Recently, there was a tragic accident in Owenton, Kentucky. On October 8, a medical helicopter crashed and claimed the lives of three crew members as they were en route to pick up a patient.
The helicopter, operated by Air Evac Lifeteam, responded to an emergency call when it went down in a rural area. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are exploring potential factors for the incident, such as mechanical failure or pilot error.
Unfortunately, negligence may have played a role in this incident. If that is the case, surviving family members may be able to pursue legal action against the responsible parties.
Let’s take a look at what we know and the possible legal avenues for family members of the victims.
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What We Know About the Helicopter Crash
According to USA Today, the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter went down near Owenton, Kentucky, located between Louisville and Cincinnati. Shortly before 6 p.m., Kentucky State Police were called to the scene near Kentucky Highway 22. Unfortunately, this incident resulted in the death of three crew members: Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken, and James Welsh.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the incident. While a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, the final investigation may take up to two years.
According to the FAA and NTSB, the crash investigation will examine weather conditions, radar data, the pilot’s medical history, and the helicopter’s maintenance and operational records.
Air Evac Lifeteam Offers Support for the Investigation
Air Evac Lifeteam operates from over 150 air medical bases in 18 states and offers lifesaving services for patients in remote parts of the country. Officials confirmed the incident through a public statement. They reiterated that Air Evac Lifeteam was committed to fully cooperating with the investigation. The company also asked for privacy as they work through this tragic loss.
Could a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Be a Legal Option?
As the investigation continues, family members of the victims may want to take legal action. A wrongful death lawsuit might be an option. This could provide the surviving family members with financial compensation if negligence or errors are proven.
Kentucky law does allow surviving family members to take these actions when a loved one’s death results from the negligence or wrongful acts of another party. These family members can seek damages for the financial and emotional burdens caused by the death of a loved one. Often, claims can cover funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and other hardships.
However, these claims can be complicated in aviation cases, especially when the case may involve both federal aviation regulations and local state laws. Along with that, aviation accidents can involve multiple parties, such as the helicopter’s manufacturer, the operator, or the maintenance providers.
Whether negligence was a factor will depend on what the investigation reveals. If it is discovered that the helicopter crash resulted from a preventable cause, such as improper maintenance, a defect in the aircraft, or insufficient safety measures, the victims’ families may want to take legal action.
Contacting a Lawyer Should Be a Priority
If you’ve lost a loved one in an aviation accident similar to this, you do not want to wait to get legal help. You will want to take action so that your legal team can collect critical evidence, such as maintenance logs, flight records, and witness statements. Evidence like this will help strengthen your case.
Since aviation accident cases often involve multiple individuals, identifying these liable parties early is key to building a solid case. While you may want to put faith into the findings of NTSB or FAA, an attorney will independently assess and analyze your case to make sure that the responsible parties are held accountable.
At Thomas Law Offices, we extend our sympathy to the family members of the victims of this helicopter crash. Whether you lost a loved one in this accident or want to discuss another case, our Louisville legal team is always available for a free consultation.