St. Louis Aviation Accident Lawyer
Fighting For Aviation Accident Victims in Missouri
Aviation accidents can have devastating consequences, and understanding the challenges specific to St. Louis is essential. With major airports such as Lambert–St. Louis International Airport and Spirit of St. Louis Airport, aviation activity in the area includes commercial flights, charter operations, and private aircraft. As a result, aviation accidents here often involve federal regulations enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with applicable Missouri law.
Our St. Louis aviation accident lawyer helps navigate this layered legal framework by identifying which rules apply, preserving evidence early, and coordinating with federal investigations such as those conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). These steps are critical in cases where responsibility may involve pilots, maintenance providers, operators, or manufacturers, and where a thorough investigation is essential to pursuing accountability and justice for those affected.
Call Sedey Harper Westhoff today at (314) 819-0963 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our aviation accident attorney in St. Louis.
Why Choose Our Aviation Accident Lawyers in St. Louis?
An aviation accident can change everything in a matter of moments. Whether you are coping with serious personal injury or the loss of a loved one in a wrongful death aviation accident, the uncertainty that follows can feel overwhelming. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we approach these cases with care, patience, and respect for what you and your family are facing.
From the beginning, we take time to listen and understand how the accident has affected your health, your work, and your family’s future. Our role is to shoulder the legal and investigative burden so you are not left navigating complex federal rules, technical evidence, or insurance pressures on your own. While you focus on healing, we focus on building a clear, well-supported case grounded in the facts.
Our approach is centered on:
- Focused Investigation: Careful review of accident reports, flight data, maintenance records, and other evidence to understand how the incident occurred and who may be responsible.
- Experience With Serious Personal Injury Claims: A background in handling complex personal injury and wrongful death cases involving catastrophic harm and long-term consequences.
- Local Knowledge: Familiarity with Missouri law and the courts in St. Louis City and County, which helps in evaluating venue, procedure, and case strategy.
- Client-Centered Representation: We represent individuals and families, not corporations, allowing us to focus on the interests and priorities of those directly affected.
- Clear Communication: Ongoing updates and straightforward explanations so you are prepared for each stage of the legal process.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm’s history includes numerous successful cases, demonstrating our commitment and ability to seek significant legal victories.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents in St. Louis
Aviation accidents can result from a combination of human, mechanical, and organizational failures, and identifying the cause is a critical step in determining liability. In St. Louis, factors such as regional weather patterns, airport operations, and corporate decision-making can play a significant role. A careful investigation often reveals how multiple failures intersected in the moments or months leading up to a crash.
Common causes of aviation accidents include:
- Pilot error or inadequate training, including improper decision-making, fatigue, or failure to respond to changing conditions.
- Poor aircraft maintenance, where inspections, repairs, or required servicing were delayed, skipped, or performed incorrectly.
- Manufacturing or design defects, involving faulty components or systems that fail during normal operation.
- Adverse weather conditions common in the St. Louis region, such as severe storms, high winds, or icing that challenge flight safety.
- Negligence by air traffic control, including communication errors or improper guidance during critical phases of flight.
- Unsafe operational practices, where airlines, charter operators, or maintenance companies place cost or scheduling pressures over safety standards.
Dedicated Legal Representation for Aviation Accidents in St. Louis
Aviation incidents in the St. Louis area do not all look the same, and the legal issues can vary depending on the type of aircraft and flight involved. Some cases arise from major commercial flights at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, while others involve smaller charter planes, medical helicopters, or privately owned aircraft using regional airfields. Each category can raise different questions about who controlled the flight, what safety rules applied, and which insurance policies may be available to cover the losses.
Our work on these matters may include crashes occurring during takeoff or landing, mid-air mechanical failures, and incidents on the ground, such as runway collisions or hard landings that cause serious injuries. We also see cases involving sightseeing flights and business travel, where passengers may not know which company actually operated the plane.
Many aviation injuries do not stem from catastrophic crashes but from severe turbulence, emergency evacuations, or negligent actions by crew members that cause harm in flight. When an incident occurs in airspace above Missouri or leads to treatment at hospitals in St. Louis, we assess where a claim can properly be filed and how to coordinate evidence from federal and local investigations so your case is supported by a clear factual record.
Who May Be Liable After An Aviation Accident?
