Houston Aviation Accident Attorney

We have Proudly Recovered Millions of Dollars for Our Clients

Air travel may be considered the safest mode of transportation, but it is not without risk. In fact, Aviation Safety Network reported that 548 people died in Aircraft accidents in 2025, which is a 30% increase over 2024 and the most in 7 years. Aviation accidents involving commercial or private planes, as well as helicopters, may result in significant injuries and fatalities due to the nature of air travel. If you have been injured in an aviation accident or one of your loved ones has been killed in an aviation accident, it is imperative that you immediately speak with an experienced Houston aviation accident attorney for a personalized assessment of your claim to determine how to best proceed.

At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, our aviation attorney team are extremely experienced in handling major and minor aircraft accident cases in Texas. With more than 40 years of experience, the Houston aviation accident attorney team at Stepp Law Firm PLLC offers personalized legal representation for passengers and pilots, as well as their families and loved ones. We have handled litigation in both domestic and international aviation incidents involving severe injuries, death, and property damage. We understand the complexities involved in these types of claims, and our experienced and skilled team of aircraft accident lawyers is prepared to help you immediately protect your rights and fight for the finest outcome. We understand that your goal is also to find out the truth regarding the cause of the accident, which we will vigorously and zealously pursue for you and your loved ones.

How an Aviation Lawyer Can Help Your Claim

Aviation accident law is complex and requires the skilled legal guidance of an experienced aviation accident lawyer, who must know the specific regulations that apply to your case. It may also involve taking legal action against large airlines or other companies that retain teams of attorneys to resolve claims for much less than you deserve.

As experienced trial lawyers with over 40 years of experience in aviation, we provide personalized legal solutions by building on a thorough investigation of the evidence and advocating on your behalf throughout your case.

We manage the following aspects of your case to bolster your chances of success:

• Assisting in obtaining medical treatment immediately.
• Conducting an investigation and gathering documentary and other valuable evidence to determine the liable parties responsible for injuries and damages
• Partnering with field experts to analyze the accident from various perspectives, including reviewing data from the aircraft flight recorder and cockpit voice recorder, reconstructing the accident, and others
• Working with medical professionals to understand the extent of your injuries and what future losses you may incur
• Assess your claim for strengths and weaknesses and provide personalized legal solutions.
• Determine the monetary value of your claim and fight on your behalf so that your best interests are protected.
• Fight your case in court if a fair settlement cannot be agreed upon out of court.

Our comprehensive investigations enable us to build a robust lawsuit on your behalf and pursue the complete compensation you are owed. We aggressively negotiate on your behalf with airline attorneys, airplane or parts manufacturers, and other relevant parties.

The Houston aviation accident attorney team at Stepp Law Firm PLLC provides legal guidance every step of the way so you may obtain the most successful outcome for your case.

Determining Liability in an Aviation Accident

Multiple parties may be held responsible for an aviation accident, depending on the cause of the accident and what negligent actions played a part in your injuries and losses. Your accident is unique and will require comprehensive investigations and the legal strategy of a skilled Houston aviation accident attorney to understand the details of your accident. Whether your fight was during a commercial flight or in a private aircraft may greatly affect liability.

As we determine what federal and state authorities’ investigations uncover, the liable party (or parties) may include:

• Commercial pilot
• Private aircraft pilot
• Airline or air carrier
• Maintenance provider
• Air traffic controller
• Airport personnel
• Aircraft designer
• Aircraft parts manufacturer

Speak with the Houston aviation accident attorney team at Stepp Law Firm PLLC for help in recovering the maximum compensation you deserve for losses and injuries you sustained due to someone else’s negligence. We can help you determine liability and make a plan to move forward for maximum compensation while at the same time uncovering the truth about the causes of the accident.

Damages You May Recover In A Successful Houston Aviation Accident Claim

Aviation accident injuries may be significant due to the traumatic nature of the accidents. Depending on the severity of your injuries and other relevant factors, you may be able to recover the following compensatory damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Disability
• Wrongful Death Damages

At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, we build a case personalized to your legal needs and circumstances and strive to obtain the complete compensation you deserve for the economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered because of someone else’s negligence.

Common Causes Of Aviation Accidents

In modern aviation, accidents rarely arise from a single catastrophic event. Rather, they usually occur after a series of errors that involve multiple factors. Some of these factors include:

• Mechanical Failure. This covers common issues such as engine failure, hydraulic malfunctions, equipment failures, and defective parts and design. In Texas, product liability laws typically apply if the manufacturer is at fault, even if only partially.
• Weather Conditions. Weather can be especially hazardous to smaller aircraft, as they may encounter problems flying above or through most weather systems like commercial jets can. These smaller planes are highly vulnerable to turbulence, icing, wind shear, and microbursts. All of these phenomena are common in Texas, especially in the plains and Gulf Coast regions.
• Negligent Maintenance. Unfortunately, those in charge of safety inspections or repairing the aircraft occasionally cut corners. In the air, this can lead to catastrophic structural failures or exacerbate pre-existing mechanical failures that might not have occurred otherwise.
• Pilot Error. Statistically, this is the most common factor leading to aviation injuries and deaths. This includes poor decision-making (such as flying into dangerous weather), fatigue, disorientation, and inadequate training.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1: How Is A Private Charter Crash Different From A Commercial Airline Crash?

Legally speaking, the primary difference between a private charter and a commercial airline crash is how they are treated under Texas law and federal regulations.

• Commercial airlines are considered “common carriers.” Under Texas law, they strictly owe “the highest duty of care” to all of their passengers. Federally, commercial airlines must rigorously train their pilots and follow strict maintenance schedules.
• Private charters often operate under looser laws. In effect, this means the pilots may not be as experienced, and the aircraft may not receive the same safety oversight as commercial airlines. If an injury occurs during a private chartered flight, this means it may be more difficult to prove negligence.

#2: What Is The Statute Of Limitations In Texas For An Aviation Accident?

Under Texas law, the statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death following an aviation accident is two years from the date of the incident. This deadline is strictly enforced. If you miss it, your right to seek compensation is typically forfeited forever. Contacting a Houston aviation accident attorney as soon as possible is the best way to ensure you preserve your right to hold the responsible parties accountable.

#3: Does The Montreal Convention Apply To My Case?

The Montreal Convention is an international treaty that applies to international flights between signatory nations (e.g., from Dallas to Montreal). It also applies to connecting domestic flights that are part of an international itinerary (e.g., Houston to Newark to Johannesburg). In all of these situations, the Convention applies. However, if your flight is purely domestic (e.g., Austin to Indianapolis), then the Convention does not apply.

Because the Montreal Convention involves international law, successfully getting compensation can be complex. If you or a loved one were injured during an international flight, it is essential to contact a Houston aviation accident attorney immediately.

Contact the Experienced Houston Aviation Lawyer at Stepp Law Firm PLLC

Aviation accidents may have significant consequences, leaving you with present and future economic and non-economic losses. At Stepp Law Firm PLLC, we offer personalized legal representation and are prepared to help protect your legal rights. For over 40 years, we have fought for aviation accident victims, recovering the maximum compensation they are owed.

For compassionate and innovative legal strategies with a personalized approach and a true desire to win for you, contact our Houston aviation accident lawyers at 713-336-7200 or fill out our contact form.