Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Helicopter Crash Lawsuits

The husband of a medical technician killed when a Maryland State Police helicopter crashed in September 2008 has filed a $7 million wrongful death lawsuit against the federal government.

In March, relatives of the paramedic on board filed a $15 million lawsuit.

A personal injury claim for $50 million was filed by the only survivor of the crash only to have the FAA deny the claim. How can this be? This automobile crash victim survived the initial trauma of the car crash, thought all was well when rescued by a helicopter heading for treatment. Then comes the second - and totally unanticiapted - severe trauma of the helicopter crash which killed all onboard - including a friend, the other car accident victim. Frieda is certain if the crash was severe enough to kill four out of five people, the only survivor had plenty of injuries (not to mention the mental and emotional trauma) for a lawsuit - and the FAA refused it?

The helicopter was en route from a traffic accident to a hospital when it was diverted to Andrews Air Force Base because of bad weather. The pilot had trouble with the foggy weather as he was trying to land and radioed for help twice before crashing 3 miles from the base. His calls for help were never answered by the air traffic controllers.

The lawsuit claims "negligence" on the part of the Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers.