Families file lawsuits against American Airlines

The families of passengers killed in the Nov. 12 crash of American Airlines Flight 587 have filed lawsuits against the carrier. The claims state that American failed to properly maintain and inspect the plane, operated the aircraft in a dangerous manner, and failed to properly train its pilots and flight crew.

The flight, bound for the Dominican Republic, crashed shortly after takeoff from New York’s Kennedy Airport, killing 265 people. Investigations have shown that the tail fin and rudder sheared off the Airbus 300 aircraft after takeoff.

Slack & Davis is handling claims for six families arising from the deaths of nine AA587 passengers.

Media Sources: AP wire reports, KVUE

Medical helicopter crashes near Beeville

A medical team transporting a critically injured burn patient to Corpus Christi aboard a HALO-Flight helicopter experienced sudden engine failure at 1,400 feet. The pilot was forced to crash-land the helicopter in brush south of Beeville.

All four persons aboard survived the crash, but the two medical personnel were injured. The flight paramedic supervisor trekked into the brush, where he found hunters who had witnessed the crash and who assisted in getting help. Another medical transport helicopter from San Antonio flew to the site, then took the crew and patient on to Corpus Christi.

Slack & Davis is handling two claims arising from the crash.

Media Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Lawsuit filed in fatal medical helicopter crash

The parents of Damon Talbott, 21, a New Mexico state police officer who was killed in a helicopter crash near Roswell, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the helicopter pilot, his employer (Medical Air Transport), an aircraft maintenance company, and a hospital. The crash occurred last October.

Two of the four people aboard were killed, and two seriously injured, when the air ambulance helicopter crashed during a training exercise intended as a safety demonstration flight.

“By filing this lawsuit, Damon Talbott’s parents are hoping to illuminate any safety issues within the company and within the industry,” said their attorney Mike Slack.

“We can’t bring Damon back, but we can help to ensure the safety of our law enforcement officers,” said Kim and Bonnie Talbott.

Slack & Davis, represents the Talbotts. Local co-counsel: Sanders, Bruin, Coll & Worley, P. A.

Media Sources: KOB-TV, KOAT, KRQE, KASA, El Paso Times, Roswell Daily Record