Missouri Helicopter Accident Lawyer

Helicopters are complex transportation vehicles and are unique in their operation. They depend on the precise interaction of motors, rotors, fuel systems, electronics, and landing gears, as well as human input. They fly relatively low to the ground, where rotors can clip utility lines, and they take off and land vertically. All in all, it's a delicate balancing act.

As in any aviation accident, a helicopter crash can be catastrophic. Common causes include operator error, improper maintenance, mechanical or system failure, design and manufacturing defects, and weather conditions. Helicopters are often used in critical-need situations, such as fire fighting, medical evacuations, rescue and training missions for the airforce.  A lot of times, these flying conditions may be less than ideal which request the help of the International Helicopter Safety Team as well as the Air Force Aid Society.

Helicopter accident rates have remained unacceptably high for many years, so much so that the International Helicopter Safety Team has set an aggressive goal of reducing civil and military helicopter accidents by 80 percent worldwide by 2016.

Even as the odds of being involved in a helicopter accident are greater than the odds of being in an airplane accident, the chances of receiving more serious or fatal injuries increase, too. Helicopters simply don't provide as many safety features as modern-day aircraft. Not only is the structure itself less protective than that of an airplane, the vertical takeoffs and landings are unforgiving of mistakes.

Further complicating personal injury or wrongful death claims that arise from a helicopter accident is the fact that many machines are leased. The helicopter may be owned, and the pilot may work for, a third-party flying on behalf of another organization.

If you've been the victim of a helicopter accident, whether through your own personal injury, or from the death of a loved one, be sure you know your rights. The Missouri helicopter accident attorneys of The Hershewe Law Firm can help.

Contact us today for a no-cost evaluation of your case. Call toll-free 877-382-9734, or complete our web form.