Anyone who lives here in Alaska, as well as those who have had the pleasure of visiting, can’t deny the beauty of Alaska. For tourists who visit from outside the state, they will likely have truly unique travel experiences.
Cruise Ships and Sea Planes
According to the Alaska Dispatch News, close to a million people a year see Alaska on a cruise ship. Most people will have one of the most pleasurable experiences of their lives. But, unfortunately, things do sometimes go awry. Accidents happen aboard cruise ships and on excursions off the ship.
Tragically, one recent accident ended in the deaths of nine people. It involved an excursion off a ship via float plane. The plane was operated by Promech Air. The company self-promoted as the largest air taxi operator in the area where the accident occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the crash.
Depending on the findings of the FAA and other government agencies that will survey the area of the crash and reach conclusions about the cause, the families of those killed may decide to pursue litigation against the company that operates the planes. But interestingly, FAA records do not show any planes listed under the ownership of Promech. Some planes the company uses are leased, while others are owned by limited liability companies. Businesses will often set up limited liability companies to limit the businesses liability when accidents do occur.
Why Hire an Alaskan Lawyer?
Because of the unique configuration of the company and the circumstances surrounding the crash, families of those killed who live outside the state may need the advice of an Alaska attorney when considering litigation. Each state’s law is different and, even if an out-of-state attorney understands Alaska law after researching it, he or she may not know the terrain where the plane crashed and any history of other accidents that might have occurred there. Knowledge of the specifics of the Alaska court system and its geography, as well as any legal nuances that may be different from other states, can be important to a successful outcome in the courts.
If you have been injured or a loved one killed while visiting Alaska, an initial consultation with an Alaska tourist injury attorney is a valuable first step when considering litigation. For further information or to schedule a consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 907.452.5400 (toll free: 866.452.3741 ) or visit www.Merdes.com.
Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 25 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Photo by Beeblebrox [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
