Helicopters are very sophisticated, complex machines that serve numerous purposes. Although helicopters aren’t used as frequently as commercial and private planes, they are popular for sightseeing outfits, emergency rescues, and for the elite. Often, helicopters are used in dangerous circumstances and to reach areas that cannot be accessed by plane. Unlike airplanes, helicopters can land pretty much anywhere. This is why they are useful for military operations, search and rescue, medical evacuations, and in tourist areas like Hawaii.
However, they are extremely difficult to fly and carry more risks than any other type of aircraft. In fact, helicopters are the most likely to be involved in an accident, even though they fly less frequently than both commercial and private planes. Every year, hundreds of people take to the air in a helicopter, most of whom are looking for a thrilling adventure. Unfortunately, helicopter accidents do happen. Given the dangerous nature of helicopters, it should come as no surprise that the aftermath of an accident is usually devastating. It is rare for anyone to survive a helicopter crash. If you lost a loved one in a helicopter accident in Dallas or elsewhere in Texas, please contact Shamieh Law. We understand just how heartbreaking these types of accidents can be and will do everything we can to support you. Depending on the circumstances surrounding a helicopter accident, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim against those responsible for the accident.
Common Causes Of Helicopter Accidents
Even though flying is much safer today than it used to be, accidents still happen that carry devastating consequences. Helicopters, for one, are incredibly complicated and sophisticated machines. They consist of engines, rotors, driveshafts, gears, electronics, flight controls, landing gear, and a host of other intricate instruments. For the chopper to take off, fly, and land safely, all of these items must work independently and cohesively together. The individual systems are designed with safety in mind and take the utmost skill and care to operate.
When it comes to helicopter accidents, there are typically three main causal areas:
- Operational error
- Mechanical malfunction
- Electrical malfunction
Within each category are additional, more specific causes of helicopter accidents, which we will discuss below. Again, if you are involved in a helicopter accident or lose a loved one in a tragic accident, you may have options to recover damages. Let’s now look at the common causes of helicopter accidents within each category:
Operational Error
Human error is the most common cause of helicopter accidents, and these mistakes often involve operational error. Human errors can either be direct or unintentional, depending. Some examples of operational error that leads to a helicopter accident include:
- Failure to follow the flight plan
- Failure to operate the aircraft within the chopper’s functional limitations
- Operating the helicopter in unsafe environmental conditions
- Operating the aircraft in inclement weather
- Improper maintenance
- Lack of training
- Faulty manuals, training guides, and other operational procedures
- Oversight
Mechanical Malfunction
When one or more components of the helicopter do not function properly, it can also lead to an accident. Some examples of mechanical dysfunction include:
- Inadequate design
- Failure to test the various components
- Faulty manufacturing
- Improper use
- Poor operational monitoring
- Improper installation
Electrical Malfunction
Last but not least, when something goes wrong with the helicopter’s electrical components, it can cause malfunction and, in turn, an accident:
- Inadequate design
- An electrical component malfunctions
- An electrical short
- Failure to test the components
- Lack of quality control
Common Helicopter Accident Injuries
The overwhelming majority of helicopter accidents lead to death. However, if someone does survive this type of accident, it may result in the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
- Broken bones and lacerations
- Loss of limbs
- Drowning (if the aircraft crashes over water)
Who Is Liable?
Proving liability following a helicopter accident can be challenging. The first thing to keep in mind is that the causes of helicopter accidents will dictate who is responsible. The following parties may be held liable following a helicopter accident:
- The pilot
- The helicopter company
- The co-pilot
- The passenger
- The helicopter manufacturer
- The helicopter parts manufacturer
- The repair or maintenance company
Filing A Helicopter Accident Claim
If you were involved in a helicopter accident that left you with a serious injury, or if you lost a loved one, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, chances are you have questions about the next steps. If you did survive, you undoubtedly are facing significant medical bills and loss of wages. If you lost your spouse or another loved one in a Dallas helicopter accident, you might have questions about how you are going to pay your mortgage and raise your children. All of these questions have one thing in common – they are asked by helicopter crash victims.
Absolutely nothing can bring back your loved ones and return your life to what it once was. However, filing a personal injury claim may help you recover damages and compensate you for your losses. Filing a claim is a complex process that should be handled with the utmost care and attention. At Shamieh Law, we understand just how tragic these types of accidents are. We will do everything we can to help you and ensure justice is served. If the accident was caused by human error, negligence on the part of the helicopter company, or for some other preventable reason, our wrongful death lawyers could help. Give us a call today and schedule a free consultation.
