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Helicopter Accident Attorneys: Proven Results in Complex Aviation Cases

At LKSA, our attorneys have decades of experience handling the most complex aviation cases — combining deep technical knowledge with fierce advocacy to pursue maximum compensation and accountability for victims and their families.

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When a helicopter crash occurs, families face not only devastating loss but a complex legal maze involving federal aviation regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and insurance companies working to minimize payouts. At Lewis, Kullman, Sterbcow & Abramson, LLC (LKSA), our helicopter accident attorneys have over 40 years of experience navigating these challenges and securing maximum compensation for victims and their families.

Helicopter accidents differ significantly from other aviation crashes. The unique mechanics of rotary-wing aircraft, the diverse environments in which they operate (offshore platforms, urban air tours, medical transport, news gathering, private transport), and the intersection with maritime law in offshore cases create legal complexities that require specialized expertise.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a helicopter accident — whether offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, during an air tour, a medical transport flight, or any other circumstance — contact LKSA immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases, and early investigation is critical to your family’s recovery.

Quick Facts: Helicopter Accident Claims

  • Federal jurisdiction: Most cases involve FAA regulations and NTSB investigations
  • Multiple potential defendants: Operator, manufacturer, maintenance provider, pilot, parts suppliers
  • Common causes: Mechanical failure (38%), weather conditions, pilot error, maintenance negligence
  • Average case timeline: 18-36 months from filing to resolution
  • Statute of limitations: Varies by case type (1-3 years depending on jurisdiction and applicable law)
  • Expert witnesses required: Aviation experts, accident reconstructionists, engineers, economists

Types of Helicopter Accidents We Handle

Offshore Oil & Gas Helicopter Crashes

Helicopters are the primary mode of transportation for oil and gas workers in the Gulf of Mexico. These cases involve unique legal challenges at the intersection of aviation and maritime law, including:

  • Complex jurisdictional issues: DOHSA vs. state law, OCSLA application
  • Multiple applicable laws: Jones Act, general maritime law, aviation regulations
  • Specialized investigation requirements: Offshore platform conditions, weather patterns, maritime operations

Recent statistics show: 178 helicopter crashes in Gulf of Mexico oil and gas operations during 1983-2009, with crashes increasing from 5.6 per year to 8.2 per year in recent decades. 75% of offshore transportation fatalities involve helicopters.

Common causes in offshore crashes:

  • Mechanical failure (most common factor at 38% of crashes)
  • Adverse weather conditions unique to Gulf operations
  • Challenging platform landings in wind and rough seas
  • Flotation device failures leading to drowning
  • Inadequate maintenance schedules to maximize flight hours

Learn more about offshore helicopter accident law →

Air Tour and Sightseeing Helicopter Crashes

Tourist helicopter operations present unique risks:

  • High-traffic areas with limited emergency landing options
  • Varied pilot experience levels
  • Pressure to fly in marginal weather to avoid disappointing customers
  • Lower maintenance standards at some operators
  • Inadequate safety briefings for passengers

We’ve represented families in air tour crashes involving scenic flights over New Orleans, coastal tours, and private charter operations.

Medical Helicopter (Air Ambulance) Accidents

Emergency medical service (EMS) helicopter crashes often involve:

  • Pressure to fly in dangerous weather conditions
  • Night operations with limited visibility
  • Multiple patient transfers creating fatigue
  • Inadequate rest requirements for pilots and crew
  • Conflicts between medical urgency and flight safety

Studies show EMS helicopters have a significantly higher accident rate than other helicopter operations, with weather and night operations being major contributing factors.

News and Media Helicopter Accidents

Media helicopters operate in challenging conditions:

  • Urban environments with obstacles (buildings, power lines, towers)
  • Distractions from filming equipment and activities
  • Pressure to get closer to breaking news events
  • Extended flight hours covering developing stories
  • Coordination with multiple aircraft in limited airspace

Private and Corporate Helicopter Crashes

Private helicopter operations involve:

  • Owner-operated aircraft with varying maintenance standards
  • Less regulatory oversight than commercial operations
  • Pilot proficiency variations
  • Experimental or modified aircraft

Agricultural and Industrial Helicopter Accidents

Utility work, crop dusting and industrial operations create specific hazards:

  • Low-altitude operations near obstacles
  • External loads and lifting operations
  • Power line proximity
  • Chemical exposure risks
  • Repetitive operations leading to complacency

Common Causes of Helicopter Accidents

Through decades of investigation and litigation, we’ve identified recurring factors in helicopter crashes:

