A midair plane collision is one of the most devastating aviation accidents that can occur, and when it happens the consequences are catastrophic. The loss of life, physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial impact are all too real for victims and their families.
At Podhurst Orseck Trial and Appellate Lawyers, we understand the complexities surrounding aviation accidents, especially those involving plane collisions like the one that recently occurred in Washington, D.C. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and that victims and their families receive the compensation they deserve—and have been involved in litigating commercial aviation accidents on behalf of victims for over 50 years.
On February 4, 2025, a tragic mid-air collision occurred over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. The collision resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals aboard both aircraft, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster since 2001.
This tragedy has left families devastated, searching for answers, and in need of justice. Losing a loved one in an aviation tragedy is an unimaginable heartbreak, and those affected deserve compassion, support, and the strongest possible legal representation to hold those responsible accountable.
At Podhurst Orseck, P.A., we understand that no lawsuit can replace what was lost. But securing justice can provide accountability, financial security for your family, and changes that could help prevent future tragedies. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—with care, commitment, and more than 50 years of aviation law experience
Podhurst Orseck has spent over five decades advocating for the victims of airline disasters, private plane crashes, and mid-air collisions. The firm is recognized globally for its unparalleled success in aviation litigation, having represented families in nearly every major airline disaster in modern history.
Some of the firm’s landmark cases include:
Our ability to navigate the intricacies of aviation law—combined with our rigorous approach to trial preparation—has allowed us to deliver outstanding results in even the most challenging cases.
Steven Marks, Managing Partner at Podhurst Orseck, P.A., is one of the world’s leading aviation attorneys, with a career spanning almost 40 years in complex aviation litigation. He has represented victims and families in nearly every major airline disaster in recent history, securing unprecedented recoveries for his clients.
To our knowledge, Steven Marks and his trial partners are the only lawyers in the last 30 years to have taken a commercial airline disaster case to trial. Mr. Marks has done so more than once, and he has won each of them. His extensive courtroom experience, combined with decades of negotiating against the world’s largest airlines and aviation manufacturers, gives victims and their families an unparalleled advantage.
With deep expertise in aviation law, engineering, and accident investigation, Mr. Marks and his team bring the full weight of their knowledge and resources to every case.
Podhurst Orseck’s trial and appellate lawyers are nationally recognized for their leadership in aviation law. In 2022, the National Law Journal named Podhurst Orseck the Elite Aviation Trial Lawyers in the United States.
Our firm has been involved in landmark cases that have shaped the legal landscape for aviation accident claims. Our extensive experience in this field and our dedication to delivering exceptional results sets us apart as one of the premier firms for aviation litigation.
Podhurst Orseck’s lawyers are among the world’s foremost practitioners in aviation litigation and catastrophic personal injury claim.
Key team members include:
Ricardo Martinez-Cid, a Board-Certified aviation attorney with decades of experience representing victims of aviation disasters worldwide. He has served in leadership roles in some of the most complex aviation cases, including the Boeing 737 MAX Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 litigation and the American Airlines Flight 331 crash. He has successfully tried claims against the FAA in federal court.
Ricardo has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts for his clients and has been appointed to leadership positions in numerous complex federal court matters. He recently served as court-appointed lead counsel for all wrongful death and personal injury claims arising from the Champlain Towers South collapse litigation. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Lea Bucciero has 15 years of experience handling complex aviation litigation, representing victims and families in cases ranging from general aviation accidents to major commercial airline disasters, including the Boeing 737 MAX disasters, the American Airlines Flight 331 crash, and the Helidosa air ambulance tragedy.
Beyond aviation, Lea has extensive experience representing victims of mass disasters, including her leadership role on the Champlain Towers South collapse litigation. In recognizing her dedication to the case and her clients, Judge Michael Hanzman noted in his order that she was among the attorneys who “performed at the highest level, displaying skill, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.”
Podhurst Orseck has a distinguished history of handling cases against the U.S. Government under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), including in aviation disaster cases involving the negligence of air traffic control. Podhurst Orseck is one of the few law firms specializing in both aviation and FTCA litigation. Indeed, Podhurst Orseck attorneys Steven C. Marks and Ricardo Martinez-Cid have secured favorable trial verdicts in FTCA federal trials arising out of the negligence of air traffic control personnel.
