Common Injuries Caused by Defective Robinson Helicopter Crashes

Without a doubt, the human body is extremely vulnerable to the forces and impacts involved in any aviation accident, such as a helicopter crash. These incidents may initiate thousands of feet in the air, leaving helicopters to experience a rapid vertical descent which ultimately increases the impact force. It is also important to highlight that, unlike traditional vehicles, helicopters are not designed to withstand impacts. In addition, crashes result in damage to fuel components, which can lead to fires.

Some of the Most Common Helicopter Crash Injuries are Discussed Below:

• Traumatic brain injuries or TBIs: these include concussions, skull fractures, and hemorrhaging or swelling of the brain. In instances in which there was a sudden deceleration or a direct impact with the ground or with a structure, the brain can collide with the inside of the skull. Even when someone survives a helicopter crash, a TBI can result in long-term issues, including memory loss, cognitive issues, and permanent disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: these may include herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, cervical injuries, thoracic injuries, lumbar injuries, sacral injuries, etc. These injuries can be incomplete spinal cord injuries which can lead to some loss of motor functions and/or sensation. On the contrary, complete spinal cord injuries can result in total loss of motor and sensory function below the site of the injury, leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia).
• Burn injuries: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, third-degree burns, and fourth-degree burns usually occur as a result of fuel leaks or explosions after the impact. Thermal burns may also occur. These burns can result in scarring and disfigurement. Smoke from fires could also result in smoke inhalation injuries, for instance.
• Orthopedic injuries: examples of these injuries may include broken ribs, broken pelvis, broken legs, broken arms, crushed limbs, joint dislocations, etc. Because of the force of the impact, helicopter crashes often lead to extensive harm. Harm may also include amputations and severed limbs.
• Internal injuries: these may include internal bleeding, collapsed lungs, and organ damage. These injuries may occur as a result of broken bones impaling organs or because of the force of the crash, for instance. In addition, blunt force trauma from safety restraint, falling debris, etc. can cause organs to rupture.
• Psychological harm (or mental and emotional distress): survivors of helicopter crashes may face lasting mental and emotional harm, which may be just as debilitating as any physical injuries. In addition, psychological harm may require lifelong treatment, even long after physical injuries have healed. Examples of the psychological injuries that may occur can include post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, panic, and more.

Without a doubt, helicopter crashes can have catastrophic outcomes. Although the odds of being in a helicopter crash are low, the fatal accident rate for helicopters in the U.S. over the past five years was 0.73 per 100,000 flight hours. This is based on a recent report from the U.S. Helicopter Safety Team. In 2022, specifically, there were 97 helicopter accidents in the U.S., with 17 of them resulting in fatalities. In 2022, the fatal accident rate was 0.63 per 100,000 flight hours. Globally, according to the International Helicopter Safety Foundation, there is an average of 52 fatal helicopter accidents per year.

Although helicopter crashes are relatively rare, when they occur, there is a significant risk of victims (including pilots and passengers) sustaining fatal injuries. As briefly mentioned previously, helicopters are not designed to withstand impacts. They are built to be as light as possible, and structures simply cannot support impact. In addition, transmissions, engines, and rotors are mounted on top of the airframe; when a crash occurs, these heavy structures can collapse into the cabin. In addition, rotor blades often enter the cabin, increasing the risk of severe injuries to occupants.

If a member of your family died as a result of a helicopter crash, it is important that you understand that you could have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.

Whether you are filing an injury claim or a wrongful death claim, you could be entitled to receive compensation. Although every claim is different, you could potentially be entitled to receive compensation for some of the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Wrongful death benefits (including funeral/burial costs and loss of consortium)
• Punitive damages
• Legal expenses

Without a doubt, recovering monetary compensation will not undo the damage done by such a catastrophic incident; however, fighting for compensation ensures that the responsible parties or entities are held accountable. Here at our law firm, our legal team is more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights and secure the maximum payout available for your claim. Whether our experts need to negotiate a settlement or go to trial to reach a verdict, you can trust that our team will do everything possible to secure a fair recovery for your claim. Contact us today to learn more about the possible value of your claim.

Here at Downtown L.A. Law Group, we understand the devastating effects that a helicopter crash can have on victims and, of course, on their families. Our experts are committed to help you pursue justice and financial recovery for harm resulting from a helicopter crash. To ensure that we remain as accessible as possible, our law firm offers free case reviews. These include free initial consultations and free second opinions. During these legal services, our experts will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with the information that you need to either begin or continue your claim. To schedule a free case review, contact us today.

Our helicopter crash attorneys are ready to help you fight for your rights.

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