Marietta Aviation Accident Lawyer

Marietta Aviation Accident Attorney

Aviation accidents are among the most complex and devastating types of personal injury cases. These accidents often result in severe injuries or even the tragic loss of life. If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident in Marietta, working with a Marietta aviation accident lawyer is critical to protecting your rights and securing compensation.

Why Choose Stephen LaBriola?

Attorney Stephen LaBriola has been practicing since 1993, giving him decades of experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation. Stephen LaBriola has a deep understanding of aviation accident laws and how to analyze evidence surrounding these cases, allowing him to build strong legal case strategies for clients. He also understands how difficult it is to recover from these accidents, which is why he works tirelessly to pursue full recovery.

An Overview of Aviation Accidents in Marietta

With access to the Cobb County International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, many people in Marietta rely on air travel for fast, convenient transportation. In addition to Marietta locals, travelers flying through Georgia’s airports may need local legal representation in order to file a claim.

It’s not uncommon to see and hear airplanes flying through the air above Dobbins Air Reserve Base, located in Marietta near I-75 at Delk Road, about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. Just north of Marietta in Kennesaw, the Cobb County International McCollum Airport keeps the skies busy. Factor in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, about 35 miles south, and it’s not hard to see why aviation accidents are inevitable in and around Marietta and Cobb County.

In 2024, the annual fatal accident rate per one million flights was 0.12 per million flights. In 2025, the accident rate was 1.32 flight-related accidents per one million flights, which equates to one accident for every 0.76 million flights. In theory, travel by airplane is one of the safest forms of transportation.

However, when accidents do occur, they can be some of the most devastating accidents to be involved in, leaving victims suffering from catastrophic injuries, high financial expenses, and lasting emotional trauma. Some types of aviation accidents that may be named in an aviation accident case are listed below:

• Commercial airline crashes
• Private or general aviation plane accidents
• Charter and corporate jet accidents
• Runway incursions and ground collisions
• Injuries from an emergency landing accident
• Drone-related aviation accidents

Injuries you have sustained in the airport, the boarding process, or on the runway are also covered by aviation accident laws. Ramp accidents alone injure about 243,000 people per year, and accidents at airport facilities made up 16% of total aviation accidents in 2025. These cases could involve severe injuries caused by:

• Inadequate airport security
• Improperly secured ramps and jet bridges
• Slips and falls due to slippery floors or items blocking airport and jet bridge walkways

How Liability Is Determined After an Aviation Accident

Determining who can be held liable for damages incurred in an aviation accident is a complex process that often goes beyond a single, obvious at-fault party. Unlike typical motor vehicle accidents, aviation accidents often involve multiple responsible parties and strict aviation regulations. As a result, liability may be shared among several individuals, companies, or government entities, or could be the sole responsibility of one party.

Evaluating evidence is fundamental in establishing liability. When you hire an aviation accident lawyer, they can review evidence from the case to determine which party’s negligence led to the accident. Some evidence that can be used in an aviation accident case includes:

• Flight data records
• Plane maintenance logs
• Pilot training records
• Air traffic control communications
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Witness testimonies
• Statements from aviation specialists

Who Can Be Held Liable for Aviation Accident Damages?

A Marietta aviation accident attorney can help in investigating and identifying the liable party or parties in an aviation accident case. Common parties who may be held accountable are listed below:

• The pilot or flight crew. The pilots and crew members may be held liable if the accident was caused by their failure to follow proper safety protocols. Sometimes, the airline itself may also be responsible for errors caused by the flight crew.
• The aircraft owner. The owner of the aircraft can be responsible if the plane was not properly maintained or prepared for flight. The owner may be an airline, private operator, or private owner.
• Maintenance and repair companies. While the aircraft owners are responsible for maintenance, third-party maintenance providers can be held liable if faulty repairs or improper inspections led to the accident.
• Air traffic controllers. Errors in communication or misdirection by air traffic controllers can often lead to accidents between planes.
• Airport authorities. Ground control personnel or airport authorities may be responsible for accidents that happen in the airport or on the runway.

