Corporate Negligence

Attorneys Pursuing Accountability for Airline Negligence

A young boy is killed because of pilot error and airline negligence - a death that could have been avoided had the pilot aborted landing or appropriately applied auto brake systems. On December 8, 2005, Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 overshot its landing at the Chicago Midway Airport, crashing through two fences and an automobile before coming to a stop on the highway. The boy in the vehicle was killed; others were injured.

According to NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) investigators, the probable cause of the accident was the pilot's failure to use the reverse thrusters in a timely manner to stop the plane. Contributory to this was the fact that the crew was unfamiliar with the plane's automatic braking system.

Flight 1248 is a clear example of operator negligence as well as corporate negligence that leads to disaster. Airports and commercial airlines are placing undue emphasis on performance over safety:

• Flight turnaround: Employees are being pushed to be on time at the gate so that planes can be turned around faster - resulting in more profits for the airline.
• Aborted missions: Because of the emphasis on timing, captains are hesitant to abort a landing that they believe to be unsafe. An aborted landing and re-attempt takes more time and requires additional paperwork - which also takes more time and slows turnaround.
• Insufficient Training: Airlines install automatic braking systems on planes, but fail to provide sufficient training on the devices. Excuses are made that avoidance of the system is intended to keep pilots in control. However, the truth is that regular utilization of the auto brake system requires more brake maintenance and this has profits.
• Reducing fuel levels: Airlines are pushing pilots to fly with as little fuel as possible, leaving little room for error, delay or changes in flight pattern.
• Paperwork avoidance: Additional paperwork is to be avoided at all costs - as a result, pilots feel pushed to fly when they feel the equipment is unsafe or to make landings that should have been aborted.
• Other ways to cut costs: To cut costs, airlines outsource maintenance, resulting in shoddy maintenance and unsafe aircrafts and flights.

At Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman, P.C., our experienced aviation accident lawyers are trusted by colleagues, the press and - most importantly - by surviving crash victims and families of fatal crash victims. We have over 20 years of experience handling personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from air disasters. We find answers, offer caring support and pursue liability for the negligence of the airline and other responsible parties. Based in Los Angeles, California, we represent clients throughout the U.S. and internationally.

For immediate assistance, or to schedule an initial consultation or case evaluation with an experienced aviation or plane crash lawyer, please contact Baum Hedlund, P.C.

Free consultations • Servicios también disponible en español • Nous sommes fières d'offrir nos services en Français • Domestic and international aviation accident attorneys • Brochures, testimonials, and references available upon request

Our verdicts and settlements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your case.