McDonnell Douglas is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of defense and civilian aircrafts, including the MD 369. Also known as the Hughes 369, its compact design and affordable price makes it a popular choice for aviation schools and charter companies. However, the McDonnell Douglas 369 is prone to crashing mid-air or shortly after takeoff, resulting in fatalities and other serious injuries for its passengers. If McDonnell Douglas’s negligence was the reason for these injuries, the manufacturer can be sued by the victims for monetary compensation. Are you suffering from injuries as a result of an MD 369 helicopter crash? Have you lost your spouse, domestic partner, or family member in a helicopter accident involving a McDonnell Douglas 369? Is so, Normandie Law Firm can help you sue the responsible parties and recover the damages you’re entitled to.
McDonnell Douglas 369 Crash Accidents
Aviation enthusiasts use the names MD 369 and Hughes 369 interchangeably, since the 369 was originally manufactured by Hughes Helicopters. McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes in 1984 and promoted the 369 as the ideal helicopter for personal and business use. In spite of their user-friendly reputation, MD 369s have a long history of crash reports throughout the U.S. One of the worst crashes occurred in Delta Junction, Alaska after the engine made a “pop” sound and shut off completely. In 2019, an MD 369 crashed in Summerville, SC and caused injuries for both the pilot and passenger.
The crash in Summerville is still being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for mechanical defects, design flaws, and any other errors that could have caused the crash. They will also determine if the manufacturer was negligent in their duty of care to those on board. For example, if McDonnell Douglas failed to examine the plane properly before they were sold or knew about mechanical issues and sold it anyway, they could be sued for negligence by the injured pilot and passenger.
Negligence can also be attributed to the pilot and the company that the plane is registered to. Improperly trained pilots may not be aware that the MD 369’s Engine Automatic Re-ignition and Engine Failure Warning systems must be turned on during inclement weather. Various crashes throughout the U.S. and Canada can be traced back to pilots who failed to have both features on, even when they were flying through light rain or snow.
Thankfully, there have been relatively few fatalities from MD 369 crashes, but there are plenty of non-fatal injuries with serious consequences. Victims with burns, neck injuries, and punctured organs may require long-term treatment and multiple surgeries. These injuries, by the way, usually occur during “hard landings,” which are technically helicopter crashes. Even though the pilot managed to land, the bumping and jostling can damage the helicopter and cause the fuel tank to explode. Hence, passengers who survive the landing can still die from the resulting smoke and fire.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a McDonnell 369 helicopter crash, give us a call to find out about your legal options.
Helicopter Accident Injuries
Helicopter crash victims can end up with extremely serious injuries, even when the aircraft is close to the ground. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with helicopter accidents:
- Broken bones
- Ruptured or punctured internal organs
- Third degree burns on the face and body
- Severed limbs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Coma
- Paralysis
- Loss of function in the limbs
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
Innocent bystanders who are not in the helicopter may be injured as well. This is sadly the case when helicopters are forced to make emergency landings in places like beaches and residential streets. These crashes can also damage people’s homes and businesses. The damage that can be done by one single aircraft is limitless, and manufacturers must be held responsible for their negligence.
Call the helicopter crash lawyers of Normandie Law Firm and start your claim for compensation.
Liability of McDonnell Douglas
In order to sue McDonnell Douglas, you must prove that they are liable for your injuries. This means that the company’s actions or inaction caused an issue that was directly responsible for your accident. Or, there may be problems with the helicopter that the manufacturer didn’t cause, but they should have known about them through proper maintenance and safety measures.
These companies often place profits over passenger safety in order to sell as many aircrafts as possible Such negligence is unacceptable considering how many people’s lives are on the line. Aside from the moral issues, McDonnell Douglas has a legal obligation to meet FAA standards and ensure that their helicopters are as safe as possible.
As you can see, there are many ways a company can be liable for your injuries. Our lawyers have the experience to uncover the truth and go after the manufacturer, along with any other parties responsible for your accident. To learn how you can file a helicopter crash lawsuit against McDonnell Douglas, speak with one of our Los Angeles attorneys today.
