Pilot Intoxication Claims

Despite the express prohibition under federal law, some private and commercial pilots make the decision to abuse alcohol during a flight. Moreover, pilots who operate an airplane while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance put passengers in danger of severe injury or death in the event of an accident. When they do happen, it may be possible to hold a negligent pilot, or his or her estate, liable for the damages victims sustain in the course of the accident.

Federal Laws

In order to protect passengers and ensure pilots behave safely, there are a number of federally mandated regulations that pilots and crew members must follow. With nearly half of all airline accidents attributed to pilot error, it can be quite dangerous for a pilot to impair his or her performance with alcohol. In regards to alcohol use aboard airlines, federal law states that aircraft crew members may not:

• Have a blood alcohol content over 0.04
• Work under the influence of any drug that affects the person’s faculties
• Have consumed any amount of alcohol eight hours prior to takeoff

By violating any of these laws, pilots and crew members put passengers at severe risk of sustaining an injury or, tragically, involvement in an accident.

Consult with a Louisville Pilot Intoxication Claims Attorney

At the Sampson Law Firm, our Louisville pilot intoxication claims attorneys understand just how devastating these accidents can be, particularly so for how preventable they are. To discuss the particulars of your case with one of our Louisville personal injury lawyers, please call our Louisville offices at (502) 584-5050 today.