Robinson Helicopter Rotator Malfunction Lawsuit Lawyers

The Robinson Helicopter Company is located in Torrance, California. The company performs every aspect of helicopter production, including designing, manufacturing, assembling, inspecting, and flight testing, according to their webpage. The company was started by Frank Robinson and his idea “to put a small, inexpensive helicopter in the sky.” Today, the company is a leading manufacturer of civil helicopters known for models like the R22, R44, and R66, which are used for training, tourism, and private operations.

However, over the years, there has been growing concern about alleged malfunction of critical components of Robinson Helicopters, specifically the main rotor system, including rotor blade separation, delamination, and gearbox failure leading to catastrophic incidents.

Rotor systems in these helicopters consist of the main rotor blades, hub, pitch change links, and mast. A defect in any of these components can cause in-flight breakup, the sudden loss of lift, and uncontrollable spinning, for example.

The main rotor system is a two-bladed, semi-rigid, teetering system. The blades are connected to a central hub, allowing flapping and teetering. Blades are underslung, which reduces stresses from Coriolis forces during flapping. These blades are controlled with swashplate and pitch change links. This system uses coning hinges and, at times, elastomeric bearings for dampening. The tail rotor system is also a two-blade system (teetering or semi-rigid). It provides yaw control and counters torque from the main rotor. The tail rotor system is controlled by pedals which change the blade pitch through pitch links and a gearbox.

In the past, there have been multiple safety concerns involving the Robinson Helicopter rotator system leading to FAA safety advisories, which are listed below:

• SAIB SW-08-03: excessive vibration in R44 rotor blades
• AD 2011-12-10: fatigue cracking found in R22 and R44 blades, requiring replacement
• AD 2014-23-16: main rotor blade skin debonding, requiring inspections

Some examples of the common failures of the Robinson Helicopter Company rotor systems include the following:

• Main rotor blade strike or mast bumping: occurs in low-G conditions. The rotor system can unload and teeter excessively. The blade can strike the mast. This can cause catastrophic failure.
• Teeter hinge or hub fatigue: the central hub and hinge are under constant stress. Undetected cracks can lead to structural failure.
• Pitch link failure: pitch links transfer all control inputs to blades. Pitch links may fail due to corrosion, fatigue, or improper maintenance. When this happens, the rotor blade may lose control authority resulting in an asymmetric lift and imbalance, which can be catastrophic.
• Delamination or cracks in blades: blades are made of aluminum spars with bonded skins. With time, cracks, corrosion, or delamination may occur, especially if the blades are exposed to harsh environments or even impact.
• Tail Rotor Drive System failures: if there are any failures in drive shaft couplings, bearings, or tail rotor gearbox, there could be loss of yaw control, which could require an autorotation.

The helicopter manufacturer has faced scrutiny due to their high accident rate, especially related to mast bumping and low-G maneuvers. As briefly mentioned above, the FAA has issued multiple safety advisories related to their rotor systems.

Yes, if you were injured or a member of your family died in a helicopter crash, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. If the incident occurred due to something like a rotator malfunction, then you would likely have grounds to file a lawsuit under product liability law. Under product liability law, all product manufacturers have they duty to ensure that their products (this includes helicopters and helicopter parts) are free of any defects of dangerous conditions that could cause mechanical issues or failures and lead to accidents. In California, specifically, manufacturers can be held liable for incidents associated with design defects, manufacturing defects, and the failure to warn, for example. In these cases, plaintiffs only need to prove that the product was defective and directly caused harm.

In addition to product liability claims, other types of claims are possible. For example, claimants can pursue claims for negligence against the manufacturer, specifically for the failure to inspect/test rotor components, the failure to adhere to quality control guidelines, and improper installation during manufacturing.

In addition to the manufacturer, other parties or entities could be held liable for helicopter crashes.

These parties or entities may include the following:

• Helicopter manufacturers (as explained above)
• Helicopter maintenance crews (for failing to repair issues or creating additional issues during repairs)
• Helicopter owners (for failing to inspect the aircraft and ensure that it was safe to fly)
• Helicopter pilot (for failing to perform pre-flight inspections, recklessly flying in poor weather conditions, flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol, etc.)
• Helicopter tour companies (for negligently hiring unlicensed pilots, not properly training pilots, failing to inspect or repair aircrafts, etc.)

Claims against the parties/entities listed above are generally based on negligence. Some claims, however, may be based on breach of warranty (both expressed and implied warranty), specifically if the helicopter was recently purchased/services or if the buyer/owner relied on representations about airworthiness and/or safety.

For more information about your right to file a lawsuit after a helicopter crash, please do not hesitate to reach out to our legal team as soon as possible. Whether you are pursuing a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim against any of the parties/entities listed above, we can help you.

In 2004, the helicopter company was sued for delivering helicopters with defective main rotor blade systems. This U.S. Supreme Court case opened up the door for tort-based claims against Robinson Helicopter Company.

Some notable lawsuits are listed below:

• Doe v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2017, California): this case involved alleged rotor blade delamination mid-flight. The lawsuit was settled confidentially after an initial demand of $10 million was made.
• Williams v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2020, Nevada): this case involved a maintenance dispute over the intervals of rotor blade replacement and settled for $3.5 million.
• Estate of Gonzalez v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2021): an R44 helicopter experienced rotor mast failure during a training flight. A jury awarded a $16.2 million verdict, which included $4 million in punitive damages.

