Robinson Helicopter Co. is an aircraft manufacturer based in Southern California. The company is known for producing affordable and compact helicopters, which are widely used for the purpose of pilot training and recreational flying. The company is best known for the R44, the world’s best-selling helicopter since 1999.
Unfortunately, the R44 also has a reputation for accidents, including helicopter crashes that result in devastating injuries and fatality. If you or your family member was harmed in a Robinson R44 helicopter crash, you may have grounds to sue the company for monetary damages. For more information on filing a Robinson R44 helicopter accident lawsuit, contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation.
Accidents Involving the Robinson R44
Over 600 people have died since 1982 in accidents that involved a Robinson R44 helicopter. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, this is the highest rate of fatalities from helicopter accidents per hours flown. One problem that comes up time and time again during accident investigations is mechanical failure that’s related to the rotor or fuel tank. Another issue is the tendency for these aircrafts to be flown by pilots that are relatively inexperienced. This is due to the fact that the R44 is a more affordable helicopter that’s used at many training centers.
In spite of safety issues that were brought up time and time again, Robinson never took concrete measures to address these problems. There is, for example, the issue of mast-bumping, which occurs when the mast bumps against the rotor and housing. The company has repeatedly insisted that this is due to pilot error more than any design flaws by their company. According to Robinson, pilots who exercise good judgement and do not engage in reckless flying should not encounter mast-bumping.
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Robinson’s Response to Major Defects with R44 Helicopter Models
At the end of the day, there is no denying that an alarming number of crashes are due to mast-bumping, and that Robinson has failed to make updates to the rotor that could prevent such incidents. The company has also failed to recognize the higher potential for injuries when there is a crash. This is due to the location of the fuel tank and tight seating area that limits mobility. Because of the high rate of fuel tank explosions during accidents, victims have lost their lives from being burned by the scorching flames.
The truth is, the majority of crashes in R44 helicopters would not have happened had the company addressed the ongoing problem with the fuel tanks. So, what has Robinson done to protect their customers and make their products safer?
Robinson has offered to install updated, puncture-resistant fuel tanks on new helicopters, and retrofitting on older models. But they are charging the owners for these modifications, which is unconscionable, considering the accidents that have already occurred. Instead of doing the right thing and taking care of these repairs free of charge, the company sees it as an opportunity to profit from the misfortune of others.
Helicopter Crash Injuries
Death is a common occurrence in many helicopter accidents due to the severity of injuries and associated complications. Catastrophic injuries and lifelong suffering can occur even if the crash happens at relatively low heights, shortly after takeoff. Should you survive the accident, you may still have permanent health issues due to injuries, such as:
- Multiple broken bones and fractures
- Head trauma that causes permanent brain damage
- Vision or hearing loss
- Damage to the internal organs (rupturing, for example)
- Severe burn injuries and lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement
- Loss of function / paralysis
- Amputated limbs
- Coma / loss of consciousness
Aside from the pilot and passengers on board, we also have to think about bystanders that may be killed or injured from a helicopter crash. Homes and other structures may be damaged as well, and some of these crashes have been known to cause wildfires.
Liability by the Helicopter Company
Like any other helicopter company, Robinson has a duty of care to its customers, as well as the pilots and passengers that use the aircraft. So, it’s unacceptable when manufacturers cut corners and compromise people’s safety. Unfortunately, there are many cases where plane and helicopters were made with shoddy parts, designed improperly, or failed to comply with federal and industry standards.
These are examples of negligence that can form the basis of a lawsuit against Robinson Helicopter Co. Specifically with Robinson, we know that there have been serious complaints about design flaws with R44 models. For example, there have been heavy vibrations and other red flags that were never addressed, and the company’s failure to make reasonable updates to their rotors is a likely culprit when there is a crash.
If we can prove that Robinson was negligent in their duty of care to the public, the company is liable for the injuries or death that arises from their conduct.
Compensation Owed to Injury Victims or Their Family Members
By filing a lawsuit, you can seek various forms of economic and non-economic damages from the party that caused you harm and suffering. What damages you are entitled to is based on numerous factors, like the severity of injuries, psychological trauma, and whether you are the injury victim or loved one of a deceased victim.
Monetary compensation from a wrongful death or personal injury claim may include:
- Medical expenses for yourself
- Value of medical expenses for the decedent, up until the date of death
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages while you are in recovery
- Lost earning capacity if you can no longer work
- Loss of expected savings that would have been earned by the deceased victim
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
- Punitive damages
- Attorney’s fees
Statute of Limitations to Sue for a Helicopter Accident
If you sustained injuries from a Robinson R44 helicopter accident, you have 2 years from the date of the event to file a compensation claim. If, on the other hand, your loved one died in a helicopter crash, you must file a lawsuit no later than 2 years from the date of death.
Please note that the court will take away your right to sue if you miss whichever deadline is applicable to your situation. In limited cases, the courts may allow an extension beyond the window of 2 years, but it’s very rare that plaintiffs are given additional time for a lawsuit. That’s why you should contact us immediately and let us help you in a claim for damages against Robinson Helicopter Co.
Why You Should Choose Normandie
Our team of personal injury lawyers can help you take action on a claim against Robinson Helicopter Company if you were hurt in a crash or some other accident. With decades of experience in aviation accident cases, you can depend on us to develop the right legal strategy and obtain the compensation you deserve.
It all starts with a free consultation, which you can schedule by contacting our office. That way, we can answer any questions you have and help you determine if filing a lawsuit is in your best interest. Once you decide that you are interested in hiring us, you will be offered the Zero Fee Guarantee. This is a system where you pay absolutely nothing, and we agree to wait until your settlement is recovered before we deduct a percentage for legal fees. If we lose your case, we charge you $0 for all the services we provided, so there’s no out of pocket cost to you regardless of the outcome.
Please reach out to us at your earliest opportunity and talk to an accident injury or wrongful death attorney.
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