Helicopter accidents are sudden, violent, and destructive. In Louisiana, whether it’s a sightseeing tour over New Orleans, a private charter across the Gulf Coast, or a commercial transport flight, these aviation tragedies leave families and survivors shaken to the core.
So many helicopter accidents result in fatalities. Families are left dealing with grief, funeral costs, lost income, and the shock of the unexpected loss. Then, when people survive these types of aviation accidents, they may suffer life-altering injuries that require immediate medical attention, long-term care, and support.
At Dudley DeBosier, we help Louisiana families and survivors through the legal complexities of helicopter accidents, guiding them while fighting for maximum compensation.
For families and survivors coping with these events, the path to recovery often starts with understanding their rights and options. If you survived a helicopter accident or have lost a loved one in a crash, contact our team immediately for help.
Who We Represent
Our Louisiana helicopter accident lawyers help families and survivors of these tragic accidents get answers and compensation. In these types of cases, we help:
- Survivors of helicopter incidents with severe injuries
- Spouses, children, and dependents who have lost a loved one and are facing financial and emotional hardship
- Victims of helicopter tour accidents, private charters, or commercial operations
Helicopter Operations in Louisiana
The helicopter industry is big in Louisiana. Major urban areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette host private helicopter scenic tours, emergency medical transport, and commercial helicopter services. The following companies provide these services, further demonstrating just how in-demand helicopter travel is in our state:
These companies offer a wide array of services, ranging from sightseeing flights over the Mississippi River and the French Quarter to corporate or personal charters. While most flights are safe, mechanical failures, pilot error, or sudden and severe weather can quickly turn a peaceful flight into a catastrophic accident.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), helicopter accidents occur more frequently than fixed-wing aircraft accidents, and the majority of helicopter or general aviation accidents are due to pilot error. This means that in most cases the accident was caused by someone’s negligence, which makes legal guidance critical when accidents happen.
Common Causes of Helicopter Accidents
Helicopters are sophisticated aircraft, and operating them is complex. When something goes wrong, it can often be the result of multiple contributing factors.
Common causes include:
- Pilot Error: Mistakes during takeoff, landing, or flight can be fatal. Inexperienced, intoxicated, or fatigued pilots increase risk.
- Mechanical Failure: Rotor or engine malfunctions, faulty control systems, or improper maintenance can lead to crashes.
- Weather Conditions: Louisiana’s frequent storms, fog, and high winds can create hazardous flying conditions.
- Maintenance Issues: Negligence in pre-flight inspections or improper servicing of components can result in accidents.
- Tour Operator Negligence: Sightseeing flights, especially over New Orleans or the Gulf Coast, may be unsafe if operators ignore FAA regulations or fail to maintain helicopters.
- Air Traffic Control Communication Issues: Miscommunication, unclear instructions, or failures in coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers can contribute to midair conflicts or unsafe flight paths.
Even if a crash does not occur, passengers may experience serious injuries from sudden maneuvers, turbulence, or rotor strikes during boarding or deboarding. Whether a crash happens or not, we take all helicopter injuries seriously and will fight to help anyone injured—whether grounded or in flight.
Injuries and Loss in Helicopter Accidents
Helicopter accidents are highly destructive—to the people onboard and on the ground. Many don’t survive, but those who do often experience the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns or lacerations from rotor blades or crash debris
- Severe psychological trauma
Liability in Helicopter Accidents
Liability in helicopter crashes can be complicated. There may be multiple responsible parties. Getting to the bottom of liability requires professional legal investigation and cooperation with federal authorities. Liable parties may include:
- Operators or Companies: Responsible for maintenance, pilot training, and compliance with FAA regulations
- Pilots: Accountable for negligence, inexperience, or errors during flight
- Manufacturers: Defective rotor systems, engines, or safety equipment may be at fault
- Maintenance Providers: Improper inspection or maintenance of aircraft
- Third Parties: Air traffic control errors or equipment suppliers may contribute
Determining liability is essential to recovering maximum compensation, especially given federal aviation laws and strict deadlines for filing claims.
Compensation Available After a Helicopter Accident
After a helicopter crash, families and survivors are often left paying the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial costs. Our team here at Dudley DeBosier pursues all possible sources of compensation, and we fight to relieve our clients of financial hardship. We can seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses for survivors, including rehabilitation and ongoing care
- Funeral and burial expenses for deceased victims
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and support for families
Steps to Take After a Helicopter Accident
Whether you personally survived a helicopter accident or lost a loved one in a crash, these are the important steps to take as soon as possible after such a tragic event:
- Seek Medical Attention: Immediate evaluation is critical for survivors, even if the incident and the injuries appear minor.
- Document the Incident: Collect photos, flight records, witness statements, and any communication from the operator.
- Avoid Contact With the Insurance Company: Do not provide statements before consulting an attorney, because insurers often seek to minimize payouts.
- Contact an Attorney Immediately: Early involvement helps preserve evidence and ensures claims meet strict deadlines.
How We Help Louisiana Families and Survivors
At Dudley DeBosier, we understand the devastation and grief associated with helicopter crashes and other aviation incidents. Whether clients are dealing with the emotional pain of losing someone in a crash or a survivor is in physical and mental pain from an accident, no one should face the aftermath of a helicopter accident alone.
Here’s what we do for every client who places their faith in our firm:
- Investigate Thoroughly: We secure flight logs, maintenance records, and witness testimony to establish liability.
- Negotiate Aggressively: We handle communications with insurers, helicopter operators, and federal agencies.
- Represent in Court: If a fair settlement isn’t offered to our clients, we take cases to court to fight for justice and full compensation.
- Specialized Aviation Knowledge: Our lawyers understand FAA regulations, NTSB procedures, and federal aviation law.
Why Choose Dudley DeBosier
We understand the physical and emotional toll a serious injury from an aviation accident can have on your life. When you work with us, you are guaranteed the following:
- Knowledge of federal aviation laws and complex liability issues
- Experience handling cases involving multiple responsible parties
- Dedication to supporting families and survivors through emotional and financial challenges
Contact Our Louisiana Helicopter Accident Lawyers
Helicopter accidents are sudden and usually catastrophic. They often leave entire families and survivors with emotional, physical, and financial burdens. We don’t want to see one family or victim face the devastation alone.
Call today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you through this difficult time. We’ll fight for compensation and stand with you through this complex and overwhelming process.
