What is the Average Value of a Robinson Helicopter Crash Lawsuit?

Both the R22 and R44 helicopters have had safety issues in the past. FAA safety advisories include the following:

• SAIB SW-08-03 (excessive vibration in rotor blades affected the R44)
• AD 2011-12-10 (fatigue cracking in blades requiring replacement affecting the R22 and R44)
• AD 2014-23-16 (main rotor blade skin debonding and requiring inspections)

Some examples of the possible defects that that could be present in the Robinson Helicopter rotor systems can include main rotor blade strike, mast bumping, hinge or hub fatigue, pitch link failure, delamination/cracks in blades, and more. Without a doubt, when these defects cause malfunctions mid-flight, catastrophic incidents can occur which can result in severe injuries.

Yes, you could have the right to file a lawsuit if you sustained injuries or if a member of your family died in a helicopter crash, you could have the right to file a lawsuit. If the incident occurred due to a defect that led to a malfunction, you could pursue a claim under product liability law. However, you may also have grounds to pursue a claim on the basis of negligence against the owner/operator of the helicopter, maintenance companies, repair companies, and pilots, for example. For more information about your right to file a lawsuit after a helicopter crash, contact our lawyers as soon as possible.

This is a very common question; however, it can be a very difficult question to answer. This is because every claim is different, and the value of each claim is strictly determined by the factors surrounding each case.

Are there any past settlements involving Robinson Helicopter Co.? Yes, there are a few different settlement examples that we can review. These include the following:

• Williams v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2020): this case settled for $3.5 million. It involved a maintenance dispute specifically over the intervals of rotor blade replacement.
• Estate of Gonzalez v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2021): this case resulted in a $16.2 million verdict, which included a $4 million award for punitive damages. The case involved rotor mast failure in an R44 helicopter during a training flight.
• Doe v. Robinson Helicopter Co. (2017): this case involved rotor blade delamination mid-flight. There was an initial demand of $10 million, but the lawsuit settled confidentially.

These examples of past cases certainly show that those affected by catastrophic helicopter accidents due to mechanical failure can recover a significant amount of compensation if they decide to pursue a claim.

How much do case values vary based on different situations? Because every case is so different, case values (even the past case examples mentioned above) will vary significantly. Below, we will review a few sample scenarios as well as sample case values:

• A private pilot and one passenger are killed in a helicopter crash caused by mast bumping in flight, a result of rotor separation. The incident occurred during a routine touring flight (sightseeing) in calm weather. Some of the possible claims that could be filed may include product liability, failure to warn, and negligence, for instance. If it can be proven that the incident falls under product liability and not pilot negligence, this would be a strong product liability claim, with the potential to recover a significant amount in punitive damages. Case value could range from $5 million to $15 million.
• A private pilot suffers a spinal fracture that leads to limited mobility and chronic pain after a helicopter loses yaw control due to a tail rotor bearing failure. Some of the legal issues that could be brought up in this claim could include negligent maintenance, product liability, and even negligent pilot training, for example. Since the victim survived the crash, medical costs, lost pay, and long-term disability must be considered. Estimated case value for this case could range from $1 million to $3 million.
• A student pilot sustains a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed after a helicopter crash caused by rotor failure. The victim will need lifetime care. When considering total medical costs incurred, in addition to future estimated costs, lost pay, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, this sample case could have an estimated value ranging from $12 million to $18 million.
• A passenger sustains minor injuries after an emergency landing after rotor complications mid-flight. The victim is left with a total of $75,000 in medical bills, with no future medical costs, $25,000 in income losses, and extensive pain and suffering. A case like this could have an estimated value of $300,000 to $500,000.

What is the average value of these cases? – Trying to determine one average value can be misleading because case values can range so much. Based on a number of case details, including the type of claim being pursued, the extent of the injuries suffered, whether a fatality occurred, and more, helicopter crash accident lawsuits can be associated with values ranging anywhere from $300,000 to $15 million (and sometimes even more). The only way to get an accurate estimated value, however, is to reach out to a lawyer. A lawyer experienced in helicopter accident cases will be able to evaluate the details surrounding your case and provide you with more information on the possible value of your case.

Our experienced lawyers here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to fight for your rights after a helicopter crash caused by a defective Robinson Helicopter Co. aircraft or by the negligence of another party or entity. Whether you were injured or a member of your family died, it is important that you pursue the legal options available to you as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys are more than ready to fight for your rights and help you hold all negligent parties or entities accountable for the harm suffered. If you are ready to explore the legal options available to you, including your right to be compensated, contact us today.

Our firm offers free case reviews, which include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our lawyers will be available to answer all your questions, address all your concerns, and provide you with all the information that you need to either begin or continue your claim. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact our law firm at your earliest convenience.

Zero-Fee Guarantee: you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for any of our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on contingency, meaning that you will not be required to pay anything at all if your lawsuit is not successful. If you do not win, you will not have to pay anything.

Contact us today to learn more about your right to sue and recover compensation.

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