In addition to aviation-specific FTCA litigation, in 2021, Podhurst Orseck attorneys secured $127.5 million in an FTCA case arising out of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. At that time, this was the largest settlement against the federal government in the history of the United States.
Indeed, cases against the United States government are litigated in federal court, where Podhurst Orseck attorneys stand apart with their deep-rooted experience in federal litigation. Most of our attorneys are former federal law clerks and/or former federal prosecutors who bring invaluable insight into judicial decision-making, and we have a proven track record of litigating against the United States government in complex, high-exposure matters. With decades of success in federal courts nationwide, we offer unparalleled strategic expertise, rigorous advocacy, and the skill to navigate the most challenging legal battles.
The mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) raises serious questions about the U.S. government’s liability under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). If federal employees—such as air traffic controllers—are found negligent in maintaining safe distances, issuing flight-path instructions, or performing other duties, victims could seek damages directly from the government.
Below, we break down how FTCA claims work, explore potential government responsibility, and highlight the experience of Kristina Infante of Podhurst Orseck, who has garnered national recognition for her recent work as Lead Counsel on the groundbreaking FTCA case that arose out of the school shooting that resulted in 17 deaths and 17 injuries at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The Federal Tort Claims Act is a statute allowing private citizens to bring claims against the U.S. government for injury, property damage, or death caused by the negligent or wrongful actions of federal employees acting within the scope of their duties. Unlike lawsuits against private parties, FTCA claims must adhere to specific procedural rules, including notice requirements, strict filing deadlines, and the need to overcome certain legal exceptions—most notably, the “discretionary function” exception.
Kristina Infante, a partner at Podhurst Orseck, has deep experience handling high-stakes aviation cases, including as a member of the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the crash of a Boeing MAX 8 aircraft Ethiopian Airlines 302, along with her partners Steven C. Marks and Ricardo Martinez-Cid. Her proficiency in navigating the strict requirements of FTCA lawsuits makes her an invaluable resource for victims seeking compensation from government entities. Ms. Infante is fluent in both English and Spanish.
Beyond aviation, Ms. Infante gained national recognition for her role as sole Lead Counsel in the litigation stemming from the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. This litigation resulted in a landmark $127.5 million recovery, the largest against the federal government in U.S. history at the time. Representing victims and families in a high-profile, emotionally charged case required legal acumen, tenacity, and empathy—qualities that translate effectively to other complex litigation, including federal tort claims involving aviation accidents.
Handling an FTCA claim involves strict deadlines, specialized procedural steps, and nuanced legal standards. Podhurst Orseck’s expertise ensures that:
If you are considering legal action following the DC plane collision, here’s what you can anticipate:
There were 64 passengers and four crew members aboard the American Airlines regional jet, and three crew members in the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
The NTSB has completed its on-site investigation and is focusing on potential pilot errors and equipment failures, including the helicopter’s deactivated ADS-B system.
Unfortunately, the victims of this disaster are not included in the NTSB investigation, whereas all potential defendants are. We can help correct this imbalance of power by ensuring that we conduct our own independent investigation on behalf of our clients to ensure that the victims not only get answers, but get justice.
Aviation and FTCA litigation are some of the most complex areas of law, involving:
Without an experienced law firm, families risk being taken advantage of or receiving far less than they deserve. That’s why choosing a firm like Podhurst Orseck—one with a track record of winning against the biggest aviation corporations and the government—is critical.
With our extensive experience in aviation litigation, Podhurst Orseck can provide expert legal representation to navigate the complexities of the investigation and pursue justice for the victims’ families.
If you lost a loved one in the Washington, D.C. mid-air collision, Podhurst Orseck will fight for:
We know that taking legal action can feel overwhelming during this time of grief. That’s why we handle every aspect of the case, allowing families to focus on healing while we focus on justice.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the DC plane collision, Podhurst Orseck is here to help. Our dedicated attorneys are ready to investigate, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation.
Recent Aviation and Federal Tort Claims Act News at Podhurst Orseck
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