Mechanical Failure and Defective Components

Helicopters have thousands of critical components, and failure of any can be catastrophic:

Rotor system failures:

  • Main rotor blade delamination or separation
  • Tail rotor failures causing loss of directional control
  • Pitch control linkage failures
  • Swashplate malfunctions

Engine failures:

  • Turbine engine component failures
  • Foreign object debris (FOD) ingestion
  • Fuel system contamination
  • Defective engine design or manufacturing

Transmission and gearbox problems:

  • Bearing failures
  • Gear tooth fractures
  • Lubrication system failures
  • Mast bumping in low-G conditions

Flight control issues:

  • Hydraulic system failures
  • Linkage disconnections
  • Servo failures in fly-by-wire systems

Inadequate Maintenance

Cost-cutting on maintenance is a leading cause of preventable crashes:

  • Skipping required inspections to maximize revenue flights
  • Using substandard or unapproved replacement parts
  • Inadequately trained maintenance personnel
  • Failure to comply with manufacturer service bulletins
  • Improper repair procedures
  • Incomplete documentation hiding maintenance deficiencies

Pilot Error

While “pilot error” is often cited, it frequently stems from systemic failures:

  • Inadequate training for specific conditions
  • Insufficient experience in helicopter type or environment
  • Poor decision-making under pressure to fly
  • Spatial disorientation in low visibility
  • Loss of situational awareness
  • Failure to follow standard operating procedures
  • Fatigue from excessive flight hours

Weather-Related Accidents

Helicopters are particularly vulnerable to weather:

  • Visual flight rules (VFR) flight into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC)
  • Fog and low visibility causing disorientation
  • High winds exceeding aircraft limitations
  • Icing conditions affecting rotor blades and control surfaces
  • Thunderstorms and microbursts
  • Pressure to fly in marginal weather

Design Defects

Some accidents result from inherent design flaws:

  • Inadequate crashworthiness protection
  • Fuel system designs prone to post-crash fires
  • Visibility limitations from cockpit design
  • Inadequate warning systems
  • Control system designs susceptible to pilot-induced oscillations

Who Can Be Held Liable in Helicopter Accident Cases?

Successful helicopter accident cases often involve claims against multiple defendants:

Helicopter Operating Company

Operators can be liable for:

  • Negligent hiring of unqualified pilots
  • Inadequate pilot training and supervision
  • Pressure on pilots to fly in unsafe conditions
  • Failure to maintain proper maintenance schedules
  • Operating with known mechanical deficiencies
  • Inadequate safety equipment and procedures

Aircraft Manufacturer

Manufacturers face strict liability for:

  • Design defects in aircraft systems
  • Manufacturing defects in components
  • Failure to warn of known dangers
  • Inadequate instructions or maintenance manuals
  • Failure to issue service bulletins for known problems

Component Manufacturers

Companies that make helicopter parts can be liable for:

  • Defective engines, transmissions, or rotor systems
  • Faulty avionics or instrumentation
  • Defective safety equipment (flotation devices, fire suppression systems)
  • Failure to test components adequately

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

  • Improper repairs or inspections
  • Use of incorrect parts
  • Failure to detect defects during inspections
  • Inadequately trained mechanics
  • Failure to comply with manufacturer procedures

Pilots

Individual pilots can be liable for:

  • Negligent operation of the aircraft
  • Violations of FAA regulations
  • Reckless decision-making
  • Operating while impaired or fatigued

Other Parties

Depending on circumstances:

  • Fixed-base operators (FBOs) providing fuel or services
  • Air traffic controllers who provided negligent guidance
  • Employers who pressured pilots to fly unsafely
  • Entities responsible for obstacles (power companies, tower owners)

Types of Compensation in Helicopter Accident Cases

The damages available depend on the specific circumstances and applicable law:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing treatment
  • Future medical costs: Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
  • Lost income: Wages lost during recovery
  • Lost earning capacity: Future income the victim would have earned
  • Funeral and burial expenses: In wrongful death cases
  • Property damage: Personal belongings lost in the crash

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of consortium: Impact on family relationships
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct:

  • Designed to punish egregious behavior
  • Deter similar conduct by others
  • Can significantly increase total recovery

Special Considerations for Offshore Cases

For crashes in Gulf of Mexico offshore operations, damages may be limited by the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) depending on crash location. Understanding these limitations and how to navigate them is critical — this is where LKSA Law’s combined maritime and aviation expertise becomes essential.

