Experienced Helicopter Crash Litigation Attorneys Fighting For Grieving Families
Was your loved one killed in a helicopter crash in the Houston area or elsewhere in Texas? If so, you deserve answers and accountability, which are best achieved with the help of an experienced aviation accident attorney.
Investigating a crash to determine causes and liability is complicated, time-consuming and resource-intensive. Many personal injury and wrongful death law firms do not have the skills, experience and knowledge necessary to properly investigate and litigate helicopter crash claims. Spagnoletti Law Firm does.
Hiring experienced helicopter crash lawyers is crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape that follows such devastating accidents. Helicopter crashes often involve intricate aviation regulations, technical details, and multiple parties, including manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers. An experienced lawyer understands these complexities and can effectively investigate the cause of the crash, gather critical evidence, and identify all liable parties. They are also well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and can ensure that victims or their families receive the full compensation they are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. By hiring a lawyer with a deep understanding of aviation law and a track record of success in helicopter crash cases, victims can focus on recovery while knowing their legal rights are being vigorously protected.
Our team of attorneys has decades of combined legal experience, as well as a strong track record of success in aviation accident litigation locally, nationally and internationally.
Why Did The Crash Occur?
Helicopter crashes are sometimes unpredictable and unavoidable. However, in many cases, they can be attributed to negligence on the part of a person, business, organization or combination of the three. Common causes of helicopter crashes include:
- Pilot error or inadequate pilot training
- Mechanical failure caused by faulty equipment and manufacturer negligence
- Mechanical failure caused by negligent inspection and maintenance practices
- Failure to monitor and respond to weather conditions
- Unexpected obstacles in the flight path
- Operational and planning errors (poor flight plans, overloaded helicopters, fuel shortages, ground control communication errors, etc.)
- Aviation mechanic errors or negligence
Pilot error is often a factor in helicopter crashes, but the investigation cannot stop there. Like most aircraft, helicopters are complex machines that often have redundant safety systems, not to mention the strict protocols that pilots and ground control must follow. Therefore, when a fatal crash occurs, it is often due to several errors or issues that overlap to cause a critical failure.
An investigation into a helicopter crash must extend far beyond examining the pilot’s actions, as numerous factors can cause or contribute to such an accident. While pilot error is often a focus in aviation investigations, many other elements play critical roles in ensuring a helicopter’s safe operation. Mechanical failures, for instance, can be a significant cause of crashes, whether due to engine malfunctions, rotor blade issues, or faulty control systems. These mechanical problems might stem from manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance, or wear and tear that was not adequately addressed. Additionally, environmental factors such as adverse weather conditions, sudden wind changes, or bird strikes can drastically affect the helicopter’s performance, leading to situations where even a skilled pilot might struggle to maintain control.
Moreover, the design and construction of the helicopter itself are crucial areas that need thorough examination. Design flaws, substandard materials, or even improper weight distribution can contribute to a crash. The role of air traffic control and the adequacy of communication systems also cannot be overlooked, as miscommunication or errors in instruction can lead to disastrous outcomes. Human factors beyond the pilot, such as maintenance crew errors or the actions of other flight personnel, can also influence the course of events leading up to a crash. Given the complexity of helicopter operations, a comprehensive investigation that looks at all potential contributing factors is essential to understanding the true cause of the crash and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Which Laws Apply To Your Loved One’s Helicopter Crash?
In many cases, helicopters are local or regional aircraft. When a crash occurs on land within Texas borders, chances are good that litigation will be governed by the state’s wrongful death laws. Helicopter crashes occurring offshore may be subject to different laws that govern the issues in the case.
In Texas, wrongful death occurs when a person dies due to someone else’s carelessness, neglect, or intentional act. Family members of the victim have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in preferential order: Surviving spouses, children, parents and then certain other close family members. Depending on the circumstances, these individuals may have also have claims for the loss of their loved one. If none of these parties file suit, a case can be brought by the representative of the estate.
With rare exceptions, you have just two years from the date of the person’s death to start a case in Texas. If you haven’t filed a claim by the time the statute of limitations expires, it is nearly impossible to seek justice in civil court. For this and other reasons, it is important to seek an experienced attorney’s help as soon as reasonably possible.
The importance of a lawyer analyzing where to bring a lawsuit and what laws govern a helicopter crash case cannot be overstated, as these decisions are critical to the success of the case. The jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed can significantly impact the outcome, as different states or countries may have varying laws, procedural rules, and limitations on damages. An experienced lawyer with a deep understanding of aviation law will know how to navigate these complexities, ensuring that the case is brought in the most favorable jurisdiction and under the appropriate legal framework. They can also identify which laws – whether state, federal, or international – apply to the case, particularly in crashes involving multiple parties, such as manufacturers, operators, and maintenance providers. By leveraging their expertise, experienced helicopter crash lawyers can optimize the chances of securing the maximum compensation for their clients while effectively managing the intricate legal challenges that such cases present.
Discuss Your Litigation Options With Our Experienced And Caring Attorneys
Spagnoletti Law Firm is based in Houston, and we serve clients throughout Texas and beyond. If you’d like to learn more about how our experienced aviation accident attorneys can help your family seek compensation after this devastating loss, contact us today to request an initial consultation. You can reach out online or call 713-804-9306.