Determining who is legally responsible after an aviation accident is often more complex than in a typical car crash. There may be several different companies and individuals involved in operating, maintaining, and controlling the aircraft and airport environment. Depending on the facts, potential defendants can include the airline or charter company, the pilot, a maintenance contractor, the aircraft or parts manufacturer, or entities responsible for airport operations in the St. Louis region.
We evaluate not only what happened in the moments before the event but also the systems and decisions that led up to it, such as hiring and training practices, inspection schedules, and how safety complaints were handled. In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties who each contributed to the unsafe conditions.
When an aviation accident leads to a claim, the choice of where to file the case can influence which laws apply and how quickly the matter moves. We consider whether claims should be pursued in state court, such as the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis, or in federal court based on the involvement of interstate carriers or federal regulations. This careful forum analysis allows us to align the legal approach with your goals and the specific mix of defendants, while you receive clear explanations about what to expect at each step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After an Aviation Accident?
First, prioritize medical attention for any injuries. Documentation is crucial; if possible, gather evidence such as photographs and witness statements. Additionally, keeping track of medical records, expenses, and any changes in health or circumstances can significantly support your case, providing your legal team with the essential information needed for an effective claim.
How Do Legal Processes Differ for Aviation Accidents in Missouri?
Aviation accident cases often involve multiple jurisdictions, including federal aviation laws and Missouri state laws. In St. Louis, courts expect rigorous adherence to procedural rules, and understanding these intricacies is key. Missouri's comparative negligence laws could affect your case, so dedicated legal counsel is valuable to navigate these complexities.
What Damages Could I Recover in an Aviation Accident Lawsuit?
Victims may be entitled to various damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Each case is unique, and specific damages depend on numerous factors such as the accident’s circumstances and the extent of your injuries. An experienced aviation accident lawyer can help evaluate potential compensation options. Beyond immediate medical costs and lost wages, long-term impacts such as therapy, rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications are also considered.
How Do Weather Conditions Affect Aviation Accidents in St. Louis?
The weather in St. Louis can vary significantly, affecting aviation safety. Severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, fog, and ice are major risk factors and can contribute to accidents. Understanding these local weather patterns is essential when litigating aviation cases. Adverse weather can impact not just navigation but also communication and passenger comfort, potentially heightening the risk of accidents.
Contact Our Aviation Accident Attorney in St. Louis Today
Facing the aftermath of an aviation accident can be incredibly overwhelming. At Sedey Harper Westhoff, we are dedicated to lightening your burden through thoughtful legal representation. Our team is ready to walk you through every stage of the process. There are no upfront fees; you only pay if we recover for you. We believe in empowering our clients through informed decision-making, providing the tools and support necessary for navigating the legal landscape with assurance.
We aggressively fight for your rights and fair compensation. Call (314) 819-0963 or contact us to discuss your case with our aviation accident attorney in St. Louis today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
-
How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Age Discrimination Claim in Missouri?
Determining whether you have a valid age discrimination claim requires a careful examination of the circumstances and facts surrounding your situation. Remember, age discrimination in the workplace can be extremely subtle and challenging to prove, so if you aren’t entirely certain whether you have a claim, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced employment lawyer.
Here are key elements to consider:
- Evidence of discriminatory behavior. First, identify any direct or indirect evidence that suggests age-related bias. This includes ageist remarks from supervisors or coworkers, patterns of exclusion from projects or promotions, and any unjustified adverse employment actions that seem tied to your age. It's important to gather documentation like emails, notes from meetings, or witness statements that support your claim.
- Comparative treatment. Evaluate whether younger employees are treated more favorably in similar situations. Examples include being consistently chosen for promotions, receiving better performance evaluations without substantial justification, or facing different standards for misconduct. These comparisons can help highlight potential discrimination.
- Adverse employment actions. Identify any specific actions that have negatively impacted your employment. This includes firing, demotion, salary cuts, or undesirable job reassignments directly linked to your age. Conversely, consider if you have faced less overt actions, such as being geographically relocated or deliberately given menial tasks, that reflect a pattern of discriminatory behavior.
- Employer's justification. Consider the reasons provided by your employer for the actions in question. If their explanations seem pretextual or inconsistent, this could serve as evidence of discriminatory intent. Look for contradictions in rationale or disparities in how policies are applied to younger versus older employees.
- Consistency with state law. The Missouri Human Rights Act specifically protects employees aged 40 and older and less than 70 years of age from discrimination. If you do not meet this age criteria, you likely do not have a case at the state level.
-
What Is the Process for Filing an Age Discrimination Lawsuit in Missouri?