How We Investigate Helicopter Accident Cases

LKSA’s investigation process combines cutting-edge aviation expertise with decades of trial experience:

Immediate Response (Days 1-7)

  • Evidence preservation: Issue spoliation letters to prevent destruction of critical evidence
  • Scene documentation: Photograph and document accident location
  • Witness interviews: Contact witnesses before memories fade
  • Records acquisition: Secure maintenance logs, pilot records, flight plans

Technical Investigation (Weeks 1-8)

  • NTSB coordination: Obtain and analyze all NTSB investigation materials
  • Expert retention: Engage aviation experts (pilots, mechanics, engineers, accident reconstructionists)
  • Wreckage examination: If available, inspect physical evidence
  • Records analysis: Review:
  • Complete maintenance history
  • Pilot training and qualification records
  • Operating company safety records
  • Previous incidents or complaints
  • FAA inspection reports
  • Manufacturer service bulletins

Specialized Analysis (Ongoing)

  • Flight data recorder (FDR) analysis: If equipped
  • Cockpit voice recorder (CVR) analysis: If equipped
  • Weather data reconstruction: Detailed weather conditions at crash time
  • Component failure analysis: Metallurgical testing, failure mode analysis
  • Human factors evaluation: Pilot decision-making, workload, fatigue
  • Regulatory compliance review: FAA regulation violations

Damages Documentation (Ongoing)

  • Economic analysis: Forensic economists calculate lost earnings
  • Medical evaluation: Life care planners assess future medical needs
  • Vocational assessment: Evaluate lost work capacity
  • Family impact: Document non-economic losses

Why LKSA for Your Helicopter Accident Case?

Proven Track Record

  • 40+ years of combined aviation and maritime law experience
  • Millions of dollars recovered for helicopter accident victims
  • Landmark verdict in police officer helicopter crash case securing jurisdiction against engine manufacturer
  • National recognition for excellence in aviation litigation

Unique Dual Expertise

Most firms handle either aviation OR maritime cases. LKSA has demonstrated excellence in both:

  • Aviation: Product liability, pilot negligence, maintenance failures, regulatory compliance
  • Maritime: DOHSA, Jones Act, OCSLA, general maritime law, offshore operations

This combination is critical for offshore helicopter cases but benefits all our aviation clients through comprehensive legal strategy.

Resources to Win

Complex helicopter cases require significant investment:

  • Network of top aviation experts nationwide
  • Sophisticated accident reconstruction capabilities
  • In-house investigation team
  • Financial resources to take cases through trial against major corporations

Personalized Attention

Despite our sophisticated capabilities, we provide personal attention to every client:

  • Direct attorney communication: No case handed off to paralegals
  • Compassionate support: Understanding your family’s pain and stress
  • Transparent process: Regular updates on case progress
  • No fees unless we win: Contingency fee structure means we only get paid if you recover compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

Time limits vary significantly:

  • Federal claims: Typically 2-3 years from accident date
  • State wrongful death claims: 1-3 years depending on state
  • Offshore/maritime claims: May be governed by DOHSA (3 years) or state law
  • Government entities: May require notice within 6 months

Critical warning: Evidence preservation must begin immediately — waiting to file doesn’t mean you should wait to investigate. We recommend contacting an attorney within 30 days of any helicopter accident.

NTSB conclusions are not binding in civil litigation and are often incomplete. Our independent investigation frequently reveals:

  • Mechanical defects the NTSB missed or downplayed
  • Systemic failures by the operating company
  • Manufacturer design flaws
  • Pressure on the pilot to fly unsafely
  • Inadequate training or supervision

Even “pilot error” cases often have multiple liable parties. The NTSB’s focus is safety recommendations, not legal liability — their conclusions are just the starting point of our investigation.

Liability waivers have significant limitations:

  • Cannot waive liability for gross negligence or intentional misconduct
  • May not be enforceable in wrongful death cases
  • Product liability claims against manufacturers typically not waivable
  • Maritime law may invalidate certain waivers
  • Waivers must be clear, specific and properly executed

Each waiver must be evaluated under applicable law. Many waivers that appear to bar claims are actually unenforceable.

Offshore crashes beyond U.S. territorial waters involve complex maritime law:

  • Beyond 3 nautical miles: May be governed by DOHSA
  • Beyond 12 nautical miles (commercial aviation): Special DOHSA rules apply
  • On the Outer Continental Shelf: OCSLA may extend state law

These jurisdictional issues dramatically affect available damages and legal strategy. This is where LKSA’s maritime expertise becomes critical.

