Washington, DC Helicopter Accident Lawyer

DC Helicopter Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights

Helicopters are incredibly complex vehicles. If the smallest component fails, the outcome can be tragic. While there was a slight dip in fatality rates in 2019, the year 2021 saw an increase in deaths.The margin of error is so small, even the slightest mistake or mishap can cost the lives of everyone onboard the aircraft.

If you or your loved one were injured in a helicopter accident in Washington DC, contact the helicopter accident lawyers at Regan Zambri Long.

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Were You Injured in a Helicopter Accident?

Whether you are enjoying the DC sights on a sightseeing helicopter ride, a patient being transported at one of DC’s leading medical centers, a Washington DC reporter tracking down the latest news, or a business person or politician traveling to a meeting, you have the right to get to your destination safely. If you put your trust in a helicopter pilot, air traffic controller, tourist company, or aviation corporation, you have the right to seek compensation for any injuries you sustained while in their care.

$77

MILLION

Wrongful Death Settlement

$20

MILLION

Brain Injury Verdict

$19.5

MILLION

Wrongful Death Verdict

$16

MILLION

Premises Liability Settlement

$15.2

MILLION

Wrongful Death Settlement

$20

MILLION

Wrongful Death Verdict

$19.5

MILLION

Medical Malpractice Settlement

$16

MILLION

Personal Injury Settlement

$15.2

MILLION

Car Accident Settlement

Our helicopter accident attorneys do not fear taking on large corporations with aggressive insurance providers. As an experienced personal injury firm with decades of litigation success, we have the financial backing to see your case through until the very end.

A helicopter crash is sure to have devastating effects on an individual and their families, but our expert lawyers can help. Call today for a free consultation and speak with a seasoned DC aviation lawyer who will seek justice and the compensation you deserve.

How Do Helicopter Accidents Happen?

Sal Zambri, a leading Washington, DC attorney at Regan Zambri Long PLLC, stands confidently in a blue suit. As a nationally recognized personal injury lawyer, he specializes in complex aviation and helicopter crash litigation. His firm serves injured clients across the D.C. region and the country with a focus on wrongful death, pilot error, and aviation negligence. With decades of experience and numerous successful verdicts, Sal Zambri brings dedication and clarity to each case.

Helicopters have internal mechanisms inside the vehicle that needs to function exactly right to have a safe flight. When external factors are added to the equation (bad weather, human error, or equipment malfunctions) it can create a perfect storm. While accidents can happen for various reasons, the main causes of helicopter crashes are:

Design flaws/manufacturing defects

To function properly, each part of the helicopter needs to be designed and built correctly. The parts need to withstand harsh environments, intense pressure, and enormous amounts of stress. If a part is improperly made or poorly designed, it may fail mid-flight, causing a disastrous crash.

Pilot or operator error

Pilots should be trained for the worst to happen. That way, when errors and unexpected events occur, they may remain level headed while correcting the situation. When pilots are inexperienced, under the influence, or fatigued, deadly mistakes can happen. Too often, helicopter crashes are the result of a pilot failing to:

  • Follow basic safety measures, like following the Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
  • Follow the flight plan, or miscalculate the plan while in the air.
  • Fuel the helicopter properly before a flight.
  • Train properly.
  • Fly only in safe conditions.
  • Properly maintain or repair the helicopter.

Mechanical malfunctions

Ground maintenance crews are responsible for making sure the helicopter is in pristine condition before sending it out. Equipment should be thoroughly checked and tested for quality control before every flight. A helicopter may go down if a faulty piece of equipment was not repaired or replaced, or if parts were improperly installed.

Errors from air traffic control

Air traffic controllers have one of the most important jobs in the aviation industry. An air traffic controller is responsible for conveying flight patterns, traffic, and weather conditions to pilots. Errors an air traffic controller may make on the job are:

  • Falling asleep on the job.
  • Being impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Allowing two or more helicopters to fly too closely together.
  • Misinterpretation of the radar.
  • Allowing a helicopter pilot to fly in poor weather conditions.
  • Allowing a pilot to land on a helipad that is not cleared for landing.
  • Improperly or inadequately communicating with pilots.

