Airbus has been a leading manufacturer of civilian and military aircrafts since 1970. They are best known for their sleek, lightweight helicopters and luxury airplanes, like the Airbus 350. In spite of their glitzy ads and healthy profit margins, Airbus has been heavily criticized for dismissing customer complaints and brushing off recommendation from the Federal Aviation Administration. In the past decade, the company’s attitude has resulted in numerous helicopter crashes all around the world. Even worse, they use their considerable influence to pressure victims and their families into low-ball settlements.
If you are an Airbus 130 crash victim or lost your loved one in a helicopter crash, don’t get cheated out of the compensation you deserve. Call Normandie Law Firm and speak to an attorney who is experienced in lawsuits for helicopter crash injuries.
Airbus 130 Crash Record
Airbus is an internationally recognized leader in aviation, but that doesn’t guarantee the safety of their helicopters. One of the most serious crashes involving an Airbus helicopter occurred on July 3, 2015. The helicopter, an Airbus 125, crashed shortly after takeoff and resulted in serious injuries for two of the flight nurses on board. Nurse David Repsher, who sustained third degree burns over 90 percent of his body, was recently awarded $100 million from Airbus and Air Methods Corporation.
In spite of admitting fault in this accident, Airbus has continued to ignore serious claims regarding the safety of their aircrafts. Most recently, Airbus has been taken to court by Qatar Airways for pulling out of a contract to supply the airline with Airbus 350 airplanes. The dispute started when Qatar complained about chipping and peeling paint on two 350 airplanes, which compromise the plane’s anti-lightning strike system. Airbus refused to take this issue seriously, forcing Qatar to ground the planes and sue them for the losses incurred while the planes are not in operation.
Sadly, Airbus’s attitude is not uncommon with major aircraft manufacturers. They put profits over people’s lives by waiting for crashes to happen instead of preventing them. Normandie Law Firm is committed to holding such companies responsible.
Airbus 130 Crash Injuries
Helicopter crash injuries can be extremely serious, even at relatively low heights. Here are some of the worst helicopter accident injuries we’ve come across in our practice:
- Broken bones
- Third degree burns
- Severed limbs
- Ruptured or punctured internal organs
- Traumatic brain damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
It’s not just the people on board who can be hurt, by the way. Emergency landings often occur in public areas like busy streets and beaches. Innocent bystanders can be injured or killed, especially if the helicopter falls apart mid-air or the fuel tank explodes and starts a fire.
Helicopter accidents have far-reaching consequences for countless people. If you were injured in a helicopter crash, give us a call and take legal action right away.
Liability of Airbus in a Helicopter Accident
Airbus has a duty of care to ensure their aircrafts are as safe as possible for pilots and passengers. If Airbus fails to take proper safety measures, they are liable for any deaths and injuries that occur as a result of their negligence. In the case of David Repsher, for example, Airbus was forced to admit their helicopters could have been safer.
Negligence doesn’t always mean the company knowingly did something, like sell helicopters with defective parts. In Repsher’s case, there were safety recommendations that Airbus could have made to their helicopters. But they chose not to because doing the bare minimum gets helicopters out faster and increases their profits. Hence, Airbus is liable for Repsher’s injuries because they should have known taking such shortcuts could result in a helicopter crash.
These are some of the factors we will consider when we review your case. Along with the manufacturer, there may be others that are responsible for your accident. We will go after all the responsible parties and make them accountable for your loss.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Helicopter Crash Lawsuit
Once we figure out who is liable for your helicopter accident, we will determine the types of compensation that are available to you. Your compensation award can include:
- Medical bills for hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, etc.
- Pain and suffering for emotional trauma and mental health disorders.
- Lost wages for job loss, disability, or change of career.
- Punitive damages.
Punitive damages are awarded at the court’s discretion and are not based on your financial losses. Rather, it’s a way to punish liable individuals when their negligence was especially outrageous. In most cases, it’s considered excessive to ask for punitive damages. You should consult an attorney to see if you qualify, and if so, get help with drafting an effective legal argument.
Our lawyers have the experience to recover every type of damage you are entitled to. Contact our office and speak to one of our helicopter crash lawsuit attorneys.
