Sound Legal Representation after a Helicopter Crash
Helicopters have been widely used by a variety of professional and private organizations for decades and have played a pivotal role in helping military personnel, search and rescue teams, firefighters, and even those in the construction field, complete important tasks.
Because helicopters fly thousands of feet above the ground, any accident that causes the helicopter to lose power can easily turn deadly.
Because of a helicopter’s ability to vertically take off and land and to move forwards, laterally, and backward, it allows people to access remote or crowded areas where larger, fixed-wing aircraft would not be able to reach. Helicopters also make it possible for tasks to be conducted for an extended period of time since the aircraft is capable of hovering and handling properties under low airspeed conditions. There are some downsides, however. Helicopter crashes cause many injuries and fatalities to pilots, occupants, and those on the ground.
Contact our Omaha helicopter accident attorneys at (402) 882-7080 for a free consultation regarding your case.
Helicopter Accident Statistics
According to Helicopter Association International, in the first quarter (January 1 through March 31) of 2014, there were:
- 20 civil helicopter accidents; and
- 3 fatal helicopter accidents.
These caused:
- 7 fatalities;
- 1 serious injury; and
- 2 minor injuries.
In its efforts to help promote a positive safety culture focused on the security of passengers, flight crew members, and medical professionals on Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) flights, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to develop new rules supporting National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations.
Helicopter Crash Causes
Because helicopters fly thousands of feet above the ground, any accident that causes the helicopter to lose power can easily turn deadly. Even a helicopter hovering 100 feet above the ground can cause serious injury or death if it falls from the sky. Helicopters are complicated machines, and so there are a variety of situations that can cause an accident.
Some common causes of helicopter accidents include:
- Mid-air collisions
- Approach and landing problems
- Defective helicopter parts
- Engine or propeller failure
- Pilot error
- Loss of control
- Improper maintenance or repair
- Air traffic controller mistakes
Helicopter Accident Injury Liability
Helicopter manufacturers are responsible for designing and creating helicopter components that are safe, reliable, and do not contain defects that could cause a part to fail. Even the most skilled helicopter pilot may not be able to maintain control of a helicopter if the engine or rotor system fails. In some collisions, accountability for a helicopter part failing and causing an injury or wrongful death accident may be attributed to inefficient maintenance or repair.
A pilot must be fully aware of flying conditions at all times while controlling a helicopter due to the sensitivity of a helicopter’s movement and response to weather, turbulence, and its own air while hovering. The inspection and surveillance of helicopter operators, especially for those of emergency helicopters, is vital in examining how to better improve how a helicopter is operated, how pilots are trained, and how to teach operators how to assess and handle potentially dangerous situations. If a helicopter pilot does not fly in accordance with proper procedure, flies recklessly, or does not fly with consideration for weather conditions, he or she could be held liable for any injuries should an accident occur.
Working to Obtain the Compensation You Deserve
Helicopter accident litigation is often highly complex, requiring the legal guidance and representation of attorneys with valuable resources to help support evidence surrounding a collision. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Nebraska helicopter accident, the experienced Omaha helicopter crash lawyers at Cullan & Culla LLC, can help you fight to hold negligent parties responsible and obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. We will investigate the details of your accident and thus advise you on the best course of legal action.
To learn more about how we can assist you with your case, contact us today for a free consultation.