Electrical malfunction

Sometimes, helicopter accidents are caused by malfunctions in the electrical components of the aircraft. If an electrical source fails, it can affect the entire aircraft, which can lead to the vehicle going down.

Bad weather

Though pilots and air traffic controllers cannot control the weather, it is their job to study forecasts and discern if the aircraft can sustain the weather that is predicted in their area. Helicopters are more volatile than airplanes. Pilots should look out for high winds, heavy rain, lightning, sleet, snow, and fog. If any inclement weather is predicted, the pilot should put off the flight until conditions improve.

Other causes of helicopter accidents include:

  • Landing errors
  • Engine failure
  • FAA violations
  • Mistakes during takeoff
  • Improper loading

Who is Liable for a Helicopter Accident?

Proving liability is one of the most challenging and critical components of any personal injury claim. That is why the first thing your Regan Zambri Long helicopter accident lawyer will do is determine who is at fault for the accident you were involved in. Once the determination is made, we will be able to move forward with the process and file a claim against the party or parties whose negligence resulted in the crash. The party or parties who may be liable for the helicopter crash are:

The pilot

Because of the proximity to the crash, the helicopter pilot is the most obvious contender. If the pilot was recklessly flying, operating the aircraft while under the influence, or ignoring dangerous weather patterns or conditions, then he or she will be held liable for the accident.

Aircraft manufacturers

If the helicopter crash was a result of a poorly designed or faulty part, the aircraft manufacturers can be held accountable for the accident. It is the responsibility of the manufacturers to make sure the parts created will sustain each flight and keep all passengers on board safe.

Helicopter charter companies

If you were involved in a crash involving a chartered helicopter, the company that rented the aircraft can be held liable for the accident. It is directly the responsibility of the company to ensure their aircraft are in top condition before sending them out on trips. Your lives are quite literally in their hands and their negligence can be the difference between life and death.

Maintenance crew

Helicopters should be inspected after every flight. It is the job of the maintenance crew to test parts and make sure the aircraft is functioning properly. If the crew is negligent and fails to inspect every single aspect of the aircraft, it can lead to a deadly accident.

Airport personnel/air traffic controllers

If your helicopter accident was caused by the negligence of an air traffic controller or another airport personnel, your Regan Zambri Long helicopter accident attorney will pursue damages against those individuals.

Common Injuries Associated with Helicopter Crashes

Legal experts from Regan Zambri Long PLLC, a leading Washington, DC law firm, stand in front of a courthouse, symbolizing strength and experience in aviation and helicopter accident litigation. This image illustrates their role in representing victims of catastrophic helicopter crashes, aviation negligence, and wrongful death claims throughout DC and surrounding jurisdictions. The team offers experienced counsel in aviation-related claims and catastrophic injury lawsuits.

Injuries from a helicopter crash are often severe, if not fatal. The size, weight, and speed of the aircraft paired with the high altitude are oftentimes catastrophic for the passengers on board. It is extremely rare for helicopter accident victims to sustain only minor injuries. Many victims are left with life-threatening injuries and are often permanently debilitated. Injuries from a helicopter accident can include:

    • Blunt force trauma: Blunt force trauma is injuries that result from impact with a surface or object. These injuries would directly result from the impact of the aircraft crashing into the ground, a building, a mountaintop, or other structures.
    • Spinal cord injuries: Damaging any part of the spinal cord or nerves around the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
    • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries occur when a violent jolt or blow causes damage to the brain. With little protection in the aircraft, the impact of the crash could easily result in severe brain injuries.
    • Broken bones/fractures: The most common areas impacted in helicopter accidents are the ribs, skull, and facial bones.
    • Internal bleeding/organ damage: The trauma of the collision can sever arteries and major organs in the body.
    • Burns: A fire may occur during or after the helicopter goes down, especially if the accident was caused by an electrical malfunction. Victims may face intense burns on top of the other physical injuries from the accident.
    • Lacerations and scarring: Debris may lacerate the victim’s body and face during the accident, causing disfigurement and scarring.