Statute of Limitations
Statute of limitations refers to the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit for personal injury. In California, you have 2 years from the date of your helicopter accident to file a claim for compensation. Some people feel this is not enough time, considering many victims are dealing with severe injuries that require hospitalization and multiple surgeries.
The law does allow individuals who are physically and/or mentally incapacitated to ask for an extension. You may also request an extension if you were a child at the time of the crash, or you were out of the state of country following the accident. But many people do not meet these exceptions so it’s imperative that victims take legal action right away. Those who wait find that they are unable to sue for damages or receive settlement awards that are far too low.
Please don’t lose out on the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our office and speak to an attorney who has experience with lawsuits for helicopter crash injuries.
Types of Compensation from a Lawsuit Against McDonnell Douglas
A monetary award includes different types of compensation to help you recover from your injuries. In a helicopter accident lawsuit, we can request:
- Money to cover medical bills, starting from the accident and into the future.
- Lost income if you lost your job, needed time off, or had to change careers.
- Pain and suffering to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- Punitive damages
Most people are unaware of punitive damages because it’s not an easy form of compensation to win. These damages are not based on your economic losses, like the wages you lost or the cost of your surgery. Instead, this is a form of extra punishment when the manufacturer’s gross negligence leads to extreme levels of harm. Because punitive damages are awarded on top of your regular settlement, it’s considered excessive in many cases and should not be requested without help from an experienced attorney.
To make sure you receive every type of compensation you’re entitled to, contact the California personal injury lawyers of Normandie Law Firm.
Wrongful Death Compensation Claims
So far, we’ve talked about lawsuits for victims who survive a helicopter crash. But what if you’re the family member or loved one of an MD 369 crash? If you are a spouse, domestic partner, or immediate family member of a crash victim, you may be able to sue for wrongful death compensation.
A wrongful death lawsuit can include the following:
- Money to pay for the funeral.
- Medical costs left behind by the deceased person.
- Pain and suffering to help with PTSD, grief, and other mental health issues.
- Lost savings and inheritance as a result of the victim’s death.
Additionally, spouses and domestic partners may qualify for loss of consortium. Like punitive damages, this is not a form of economic loss. Loss of consortium is meant to compensate you for the love, moral support, and companionship you no longer have as a result of your partner’s death. Your losses can include emotional distress, loss of sexual relations, and the inability to have children. The specific losses depend on the unique nature of your relationship.
In some cases, compensation may be requested by the surviving children, parents, or siblings of the deceased individual. If you are a brother or sister of a helicopter crash victim, you can only sue for wrongful death if there are no surviving children and both parents are deceased. California law also allows you to sue as the executor of your sibling’s estate. But be aware that the compensation belongs to the estate. That means you are legally bound to distribute the funds according to the will, or to state laws when there is no will.
Special laws apply to divorced parents of child victims as well. As a parent of a child that passed away from a helicopter crash, you are entitled to compensation regardless of your marital status, or if you were never married at all. However, there can only be one wrongful death claim at a time, so one of you will file the lawsuit and list the other parent as co-plaintiff. The other party isn’t required to join the lawsuit, but you have to give them the opportunity even if you’re divorced. Otherwise, they can sue you later for the compensation they should have been awarded.
Perhaps you’re not on good terms with your ex and talking to them is the last thing you want to do. One of our lawyers will be happy to contact them and handle all future communications regarding the lawsuit.
Why Choose Normandie
The law is on your side when it comes to recovering compensation for a helicopter crash accident. However, the legal process for winning a lawsuit can be overwhelming, especially when you are still recovering from your injuries or dealing with the death of a loved one. The attorneys of Normandie Law Firm have the skills and experience to go after the responsible parties and fight for the monetary award you deserve.
We believe that no victim should have to pay out of pocket when someone else is the cause of their injuries. That’s why we don’t get paid unless you do, and if we lose your case, there is still no cost to you. You have nothing to lose by taking advantage of our Zero fee guarantee and coming in for a free consultation. This will give us an opportunity to hear your story and answer your questions regarding the legal process and the possible value of your claim. If you decide to proceed with a lawsuit, all our services are free until we win your case.
Remember, the longer you wait, the less chance you have of recovering the full value of your compensation. Call us today and schedule your free consultation with a helicopter crash accident or wrongful death compensation attorney.
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