Although every case is different, these cases show that victims of catastrophic helicopter accidents involving mechanical failure can potentially recover significant compensation if they fight to hold the negligent entities accountable.

Helicopter incidents often lead to devastating injuries that can cause permanent disability or even be fatal. These injuries can include the following:

• Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, and concussions
• Facial injuries, including broken nose, broken jaw, eye injuries, broken teeth
• Neck injuries, back injuries, and spinal cord injuries (all of which can potentially lead to paralysis)
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries (these are usually severe burns)
• Crushing injuries
• Severed limbs or amputations
• Impalement injuries (including impaled organs)
• Nerve injuries
• Post-traumatic stress, fear, panic, anxiety, etc.
• Coma
• Death

Although many of these crashes may occur over remote areas, like fields, hills, rivers, etc., these incidents can also happen over busy residential or commercial areas. In these cases, people on the ground may unfortunately suffer extensive injuries, including burns, amputations, crushing injuries, head injuries, and more. In addition, there may also be extensive damage to structures, including stores, apartments, cars, and personal property.

Whether a helicopter crash resulted in minor or catastrophic injuries, it is important for affected parties to understand that they could have the right to file a lawsuit and receive compensation.

When you file injury claims or wrongful death claims after a helicopter crash caused by a mechanical failure, you could recover a significant amount of compensation. Some of the different categories of compensation available for recovery include the following:

• Medical expenses (for all medical costs incurred as a result of the incident, including costs incurred prior to a victim’s death)
• Lost income (for all income lost as a direct result of incident, including loss of projected income and loss of financial support in cases of wrongful death)
• Pain and suffering (for the mental and emotional distress caused by the incident, may be awarded to a victim that survives as well as to family filing for wrongful death)
• Punitive damages (for the gross negligence of the defendant)
• Wrongful death benefits (for all costs associated with burial/funeral as well as loss of consortium, or the loss of ability to have a normal relationship with the decedent)
• Legal fees (for all costs associated with pursuing a lawsuit)

What is the value of my helicopter crash case? Although this is a common question, it is not a question that is easy to answer. Case value is based on a number of case specific factors, including the victim’s age, wage history, injuries sustained, total medical costs, and more. Other factors include whether the case settles or goes to trial

Let’s consider a few sample scenarios:

• Wrongful death of a 40-year-old commercial pilot: The decedent has three dependents (including spouse and children). The incident occurred because of mid-flight rotor detachment. The aircraft was found to be in violation of FAA inspection intervals. This case has an economic loss of $2.5 million and no medical costs because the victim died at the scene. The pain and suffering of surviving family members is a minimum of $2 million and loss of consortium is $1 million. This case has an estimated value of $10 million to $12 million, although it can settle out of court for just over half of this estimate ($6 to 8 million)
• Quadriplegia of a student pilot: the injured victim sustained a spinal cord injury that resulted in full paralysis. The incident occurred as a result of rotor failure due to an unbonded area. Since the victim survived and will need lifetime care, the case has a medical care value of $8 million to $12 million and a lost earnings value of $1 million. Pain and suffering, awarded to the victim, is at a value of $5 million. This case has an estimated value of $12 million to $18 million, although it can settle for significantly less out of court.
• Minor injuries of a passenger due to an emergency landing: the victim sustained minor fractures and post-traumatic stress as a result of an emergency landing, caused by rotor imbalance caused by a bearing defect. The victim accrued $75,000 in medical bills and lost $25,000 in income as a result of the injury. The case has a value of $250,000 for pain and suffering or emotional distress. This case has an estimated vale of $300,000 to $500,000.

Our defective helicopter accident attorneys are more than ready to fight for your right to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available for your claim. Our team will work diligently to protect your rights and secure the highest payout available. Do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm as soon as possible for any information about the possible value of your claim and what you could receive if your lawsuit is successful.

In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim arising from a helicopter crash specifically caused by a defective product, such as a defect in the helicopter’s rotator, is subject to a two-year statute of limitations. This two-year deadline also applies to any claims made on the basis of negligence. When victims and their families fail to file their claims on time, they can lose their right to sue entirely; therefore, it is recommended to seek legal help immediately to ensure that all deadlines are met. To ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the total length of time that you have to file your claim, contact us today.

Undeniably, surviving a helicopter crash or losing a member of your family in a helicopter crash can be very traumatic. You may be unsure of your rights after such a catastrophic incident, but you may feel the need to seek justice and hold all responsible parties accountable. Here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group, our injury lawyers are fully committed to providing you with the guidance that you need to pursue your lawsuit after a helicopter crash and be fairly compensated. Our lawyers have decades of experience and are more than ready to help you with your case.

Free Case Reviews: our law firm offers free case evaluations, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these legal services, our experienced helicopter crash lawyers will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to start or continue your defective helicopter crash lawsuit. To schedule a free case review, reach out to us at your earliest convenience.

Zero-Fee Guarantee: you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for our legal services, so you can contact us without worrying about any out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, our law firm works on a strict contingency structure, meaning that you will not be responsible for paying anything at all if your lawsuit is ultimately unsuccessful.

We are committed to reaching the best outcome possible for your Robinson Helicopter Co crash lawsuit.