Helicopters are a safe way to travel. However, every year there are hundreds of helicopter accidents. Some of those accidents will end killing some or all of the passengers on board. If you or a loved one has been involved in a helicopter accident you may be entitled to payment for your injuries. Helicopter injury claims are complex and can be time-consuming.
Causes of Helicopter Accidents
Helicopters are much different than airplanes. Their unique design means that can land places planes cannot. They are also ideal for short trips in the city or out to isolated places like oil rigs. However, helicopters are also subject to different maintenance requirements and flight requirements. In many ways, helicopters are less durable than many kinds of planes.
Some common causes of helicopter accidents include:
- Weather
- Pilot error
- Poor maintenance
- Mechanical malfunction
- Electrical malfunction
- Design flaw in the helicopter or its components
Most helicopter accidents involve some form of human error or negligence. When an accident is caused because someone else’s mistake caused your injuries, you typically have a right to damages.
Some people may be injured in helicopter accidents while on the job. In some of these cases you may be able to collect from a worker’s compensation policy. You may also be able to recover additional damages from a negligent third party.
If you were hurt in a helicopter accident and you were not on the job, it may be difficult to know who to file a claim against until after a thorough investigation.
Types of injuries in Helicopter Accidents
Because of the nature of helicopter design and construction, injuries in helicopter accidents can be catastrophic. Some typical types of injuries in helicopter accidents include:
- Traumatic head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation of limbs or digits
- Head and neck injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Fractured bones
Most victims of a helicopter accident will receive some type of immediate medical attention. One of the most important things you can do for your health and recovery is to carefully the instructions of your doctors. This includes doing any rehabilitation exercises and following up as necessary.
If you are involved in litigation over the helicopter accident, one of the things the lawyers for the insurance company will be looking for is evidence that your injuries are worse than they should have been because you failed to follow the instructions of your doctor. This can limit the amount you are able to recover.
Who is Responsible?
At first glance, it seems obvious that the pilot of the helicopter is at fault for the accident. But, all aviation crashes, and especially helicopter accidents, are more complex. Pilot error may or not have played a role, but no conclusions can be made until an investigation is completed. While the FAA typically investigates crashes and publishes a report of findings, you may need more information to successfully bring a claim. An experienced and knowledgeable helicopter accident lawyer will be able to get the information you need.
In some helicopter accidents, there are two or more parties at fault for the accident. Claims may need to be filed against each party to allow you get your full recovery.
What Kind of Lawyer Can Help Bring a Claim?
Helicopter accidents are different from other types personal injury accidents. A typical personal injury lawyer will not have the expertise needed to successfully bring a claim. You need an aviation accident lawyer, or even better a helicopter accident lawyer. Because this is a narrow area of focus, finding the right lawyer to handle a helicopter accident can be difficult.
We can help you find a lawyer with the right tools and expertise to win your case.
Challenges to Winning a Claim
There are several major challenges in bringing an injury claim for a helicopter accident. One challenge is the investigation itself. Investigations can be time-consuming and technical Often helicopter crash experts need to be brought in to interpret crash reports and go over the data.
Helicopter accidents often happen in remote places, further complicating both the investigation and the litigation process. Helicopter accidents may involve a deep understanding of helicopter design. If a design defect is suspected, it may require conducting an investigation in other countries, as many helicopters and components are sourced outside of the United States.
There are usually several victims in a helicopter crash. The more victims the more complicated any claims process will be. Multiple parties may be fighting over a limited amount of insurance coverage.
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a helicopter accident by yourself. Contact us today so we can connect you with an experienced helicopter accident lawyer. Your lawyer can evaluate your claim and help make sure your rights are protected. Take action now because the time to make an injury claim may be running out.