Wrongful Death Compensation for Loved Ones of Helicopter Crash Victims
If you are a loved one of someone that died in a helicopter crash, you are a victim as well. The law allows you to seek damages through a wrongful death compensation claim, which can include:
- Funeral expenses
- Medical bills left behind by your loved one
- Pain and suffering to help you deal with emotional trauma
- Loss of expected income or inheritance
Sometimes, clients are ashamed to ask about a lawsuit so soon after the death of a loved one. They don’t want to appear greedy, and we can agree that money can’t make up for the person you lost. But is it fair for the family to pay $15,000 for a funeral or spend the rest of their lives paying off medical bills? Should they struggle with mental health issues because they can’t afford a therapist? We don’t think so, which is why we fight so hard for those who lost a loved one in a helicopter accident.
We also strive to educate our clients and make sure they know about all the types of compensation that are available to them. For example, spouses and registered domestic partners may qualify for loss of consortium. This compensation has to do with the loss of love, comfort, and companionship you received from your late partner. Essentially, loss of consortium has to do with things you lose on a personal level, like the loss of physical intimacy and the ability to have children.
But what if the decedent was single and has no surviving children or parents? In that case, a brother or sister can file a wrongful death lawsuit against Airbus. Or, the sibling can file as the executor of the victim’s estate with the understanding that the compensation award belongs to the estate. As the executor, the brother or sister would distribute the money according to the will, or state law if there is no will.
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by this, we don’t blame you. Wrongful death lawsuits for helicopter crashes can be complicated, and there’s a lot of room for mistakes. If you are seeking compensation for the death of your loved one, please contact Normandie Law Firm. Our Los Angeles helicopter crash attorneys will make sure your claim is filed properly and help you find resolution in a timely manner.
Wrongful Death Claims Filed by Divorced Parents
“Can I file a wrongful death claim if I’m a divorced parent?” is a question we get a lot at our practice. The answer is yes, since California allows parents of any marital status – married, divorced, never married – to recover damages if they lost a child to a helicopter crash. But there can only be one cause of action for wrongful death at a time, so both of you will need to be listed on the same lawsuit. Either one of you can file, but you’ll need to notify the other parent and give them a chance to participate as “co-plaintiff.”
You must do this even if you’re not on the best terms with your ex. If you are awarded compensation and they find out about it, they can sue you for a portion of the award. So now, you’re fighting with your ex in court when you should be focused on your recovery. Rest assured that we can handle everything for your lawsuit, from contacting your ex to handling all communications regarding their rights and legal options.
Our helicopter injury lawyers look forward to working with you and doing everything we can to ease your burden.
Statute of Limitations
We know there’s a lot to take care of after a helicopter accident, but speaking to an attorney should be at the top of your list. Victims put this off because California gives you two years from the time of your injury to seek compensation. If you are the loved one of a helicopter crash victim, you have two years from the time of their death to file a lawsuit. But the days go by quickly when you’re in and out of the hospital and scrambling to make your finances work. Before you know it, it’s been two years and you’re unable to recover your losses.
Exceptions can be made for victims who were physically/ mentally unable to take legal action. Child victims may also be given extra time, as well as individuals who were out of the state or county during the statute of limitations. But exceptions have to be granted by the courts, so please give us a call if you believe you qualify for an extension. We will assist you with the necessary paperwork and anything else needed for a successful outcome.
Why You Should Choose Normandie
You have your choice when it comes to legal representation, so why should you choose Normandie Law Firm?
First, we treat our clients like family, not case files of dollar amounts. You will not be pressured to accept inadequate settlements or pushed aside for a bigger case. As our client, we will do whatever it takes to ensure you receive the highest award possible. Second, we offer a Zero fee guarantee because victims should not have to pay for legal representation. That’s why we make all our services free, starting from your initial consultation. In fact, we don’t get paid until we win your case. At that point, it’s Airbus who covers our fees, not you. And if we lose your case, you still pay us nothing for any of our services.
By the way, our Zero fee guarantee applies to second opinions as well. So if you’re not happy with your current lawyer or feel that you’re getting low-balled on a settlement, please give us a call. We will provide you with honest answers to your questions and help you make an informed decision about your lawsuit.
Contact Normandie Law Firm and schedule your free consultation today.
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