Aviation Accidents Foster Law Injury Trial Lawyers

Aviation Accident Lawyer in Portland, Maine

Over 22 Years Fighting for Aviation Accident Victims in Maine

Aviation accidents are among the most devastating events a person or family can face, and the legal claims they produce are among the most complex in personal injury law. At CFoster Law, PLLC, we represent victims of commercial airline crashes, general aviation accidents, helicopter incidents, and charter or air-taxi operations in and around Portland, Maine. Whether you were a passenger, a pilot, a ground crew member, or a bystander, we’re prepared to pursue compensation you may be entitled to seek.

Attorney Christian Foster brings over 22 years of experience to each case. We carefully analyze all available evidence, identify every liable party, and build a strategy designed to maximize recovery. We take every case seriously, regardless of the stakes involved.

If you or a family member was injured in an aviation accident in Maine, call us now at (207) 305-3854. Consultations are free, available virtually, and we’re here 24/7.

Federal Court Access That Follows Your Case

Aviation liability claims don’t always stay in state court. When the defendant is an out-of-state airline, an aircraft manufacturer, or a federal air traffic control facility, a case can move into federal court. That shift changes the rules, the procedures, and what it takes to litigate effectively.

Attorney Foster is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the District of Maine and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and is also licensed in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That federal court access means we can handle your aviation claim whether it proceeds in state or federal court and continue advocating for you if an appeal becomes necessary.

We don’t settle for less than a client deserves. When insurers or defendants make offers that fall short, we’re prepared to take the case to trial. Every case we handle is built with that possibility in mind, and our clients receive frequent updates and regular check-ins as their situations evolve.

Recognition Built on Results

Attorney Foster has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers and serves on the Board of Governors for the Maine Trial Lawyers Association. These aren’t honorary distinctions. They reflect a career built on serious advocacy for injured people. Throughout that career, he has been involved in thousands of cases and has recovered more than $10 million on behalf of his clients.

Aviation Accident Types & Who May Be Liable

Aviation accidents span a wide range of aircraft and circumstances. The two broad categories are commercial aviation, which covers aircraft operated by airlines selling fares to the public, and general aviation, which covers all other civilian flights, including private planes, charters, helicopters, and air-taxi operations. Accidents in either category can occur during takeoff, landing, or while airborne.

Common causes include pilot error, mechanical or maintenance failures, defective aircraft parts, and air traffic control errors. Identifying the right parties is central to building a strong claim.

Potentially liable parties in an aviation accident include:

The pilot or flight crew
The airline or aircraft operator
The aircraft or component parts manufacturer
Maintenance personnel or repair facilities
Air traffic control
Airport authorities

The FAA, NTSB, & Portland International Jetport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the safety standards that govern aircraft manufacturers, pilots, air traffic controllers, and airports. When those standards aren’t met, FAA regulations often form the backbone of a negligence claim. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent federal agency, investigates civil aviation accidents and determines probable cause. Its findings can carry significant weight in a civil claim, even though the NTSB doesn’t assign legal liability.

Portland International Jetport, located in Cumberland County, handles both commercial airline traffic and general aviation operations, including charter and private aircraft. Incidents at or near the jetport, and accidents involving aircraft serving the Cumberland County and York County regions, fall within the types of cases we handle.

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5-Star Client Reviews

See the Difference An Experienced Attorney Makes

At Foster Law, we give your case the time and attention you deserve. Read some of our client testimonials below, or call us at (207) 305-3854 today to get started.

"Highly Recommend!"
I could not be happier with the service and results I received from Attorney Foster and I highly recommend him for your needs.

- Lee B.
"Compassionate and Knowledgable"
His knowledge of the law and his guidance left me feeling like I was really being taken care of and he settled my case quickly... he's a five-star attorney who gets the job done.

- Lisa
"He Changed My Mind About Lawyers"
He did a wonderful job. This experience completely changed the way I feel about attorneys. He is a testament to his profession which all attorneys should strive for.

- Former Client
"He Assuaged My Fears"
Christian was incredibly friendly, yet straightforward. I appreciated his pragmatism as well as his sense of optimism. He was extremely knowledgeable.

- Anonymous
"Better Than "Best Case""
He knows what he's doing but beyond that, his personality has a great calming effect. I prepared myself for the worst case and got me better than the "best case".

- John
"Thrilled With the Outcome"
Christian Foster went above-and-beyond the call of duty in what was very complex litigation. I was thrilled with the outcome of my case.

- Adam C.
"Christian Foster is a rare species among personal injury lawyers."
Despite formidable delays and obstacles created by COVID and the insurance company, Christian persevered in creative ways, always with the highest integrity and my unique interests and concerns in mind.

- Lucille M.
"I Felt Protected"
Because he took his time, he was able to represent me very well resulting in a fair settlement.10 out of 10 experience!!!

- Rebecca T.

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Maine Legal Deadlines for Aviation Accident Claims

Two deadlines govern most aviation accident claims in Maine. For a personal injury claim, Maine law under 14 M.R.S. § 752 generally allows six years from the date of injury to file suit. For a wrongful death claim, the deadline is three years from the date of death under 18-C M.R.S. § 2-807, a deadline extended from two years by a 2023 legislative change.

Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 14 M.R.S. § 156. A claimant found equally or more at fault than the defendant can’t recover damages. A claimant found less at fault can still recover, but damages are reduced in proportion to their share of fault. These rules apply whether a claim proceeds in state or federal court.

Missing a deadline or misjudging how fault allocation affects recovery can eliminate a valid claim entirely. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible after an aviation accident can help protect your rights while the facts are still fresh.

Talk to an Aviation Accident Attorney in Portland, ME

We offer free consultations, including virtual consultations, so there’s no barrier to getting answers. We work on a contingency fee schedule, which means you owe us no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. And because accidents don’t keep business hours, we’re available 24/7.

Contact CFoster Law, PLLC today to discuss your aviation accident case. Call us at (207) 305-3854 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.

Why Evidence Preservation Matters After an Aviation Accident

After an aviation accident, the NTSB typically takes control of the wreckage and leads the investigation. Injured victims and their families often have limited access to physical evidence and may receive few updates while the federal process plays out. Investigations can take months or longer to conclude.

Acting promptly matters because some evidence sits outside federal investigators’ control. Maintenance records, flight logs, air traffic control communications, and witness statements can be modified, lost, or become harder to obtain over time. A legal consultation shortly after the accident can help identify what evidence exists, who holds it, and what steps may preserve it. The earlier that process begins, the stronger the foundation for your claim.

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Experienced Trial Lawyers

With over 22 years of experience in the courtroom for our clients, we are prepared to take your case to trial - and we fight to win.
We Have Won Tens of Millions

With a highly-skilled trial attorney and dedicated legal team, we have a long track record of success - both in and out of the courtroom.
Personalized Service

We really get to know our clients, making sure to give you all the information you need to make truly informed choices.
Digging Deeper in Each Case

We listen carefully, investing the time you deserve; interviewing witnesses, making house calls, and immersing ourselves in your case to give you the best shot at winning.