If you are a survivor of a helicopter crash in Washington DC and sustained any of these injuries, call Regan Zambri Long as soon as possible. Many of these injuries may have lifelong effects that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. Our helicopter accident lawyers firmly believe you should not foot the bill for someone else’s negligence.
We will work to secure the maximum amount of compensation to cover all medical expenses – current and future, so you and your family are not put in financial distress as a result of your helicopter accident.

Call for a Free Consultation with a Top Helicopter Accident Attorney

Table of Contents

Practice Areas

Construction Zone Accidents
Distracted Driving Accidents
Drowsy Driving Accidents
Drunk Driving Accidents
Elderly Driver Accidents
Fatal Auto Accidents
Head-On Collisions
Hit and Run Accidents
Rear-End Accidents
Left Turn Accidents
T-Bone Accidents
Teen Driver Accidents
Texting While Driving Accidents
Uninsured Motorist Claims
Vehicle Defect Accidents
Wrong Way Driver Accidents

Frequently Asked Questions About Helicopter Accidents in Washington, DC

What kind of helicopter accidents does a Regan Zambri Long helicopter crash lawyer handle?

While we will take on any accident necessary, the most common helicopter crashes in the DC area are:

  • Emergency rescue helicopter accidents
  • Military helicopter crashes
  • Medical transport helicopter crashes
  • Sightseeing tours
  • News organization helicopter accidents
  • Chartered or corporate helicopter accidents
  • Commuter traffic monitoring and reporting
  • Firefighting operations
  • Offshore oil or gas platform helicopter crashes

The National Transportation Safety Board, along with the Federal Aviation Administration, conducts investigations of helicopter accidents. Our helicopter accident lawyers will use the findings of the investigation, along with aviation experts, medical consultants, and other experts to make sure we are doing everything in our power to reach the desired verdict.

Your Regan Zambri Long helicopter accident lawyer will pursue the following damages in your claim:

  • Current and future medical expenses: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones often need extensive medical treatment, including long hospital stays, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Additionally, many of these injuries will render the victim incapable of working, at least while recovering from the injuries. That leaves the victim without their regular income and sudden, unexpected medical expenses piling up. It is unlikely that you and your family were financially prepared for such a disaster to happen. We will work to secure the maximum amount of financial compensation to cover all your medical bills, including all treatment you may need in the future.
  • Lost wages: Recovering from severe injuries may take weeks, months, or even years. While we hope you can quickly go back to work, we assure you we will work to recover enough compensation so you don’t feel the need to rush back. You can take the time to recover completely from your injuries and get your life back on track.
  • Loss of earning capacity and loss of future income: If your injuries are severe enough, you may never be able to return to work again. If this is the case, your Regan Zambri Long helicopter accident lawyer will pursue damages to cover what you would have made if the accident had never occurred.
  • Pain and suffering: While some injuries have a direct monetary value, many are not as clear cut. Emotional trauma, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment, and post-traumatic stress disorder can all result from a horrific helicopter accident. Our lawyers understand that they are meeting their clients during the worst moments of their lives. We know you never wanted to be our client and you don’t want to be our client for one minute more than you have to be. We cannot change what happened to you or your loved one, but we can provide even the smallest consolation by securing compensation for the trauma, emotional distress, and pain you are experiencing.
  • Wrongful death: If you are the family member of a helicopter crash victim who lost their life, we are here to help. Not only are you left to grieve and cope with the loss of your loved one, but oftentimes you must unexpectedly manage without their income. Our DC helicopter accident attorneys can help you recover compensation to help offset the loss of your loved one’s income. Allow us to remove the financial burden so you can turn your attention to your family and heal from this tragedy.
  • Loss of consortium: Loss of consortium is the deprivation of a familial relationship. This can include a spouse or a parent who was injured or killed in a DC helicopter accident. If the accident left your loved one incapable of providing the same love, affection, companionship, comfort, sexual relations, or society, your Regan Zambri Long helicopter accident lawyer will pursue damages for these losses.
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