Case value depends on many factors:

  • Severity of injuries or whether the case is wrongful death
  • Victim’s age, income, and earning potential
  • Number and degree of liable parties
  • Strength of evidence of negligence or defect
  • Applicable law (DOHSA severely limits damages compared to state law)
  • Insurance coverage and defendant assets

We provide honest case evaluation after reviewing the specific facts. Many helicopter accident cases result in seven-figure recoveries, but each case is unique.

Yes — early settlement offers are typically inadequate:

  • Insurers know most crash victims don’t understand case value
  • Initial offers often don’t account for future medical needs
  • You may have claims against parties beyond the obvious defendant
  • Once you settle, you cannot recover additional compensation later
  • The insurance company’s lawyer is protecting their interests — you need yours protected too

At minimum, have an experienced helicopter accident attorney review any settlement offer before accepting. Our consultation is free and confidential.

Have More Aviation Law Questions? Contact Us.

Federal Regulations Governing Helicopter Operations

Understanding the regulatory framework helps identify liability:

FAA Regulations

14 CFR Part 91: General operating rules for all aircraft 

14 CFR Part 135: Operating requirements for commuter and on-demand operations (most commercial helicopters) 

14 CFR Part 133: External load operations (helicopter lifting) 

14 CFR Part 137: Agricultural aircraft operations

Key Safety Requirements

  • Pilot qualifications: Minimum flight hours, ratings, medical certificates
  • Aircraft maintenance: Regular inspections, airworthiness directives compliance
  • Operating limitations: Weather minimums, load limits, airworthiness requirements
  • Safety equipment: Required equipment varies by operation type

NTSB Investigation Process

After a helicopter crash:

  1. Notification: Operator must report to NTSB immediately
  2. Go-team deployment: NTSB sends investigators to scene
  3. Evidence preservation: Wreckage moved to secure facility
  4. Investigation: Can take 12-24 months
  5. Probable cause determination: NTSB issues final report

Important: Victims’ families have rights during NTSB investigations, including access to certain information and participation in public hearings.

Catastrophic Injuries in Helicopter Crashes

Helicopter accidents frequently result in severe, life-changing injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

  • Closed head injuries from impact forces
  • Penetrating head trauma
  • Long-term cognitive impairment
  • Personality changes and emotional effects
  • Requires comprehensive life care planning

Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Complete or incomplete paralysis
  • Quadriplegia or paraplegia
  • Requires specialized medical equipment and home modifications
  • Lifetime attendant care needs
  • Significant economic damages

Severe Burns

  • Post-crash fires common in helicopter accidents
  • Multiple surgeries and skin grafts
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Psychological trauma from disfigurement
  • Infection risks and complications

Multiple Trauma

  • Multiple fractures and orthopedic injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Complex rehabilitation needs

Wrongful Death

When helicopter crashes result in fatalities, families face:

  • Sudden, traumatic loss
  • Financial uncertainty
  • Complex legal claims under state or federal law
  • Need for comprehensive legal representation

LKSA has extensive experience maximizing compensation for catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, including securing life care plans that fully address victims’ long-term needs.

Geographic Areas We Serve

LKSA represents helicopter accident victims and their families throughout:

  • Louisiana: New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, and all parishes
  • Texas: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and statewide
  • Mississippi: Entire state including Gulf Coast region
  • Alabama: Including Gulf Coast and major metropolitan areas
  • Gulf of Mexico: All offshore federal waters
  • Nationwide: We handle cases throughout the United States

If your helicopter accident occurred anywhere in the Gulf Coast region or involved Gulf-based operations, we have the geographic reach and legal expertise to help.

Take Action Now: Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a helicopter accident, time is critical.

Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and legal deadlines approach. Early investigation dramatically improves case outcomes. Contact LKSA today for a free, confidential case evaluation.

We offer:

  • Free initial consultation with experienced aviation attorneys
  • No fees unless we recover compensation
  • Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
  • Proven track record of million-dollar verdicts and settlements
  • Compassionate, personal representation

Call (504) 588-1500 or contact us onlinenow.

Don’t let insurance companies minimize your family’s compensation. Don’t let critical evidence disappear. Don’t settle for attorneys without genuine aviation expertise.

Your family deserves justice. Contact LKSA today.

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Injured in a helicopter accident? Take the First Step Towards Justice.

If you’ve been affected by a helicopter crash, we understand this is one of the most difficult times in your life. Let LKSA’s experienced aviation accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves.

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