Virginia Airplane Accident Lawyer Serving Newport News, Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Washington D.C., and Nationwide
Airplane accidents are among the most catastrophic events a family can experience. These tragedies often leave survivors grappling with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial losses. They can also mean the heartbreaking loss of loved ones. Our renowned legal team understands the gravity of these cases and the courage it takes to seek justice.
Attorney James (Jamie) Shoemaker brings unique insight to aviation litigation. As an experienced pilot, he understands both the technical and legal complexities of aircraft accidents. Coupled with his decades of legal experience and national recognition — including Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite — Atty. Shoemaker provides the skill and dedication victims need during this difficult time.
Why Aircraft Accident Cases Are Uniquely Complex
Aircraft accident litigation is unlike any other area of personal injury law. These cases often involve extensive federal regulations under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), multiple potentially liable parties (including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, maintenance companies, and air traffic controllers), and technical investigations requiring expert analysis of flight data, black boxes, and maintenance records. High-stakes litigation against major airlines and large corporate defendants requires a law firm with experience and resources.
Few attorneys have the skill set to manage these challenges. Jamie Shoemaker’s background as both a pilot and a trial lawyer make him especially equipped to represent victims and their families effectively.
Common Causes of Aircraft Accidents
Understanding how and why airplane accidents happen is essential for pursuing a successful claim. At J.H. Shoemaker Law, we have experience with a wide range of aviation accident causes, including:
- Pilot error such as misjudgments during takeoff, landing, or flight that result in crashes
- Mechanical failures involving defective engines, navigation systems, or structural components
- Maintenance negligence from improper inspections or skipped repairs by ground crews
- Air traffic control errors including miscommunication or mismanagement of flight paths
- Defective design or manufacturing from aircraft or component manufacturers
- Weather-related accidents where pilot or airline negligence contributed to weather-related crashes
- Each case requires a detailed investigation to determine fault and liability.
Steps to Take After an Aircraft Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in an aircraft accident, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your legal rights
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Preserve evidence by keeping records, photos, and any relevant documents
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies or signing any paperwork without legal counsel
- Contact an experienced aviation accident attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating your claim
The earlier you involve an attorney, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and building a strong case.
The Role of an Aircraft Accident Attorney
An experienced aviation attorney does far more than file paperwork. At J.H. Shoemaker Law, we guide clients through every stage of the process by conducting a thorough investigation in collaboration with aviation experts, identifying liable parties (whether it’s an airline, manufacturer, or government entity), navigating federal and state aviation regulations to build a compelling case, and negotiating aggressively with insurers or litigating in court when necessary.
Our team has the resources and determination to take on even the largest corporate defendants.
Why Choose J.H. Shoemaker Law?
Jamie Shoemaker’s combination of aviation knowledge and legal experience sets him apart:
- Pilot experience gives him firsthand insight into aviation standards and procedures
- Decades of legal practice in high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases
- National recognition for excellence, including:
- AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers in America since 2006
- Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite for 12 consecutive years
- Courageous Advocate Award by the National Employment Lawyers Association
- “Go-To Employment Lawyer” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2022
This background means clients can trust that their case is in capable hands.
Case Results and Experience That Matter
While each case is unique, J.H. Shoemaker Law has a proven track record of helping clients recover compensation for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, lost wages and future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship in wrongful death cases.
We are not afraid to take on major airlines, manufacturers, or their insurers in the pursuit of justice.
Airline Aircraft Accident FAQs
What should I do immediately after an aircraft accident?
Seek medical care, preserve all possible evidence, and contact an aviation attorney right away to protect your legal rights.
How do I know if I have a case?
An attorney can evaluate your situation based on evidence, liability, and damages. Our consultations are free and confidential.
What compensation is available?
You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more, depending on your case.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Virginia law generally allows two years for personal injury claims, but aviation cases involve federal regulations that can affect deadlines.
Do I need a lawyer with aviation experience?
It is a wise idea since aircraft accident cases require specialized knowledge of aviation laws, technology, and federal regulations.
Contact a Virginia Airplane Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an aircraft accident, don’t face the legal system alone. Attorney Jamie Shoemaker offers unparalleled experience and personal attention to help families navigate these devastating situations.
Call our Newport News practice today at 757.223.4560 or contact us online for a free consultation.