As the investigation into last week’s deadly engine failure on a Southwest jet continues, reports are surfacing that the Dallas-based airline has paid millions of dollars over the last 10 years to settle safety violations including fines for flying planes in which the required repairs had not been made. According to a news report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, twice in the last nine years, holes have torn open the roofs of Southwest planes that were in flight. In 2016, an engine on a Southwest jet blew apart over Florida due to metal fatigue or wear and tear. No one was injured in these earlier incidents.
Concern Over Safety Violations
Last week, one of the engines on Southwest Flight 1380, which had just left New York City, blew apart at 32,000 feet over Pennsylvania and caused the death of a passenger. Seven other people were injured by the shrapnel and other debris in the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said a fan blade that had snapped off the engine was showing signs of metal fatigue.
The labor union representing Southwest mechanics recently accused the company of pressuring maintenance workers to cut corners so the planes can keep flying. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration looked into whistleblower complaints and found mistrust of management to such a degree that it may hurt safety.
The NTSB’s investigation is reportedly focusing on whether metal fatigue contributed to last week’s fatal Southwest accident. Southwest is known for its short frequent flights, which may put significant stress on the aircraft and their engines. Each landing and takeoff may contribute to the wear and tear of the aircraft. The airline is stepping up efforts to inspect all older fan blades by the end of August. The day after the accident, Southwest sent letters to Flight 1380 passengers saying the airline would give them each $5,000 to cover immediate financial needs and a $1,000 travel voucher.
Potential Lawsuits
Mass carriers such as airlines, transit authorities and bus companies owe a duty of utmost care to their passengers. This means that they have a legal obligation to safely transport their passengers. When passengers are injured in transit or due to error on the part of the driver, operator or other factors, these companies are required to compensate passengers for their injuries damages and losses.
There are a number of potentially serious injuries that may occur in an aviation accident. As we saw in this incident, the victim – a mother of two was killed in the Southwest airline flight. Seven others were injured although the nature and extent of their injuries is not known. Often, in an aviation or transit vehicle crash many of the injured passengers also tend to suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Some may even experience fear of flying or travelling in a vehicle as a result of such accidents.
Compensation for Victims
The liability in aviation accidents may be shared among a number of different parties depending on the cause of the accident and the circumstances under which it occurred. For example, if the crash occurred due to the airline’s incompetence or error, the company may be held liable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. If a mechanical malfunction occurred due to inadequate or improper maintenance, the airline and the company that is responsible for maintaining the aircraft, if different, can be held accountable.
In some cases, where the aviation accident was caused by a faulty part, the manufacturer of the aircraft and/or the maker of the defective part can be held accountable. Those who have lost loved ones in an airline accident may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties for damages including, but not limited to, lost future income and benefits, funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering, etc. An experienced New York City aviation accident lawyer can help injured victims and families of deceased victims through what can be a complex process.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an injury accident caused by negligence, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 46 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/southwest-has-paid-millions-to-settle-safety-violations/