Hawaii Helicopter Accident Lawyers

Helping Victims of Helicopter Crashes in Hawaii & Nationwide

Helicopters are used for various purposes, including medical emergency services, military operations, search and rescue missions, and tourism. While these aircraft are essential in many situations, they are also prone to certain risks and dangers. Unfortunately, when helicopters crash, the consequences are often catastrophic. People are killed or seriously injured, and families are left to pick up the pieces.

If you or someone you love was involved in a helicopter crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your damages. At Davis Levin Livingston, our helicopter accident attorneys in Hawaii represent victims and families nationwide. We know how to navigate the complexities of these cases, and we are prepared to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients; put our proven team on your side today.

For a confidential case evaluation, call (808) 740-0633 or online. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

Causes of Helicopter Crashes

A helicopter can fail because of an electrical malfunction, mechanical malfunction or operational error. Each category has several subcategories that lead to the negligence of one or more parties, including the pilot.

Electrical malfunctions are mostly self-explanatory and include:

• Shorts.
• Failure of an electrical component.
• Poor design of the electrical system or a portion of the electrical system.
• Poor quality control.

Operational malfunctions cover many things and have the highest instance of human error. These malfunctions include:

• Faulty training guides, operational procedures, checklists and manuals.
• Pilot error, which may cause several things, including the pilot’s failure to operate the helicopter within its operational limits.
• Not filing the flight plan in a proper manner.
• Flying in unsafe conditions, such as a storm.
• Inadequate or improper maintenance. Helicopters require more maintenance than fixed wing aircraft because of the number of moving parts.
• Maintenance and flight personnel with improper or poor training.

Mechanical malfunctions also have some degree of human error. Flight checklists and maintenance procedures are in place to find worn or damaged parts before the helicopter takes off on its next flight.

Mechanical malfunctions include:

• Improper design of a part.
• A part is defective before being installed on the helicopter.
• Inadequate testing of the helicopter after installation of new parts.
• Poor or no quality control.
• Improper use of parts. This could be because a technician substitutes a different part if the right one isn’t available.
• No maintenance or poor maintenance on the helicopter.
• Replacement part installation is done incorrectly.

Helicopter-Related Injuries

Helicopter injuries could be extensive, and may not always occur because of an accident. You could suffer spinal cord injuries, whiplash and muscular problems should the helicopter run into turbulence and throw you around inside — even if you are strapped in. If you happen to hit your head on something hard in a helicopter crash or turbulent flying, you could also suffer a concussion. If you think you may be injured, but are not sure, it’s always a good idea to visit your doctor or an emergency room.

Who is Liable for a Helicopter Accident?

Helicopter accidents are often highly complex, and there may be multiple parties who could be held liable for your damages. For example, if the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, the manufacturer of the helicopter or the part that failed may be liable. If the accident was caused by a maintenance or inspection issue, the company responsible for maintaining or inspecting the helicopter may be liable. If the accident was caused by pilot error or negligence, the pilot and/or the company that employs the pilot may be liable.

Helicopter accident cases are further complicated by the fact that some are caused by a combination of factors. For example, a helicopter may crash because of a pilot error, but the pilot may have been unable to properly gauge the altitude or speed because of a mechanical issue. In such cases, multiple parties may be liable.

What Damages Are Available in Helicopter Accident Lawsuits?

Helicopter accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and death. As a result, the damages in these cases are often significant. While no amount of money can undo the physical, emotional, and financial harm you have suffered, a successful lawsuit can allow you to recover compensation for your losses.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your:

• Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
• Lost wages/income (past, current, and future)
• Loss of earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress/mental anguish
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Disability/inability to work
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium/companionship
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of future financial support

In cases involving particularly egregious negligence or wrongful conduct, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate you for your losses but to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

How Our Helicopter Accident Attorneys Can Help

Helicopter accident cases are highly complex. They often involve multiple parties, including large corporations and their insurance companies. These entities are not on your side; they are focused on protecting their own interests and profits. As such, they will do everything they can to minimize your claim or avoid paying you anything at all.

At Davis Levin Livingston, we are prepared to fight for you and your recovery. Our team has extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we have a long history of success. We know how to take on large corporations and insurance companies, and we are not afraid to take your case to trial, if necessary.

Our Honolulu helicopter accident attorneys provide personalized, one-on-one legal services, and we are committed to helping you navigate the legal process every step of the way. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you are owed, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Call our office at (808) 740-0633 or fill out an online contact form to request a free consultation today.