offer.

Crouse Law Offices in Raleigh, N.C. is just such a firm. With 28 years of experience they are able to handle your case competently and efficiently and you always speak directly with the attorney representing you. The successful career of Crouse Law Offices has gained them the respect of major law firms and large aviation manufacturers.