Aviation Accidents
Damage Award: $4.5 Million
Aviation - Helicopter Midair Collision
Severe Orthopedic Injuries
Our client, a 22 year old Marine and Iraqi war veteran was on a pilot-training exercise at
In the crash, the young man broke every bone in his body from the waist down, was in a coma for three weeks and suffered compartment syndrome which required him to have open wounds for an extended time. Nearly every bone in his lower body needed orthopedic instrument repair.
In our relentless investigation into the cause of the accident, we challenged NTSB and FAA findings blaming the pilots and conducted independent detailed crash analysis. The judge in the bench trial ruled the air traffic controllers negligent and entirely responsible for the injuries and loss of lives. Our client received a $4.5 million damage award.
Pending
Hawthorne Airport Crash
Wrongful Death
Currently representing surviving family of the pilot killed in July 2009
Pending
Wrongful Death
Representing surviving family of the pilot of Piper Navajo PA 31 that crashed after the aircraft engine’s failure following take off from North Las Vegas airport.
Settlement: $550,000
Aviation - Continental Airlines
Traumatic Brain Injury
While in her seat in the cabin of the airplane, our client, an oral surgeon, was struck in the head by an object being removed by a flight attendant from the overhead bin. The blow to the head caused a traumatic brain injury to our client and dramatically reduced her ability to function at work, including a loss of memory and personality alterations. Right before the trial was to start, the airline agreed upon a $550,000 settlement for our client.
Settlement: $350,000
Southwest Airlines - Burbank Airport Runway Overrun
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When Southwest Airlines Flt 1455 overshot the runway in March 2000, the ensuing panic included the escape slide inflating inside the cabin, collapsed nose gear and the flight attendants’ seats collapsing and preventing them from assisting in the evacuation. We represented several of the 143 people who suffered serious injuries in this runway incident, and we forced Southwest Airlines to be accountable for the way they maintained and operated its flight.
Settlement: $250,000
Aviation: In-Flight Injury, Animal in Cabin
Herniated Disc Injury
A monkey used in scientific lab work was being transported in the cabin of a commercial airline. It left its carrier, leaped onto a passenger’s lap, startled him and caused him to jump and injure his back and spine. We recovered a $250,000 settlement from the airline for its unsafe practice and injury to our client.