Aviation Accident Laws

The following list of information briefly describes some of the laws that protect Oklahoma aviation accident victims’ and their families’ rights:

• The Federal Aviation Act and Regulations − set minimum safety standards for flight operations, pilot conduct, and aircraft manufacture.
• The Federal Tort Claims Act − controls cases brought against the federal government for the negligence of air traffic controllers and others.
• State and federal choice of law rules that dictate applicable law − an example is product liability, which establishes the responsibility of manufacturers to build safe aircraft and components.
• International treaties and associated agreements − govern the liability of airlines for international flights.
• The Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act − governs suits against foreign governments, including many foreign airlines and manufacturers.

The Aviation Disaster Family Assistance Act

After a crash, this law requires that everyone involved (including manufactures, airlines, etc.) must treat families of victims with great care and respect. The laws main points are as follows:

• Family members should be given time to notify relatives and close friends before the names of passengers are made public.
• Airlines must make hotel rooms and food available for victim’s immediate family members.
• Airlines must offer crisis counseling to immediate family members.
• Airlines must provide transportation to and from the crash site.
• Airlines must help family members retrieve dental records and X-rays to identify the victims.
• Airlines should consult family members about a memorial for all accident victims.