Damages You Can Recover in an Aviation Accident Case

By filing a claim against the airline or other liable party, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. The amount of compensation you can recover depends on the circumstances of the accident, the types of injuries, any other damages you suffered from as a result of the accident, and the severity of those damages. Some of the most common types of compensation included in an aviation accident settlement are listed below:

• Medical expenses. Medical costs are often one of the most significant economic damages that victims experience after an aviation accident. These damages include the cost of emergency room treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical care. You may also recover compensation for future medical costs, such as long-term medical care, assistive devices, or anticipated surgeries.
• Lost wages. It is common to miss work while recovering from your injuries or due to medical treatment. Compensation can cover the lost wages from when you were unable to work. You may also be entitled to damages for reduced earning capacity if you are left with a permanent disability that limits your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering. While pain and suffering can be difficult to quantify, a plane crash attorney can include this damage in your claim, reflecting the difficulty of the accident treatment necessary for the recovery of your mental and emotional health.
• Emotional distress. An aviation accident is one of the most traumatic experiences you can face. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or fear of flying after an accident. Compensation can cover the overall mental and emotional impact of the accident, as well as the cost for services, such as counseling.
• Property damage. Personal belongings, including luggage, electronic devices, clothing, or other personal valuables, can be damaged or lost in an aviation accident. Compensation can cover the cost of repairing or replacing property damage to limit the financial burden of recovering from the accident.

In addition to the damages of the victim, family members are able to recover compensation for their losses in a wrongful death accident. While no compensation can make up for the loss of a loved one, it can help alleviate the financial burden of costs, such as medical expenses, end-of-life care, funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and mental anguish.

Why You Should Hire an Aviation Accident Lawyer

Aviation accident cases have intense legal challenges when it comes to the legal process and correctly determining fault. Additionally, aviation companies and their insurance providers often work hard to minimize payouts and/or avoid blame. Attempting to handle a case without skilled legal representation can lead to claim denials, procedural errors, or an inadequate settlement.

An experienced Marietta aviation accident lawyer can be advantageous to an aviation accident case in the ways listed below:

• Explain what federal and state aviation regulations were violated.
• Identify all liable parties.
• Gather and preserve crucial evidence about the flight, the accident, and your damages.
• Negotiate aggressively with airlines and insurance companies.
• Provide effective representation in court.

FAQs

Is Georgia an At-Fault State?

Yes, Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to accidents caused by negligence, such as many aviation accidents. This means the party that is responsible for causing the accident is responsible for covering the damages the victim experienced. To file a successful at-fault, or tort claim, you must provide sufficient evidence to prove your injuries were directly caused by the negligent party’s actions.

Can Punitive Damages Be Included in Compensation for an Aviation Accident?

Yes, punitive damages may be awarded for an aviation accident, but they are only available in situations involving extreme negligence. Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim, but to punish the at-fault party for willful or extreme misconduct. For example, these damages may be available if a pilot was under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if an airline hired an unqualified flight crew.

What Injuries Are Common in an Aviation Accident?

Aviation accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that leave you with expensive medical bills, lengthy recovery times, and permanent physical disabilities. Common injuries in Marietta, Georgia include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, internal organ injuries, severe burns, and broken bones. No matter what injuries you are suffering from, a lawyer can work with medical specialists and review medical records to secure compensation for your recovery.

Why Is Litigation Important in an Aviation Accident Case?

While it is possible to settle aviation accident cases outside of court, litigation offers several benefits for individuals experiencing extreme damages. By going to court, you may be able to receive increased compensation compared to a settlement, especially if you are not able to negotiate an amount that covers all of your damages. Additionally, litigation creates a public record of the negligence, holding airlines and other liable parties publicly accountable.

Speak With an Experienced Marietta Aviation Accident Attorney

Aviation accidents can leave you facing overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Contact Attorney Stephen LaBriola to learn how his legal knowledge and relentless advocacy can help you move forward after an aviation accident.