You cannot immediately file an age discrimination lawsuit against your employer, even if you have substantial evidence demonstrating egregious misconduct. Initially, you must file a complaint with the MCHR or the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). (Note that our firm generally prefers to handle age discrimination claims at the state level.) This is a mandatory step before any lawsuit can be pursued, as it initiates an investigation into your claim. The charge must be filed with the MCHR within 180 days from the date of the discriminatory act to preserve the validity of your case.
Once the charge is filed with the MCHR, they will review the complaint and may offer mediation as a means of resolving the issue. Mediation can allow both parties to negotiate a settlement without undergoing lengthy legal proceedings. If mediation is unsuccessful or not pursued, the agency will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and assessing whether there has been a violation of anti-discrimination laws.
Once 180 days have passed from the date you filed your complaint, you can ask for a “right to sue” letter. The MCHR will stop its investigation if you request this letter and will take no further action on your behalf.
If you don’t request this letter, they’ll complete their investigation and determine whether they have evidence that supports probable age discrimination. If they do think there’s probable cause, they will work to settle your case with your employer. If these negotiations are unsuccessful, they will proceed to a hearing, where a hearing examiner will make a final decision. If the MCHR doesn’t think they have enough evidence to pursue their own case, they will issue a letter saying so, and you’ll have a right to appeal.
Filing your own lawsuit involves drafting and submitting a formal complaint that outlines the discriminatory acts, the applicable laws, and the relief sought. Our St. Louis age discrimination lawyers can assist you with this process and aggressively fight for you in and out of the courtroom.
-
How Long Does a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit Usually Take?
The duration of a Missouri age discrimination lawsuit can vary significantly depending on numerous factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and the workload of the court system.
Again, you cannot sue until you have received a “right to sue” letter from the MCHR or EEOC. You can request this letter from the MCHR after waiting 180 days from the date you submitted your initial complaint.
Moving forward with a lawsuit may involve prolonged pre-trial proceedings, including discovery, where both parties gather evidence. The discovery phase itself can take anywhere from several months to over a year, depending on the scope of the evidence and any challenges that arise. Additionally, seeking resolution through mediation or settlement discussions can either shorten or lengthen the timeline based on the outcomes. If your case proceeds to trial, additional delays may occur due to scheduling and other procedural requirements.
We understand that the lengthy process of pursuing an age discrimination lawsuit can be incredibly frustrating. Our attorneys can keep you informed throughout each stage of the legal process and are prepared to work efficiently to get you justice.
-
What Are the Potential Outcomes of a Missouri Age Discrimination Lawsuit?
An age discrimination lawsuit can result in one of several outcomes. One possibility is a settlement, which can occur at any stage of the litigation process. In a settlement, the parties agree on a resolution without proceeding to trial, often involving compensation for lost wages, damages for emotional distress, or other agreed-upon remedies. Settlements provide a quicker resolution and reduce the uncertainty and costs associated with a trial. However, not all employers are willing to settle, and some may make woefully inadequate offers.
If the lawsuit proceeds to trial, the court may rule in your favor, resulting in a judgment. This can lead to various forms of legal relief, including compensation for lost earnings and benefits, reinstatement to a previous job position, changes in workplace policies, or punitive damages in cases of egregious conduct by your employer. Your employer will also likely be responsible for covering your attorney’s fees and other court costs if you win your case.
If the court sides with your employer, they may dismiss your case. Should this occur, you will not receive any compensation or relief unless you successfully appeal the decision.
-
Can I Represent Myself in a Breach of Contract Lawsuit?
While you can represent yourself in a breach of contract lawsuit, doing so comes with significant risks and challenges. The complexities of contract law require a nuanced understanding of legal principles, procedures, and the intricacies involved in presenting a case effectively in court. Without professional legal training, you may struggle to accurately interpret contract language, gather relevant evidence, or comply with procedural requirements, potentially undermining your case.
Your employer will likely be represented by experienced legal professionals, placing you at a disadvantage in legal arguments and negotiations. Missteps in any part of the process can have detrimental consequences, including the possibility of an unfavorable verdict. An experienced employment law attorney who handles breach of contract cases can help you avoid common mistakes, build a strong claim, and effectively combat your employer’s arguments.
- We advise you about whether you have a case and how strong it is.
- We help you negotiate for severance or a better severance package.
- We file charges for you with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
- We prosecute your case in state and federal court for a just result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
-
"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions