The First 72 Hours: What Our Team Secures and Why It Matters
Evidence is crucial in a helicopter crash. That is why, from the very outset, our team submits preservation requests, safeguards the wreckage and debris, collects ADS-B and radar data, and captures ATC recordings. We quickly acquire weather and witness records before they vanish.
We work in accordance with, and not in collaboration with, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is at the forefront of the federal safety investigation and provides public information to families. Our objectives differ: the NTSB seeks to prevent future occurrences, and we seek to establish accountability. The link between mechanical evidence and maintenance and operational records is how civil responsibility is proven.
Potential Causes and Responsibility Areas of Rotorcraft Accidents
Pilot error, operator negligence, improper maintenance, and faulty parts are very often the reasons helicopters end up in accidents. Negligence by manufacturers, maintenance providers, heliport managers, or air-traffic personnel can also lead to liability when their conduct contributes to a crash. They can be held accountable for accidents caused by their negligence.
Guiding families through wrongful death claim processes is also part of what we do. It is our responsibility to collect all certified documents, organize and preserve them, and present them clearly so a court or a jury can easily understand what they show.
Provisions Guiding Helicopter Flight Activities
Each type of helicopter flight is governed by a unique set of federal regulations. For example, flights for hire are regulated by Part 135, and private flights are regulated by Part 91. Knowing the applicable regulatory framework is critical to defining legal requirements and responsibilities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes current processes and protocols for maintaining rotorcraft safety.
Other laws can also apply to international, offshore, or over-water flights. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) may limit certain damages for accidents occurring beyond three nautical miles from the coastline. A claim arising from the actions of federal employees follows the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) timeline for filing before court. An attorney can identify which laws and time periods are relevant to make sure your rights are upheld.
The Nature and Scope of Damages, and the Subsequent Timelines: Recovery Options After a Fatal or Serious Helicopter Crash
When negligence or a product defect is proven, recovery may be available for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and anticipated future costs. Non-economic damages address devastating pain, mental suffering, and decreased quality of life.
In the event of fatal helicopter crashes, families may pursue wrongful-death damages covering loss of financial support, funeral costs, and emotional suffering. Some jurisdictions allow punitive damages when the conduct is egregious. Filing deadlines depend on the jurisdiction and applicable statutes; missing them can bar recovery. Preserving claims requires early and careful legal evaluation.
Product Defects and Federal Safety Data
When analyzing product defects, engineers review fracture patterns, metallurgical data, and software logic. They focus on the evidence pointing to the flaw and then evaluate whether design or manufacturing caused it. If a design or manufacturing defect is evident, we work to hold the responsible companies accountable through strict-liability or negligence claims.
Helicopter safety remains a pressing concern for the FAA. According to the FAAās rotorcraft safety work, loss of control, wire strikes, and maintenance issues continue to appear among common causes of crashes. These factors help answer what happened and how a similar event might have been prevented. See the FAAās rotorcraft safety initiative for additional context: FAA Rotorcraft Safety Initiative (PDF).
The Ammons Law Firm Can Help
When a helicopter crashes, you need a clear picture of the incident and competent representation. Our aviation legal team gathers evidence, collaborates with independent professionals, and sifts through the details to formulate a comprehensive case for clients and their families. Even when the cause of the crash is unknown, a legal review may still be appropriate. We help you articulate your thoughts, analyze your case, and determine the best course of action to take.
Our wrongful death lawyers are here to help you. Contact us to learn how you can recover compensation after an accident.
