Tennessee Airplane Crash Lawyers

Record-Setting Results

Our firm is recognized for achieving some of the most significant results in legal history. We were honored to represent the family of NBA legend Kobe Bryant for his death in a helicopter crash. We have obtained the two highest jury verdicts for helicopter accidents in the United States ($350 million and $116 million). 

We also secured a landmark $100 million settlement for a medical helicopter crash injury victim, a case that forced manufacturers to adopt crash-resistant fuel systems nationwide. Whether we are representing a high-profile family, such as that of Kobe Bryant, or Tennessee residents seeking answers, our commitment to excellence remains the same.

The Intricate Demands of Tennessee Aviation Claims

Aviation accident cases are not typical personal injury claims. 

Aviation litigation in Tennessee is complex and requires distinct knowledge of:

• Aviation safety standards and industry practices.
• The 18-year shield - Under the General Aviation Revitalization Act, GARA, manufacturers are often immune from lawsuits for older planes. We are experienced at identifying "successor" parts or maintenance failures that bypass these protections.
• Tennessee terrain and weather - We understand the unique hazards of Tennessee flight, from the "mountain wave" turbulence of East Tennessee to the rapid thunderstorm developments that plague the Tennessee Valley.
• Interstate liability - A flight departing Nashville and crashing in another state involves complex jurisdictional issues that we are uniquely equipped to handle.

Private Aviation vs. Commercial Flight Risks

In Tennessee, private and "general" aviation represents the vast majority of air traffic. 

The risks for those on private or chartered flights are significantly higher than for commercial flights:

• Accident share. Per NTSB statistics, general aviation accounts for over 93% of all aviation accidents annually.
• The fatality gap. While commercial airlines often go years without a fatality, private aviation consistently accounts for 300 or more deaths each year.
• Lower oversight. Unlike commercial carriers with massive redundant systems, private flights often rely on a single pilot and less frequent maintenance audits.
• Recent statistics. As of 2024-2025, the fatal accident rate for private flights is 0.68-0.95 per 100,000 flight hours, which is much higher than that of major commercial carriers. 

Determining the Root Cause of the Crash

A single crash in Tennessee can implicate multiple entities, from the pilot and aircraft owner to maintenance facilities and component manufacturers. 

We investigate every link in the chain of failure, including:

• Mechanical defects - Faulty engine blades, oil transfer tubes, and defective propellers.
• Avionics failures – Issues with vacuum pumps and attitude indicators that lead to pilot spatial disorientation.
• Mission pressure - Economic pressure on pilots to fly in marginal weather conditions, particularly in the air ambulance and charter industries.
• Pilot experience disparities - Identifying when an operator assigned an under-qualified pilot to a complex mountain or night mission.