Flying in a helicopter can be much more dangerous than flying on a commercial airplane. That’s why a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) signed into law by President Biden tightened oversight on many commercial helicopter operations. Among other things, this bill imposed stricter training requirements for pilots to ensure they are qualified to operate the chopper safely.
Unfortunately, despite the enhanced safety precautions that are being put into place, helicopter accidents still can and do happen. Whether these occur on charter flights or they happen on tourism flights when helicopters take visitors over scenic areas, helicopter accidents can be devastating to those involved.
Why Hire Our Helicopter Accident Lawyer in Lafayette?
If you were hurt in a helicopter accident or if someone you love was killed, you need to understand your legal rights. Anderson Blanda & Saltzman can provide the help and support you need with your case. Our Lafayette aviation accident lawyers are here and ready to assist you in identifying defendants, putting together a strong claim, and fighting for the compensation you need and deserve.
Our attorneys have more than 100 years of collective experience and have been designated as SuperLawyers and among the Top 100 Trial Attorneys. We bring unparalleled skill and legal knowledge to your case, so give us a call at (337) 233-3366 or schedule a free consultation to find out more about the assistance we can offer after a helicopter incident forever changes your life.
Who is Responsible After a Helicopter Accident?
If you or a loved one was involved in a helicopter accident, you need to identify the parties who could potentially be liable for covering your losses. There are a number of potential defendants including:
- Helicopter operators
- Maintenance providers
- Helicopter manufacturers
- Air traffic controllers
- Other aircraft operators
- The employer of the pilot
- Companies providing access to the helicopter
In some cases, multiple different parties could be held liable for losses. For example, Louisiana’s vicarious liability law says “masters and employers are answerable for the damage occasioned by their servants and overseers, in the exercise of the functions in which they are employed.”
This law means if a helicopter accident is caused by a careless pilot while the pilot is performing work duties, the company employing that pilot can be held accountable for resulting losses. That company may have more insurance coverage or deeper pockets, so it can better cover all of the damages that the helicopter accident caused you to experience.
Anderson Blanda & Saltzman will help you identify all potential defendants so you can maximize the chances of being able to recover the full amount of compensation due to you.
Proving Who Was to Blame in a Helicopter Accident
To recover compensation for a helicopter accident, you’ll need to show the defendant was negligent or engaged in intentional wrongdoing.
You can show negligence by demonstrating the defendant failed to exercise a reasonable level of care or violated specific safety rules in a way that caused you harm.
You’ll need to gather evidence to make your case. This can include:
- Evidence from the crash site including debris from the helicopter
- Inspection reports prepared by officials
- Maintenance logs showing when and how the helicopter was serviced
- Eyewitness testimony from people who saw the crash
- Pilot logbooks recording the actions taken by the pilot and hours the pilot worked
- Video from the onboard camera
- Data recorded on board from the so-called “black box”
- Research into potential problems with the helicopter
You may need help gathering these and other types of evidence to make your case — especially if the helicopter company is not being cooperative with sharing data with you.
The Lafayette helicopter accident lawyers at Anderson Blanda & Saltzman have extensive experience with helicopter accident claims and can help you put together the strongest case possible so you can seek justice.
Damages in a Helicopter Accident Claim
Helicopter accidents can often cause very extensive damage. In fact, many incidents involving helicopters can be fatal. That’s why it’s so important for victims to ensure they get the full and fair compensation they deserve.
Victims who survive a helicopter accident can pursue a claim for economic and non-financial losses including:
- Medical bills, including any future bills for ongoing care if injuries are long-lasting or permanent
- Loss of wages and any future loss of earning power if the accident causes lasting injuries that interfere with work options
- Pain and suffering if the injuries cause discomfort
- Emotional distress if your helicopter accident injuries cause you to experience mental issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or depression.
If a helicopter accident is fatal, Louisiana, Article 2315.2 entitles certain relatives to pursue a wrongful death claim. Spouses, children, surviving parents of the deceased, and other close family members can make a case to collect all of the damages above as well as lost companionship and loss of benefits or services the deceased would have provided during their lifetime.
These damages can often be obtained through a settlement, in some cases, if the defendants accept fault and agree to be legally liable. The defendants can make an offer and, if it is fair and reasonable, you can accept and avoid court proceedings.
Damages can also be obtained through a civil lawsuit. This would involve going to court and proving your case against the defendants and allowing the court to award you damages. This can be a more complicated process, but it is sometimes worth it if no fair settlement agreement can be reached. You always want to ensure you’re “made whole” or compensated for all losses, even if going to trial is necessary to do that.
Anderson Blanda & Saltzman has trial experience and attorneys at our firm have been named among the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers so we are ready to represent you in court or out of court to ensure you receive compensation for all helicopter accident losses.
Get the Justice You Deserve and Contact a Lafayette Helicopter Accident Attorney
A Lafayette personal injury attorney at Anderson Blanda & Saltzman can provide the advocacy you need and deserve throughout your helicopter accident claim. Give us a call at (337) 233-3366 to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can fight for you.