Austin Medical Air Ambulance Crash Lawyers
An air ambulance can save lives as it helps patients receive timely access to lifesaving medical care.
Unfortunately, in some cases, air ambulances can crash or may become involved in other incidents that harm those on board. When this occurs, victims may be able to pursue a claim against the ambulance company, the pilot, the rotorcraft owner, or others responsible for losses.
Slack Davis understands the details of how air ambulance accidents work. We'll help you identify what went wrong, who is to blame, and what your rights are in pursuing compensation.
Just give us a call or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an Austin medical air ambulance lawyer to learn how we can help you.
Involved in an Accident?
We're Ready to Help
How Can Slack Davis Help After an Air Ambulance Accident?
Slack Davis can provide invaluable assistance after an air ambulance accident. Some of the different ways we can assist you include:
- Bringing our in-depth knowledge of the aviation industry to your claim. Our team of former pilots and NASA aerospace engineers has a deep understanding of the field of aviation and can identify technical issues that result in an accident. We can investigate and explain pilot error, maintenance issues, and other problems, and can bring our knowledge to your case to help you prove what went wrong.
- Helping you to negotiate a settlement: Our team has recovered millions for clients over decades of representing medical air ambulance accident victims. We are not afraid to stand up to air ambulance companies, helicopter manufacturers, and others responsible for an air ambulance accident occurring and causing harm.
- Going to court on your behalf: We have litigation experience, and we make sure to prepare every case to be trial-ready. When no settlement is reached, we can present compelling legal claims in court to maximize the chances of a favorable verdict.
What is an Air Ambulance?
An air ambulance is an aircraft equipped to provide medical transport. It's often a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. The aircraft takes a patient to a trauma center, hospital, or other facility to get care when time is of the essence. Medical air ambulances are also helpful in situations where a patient in a remote location needs to get urgent care that cannot be provided locally.
Medical air ambulances are typically helicopters, and the inside is fully equipped with life-saving equipment. The aircraft is staffed with professionals trained to provide emergency care while patients are being flown to a trauma center or other advanced care facility. These air ambulances can also be called life flights.
Who Needs Air Ambulance Service?
Air ambulances are used for people with very urgent medical needs. Examples can include:
- Drowning victims
- Auto accident victims
- Premature infants
- Individuals with rare conditions requiring specialized care
- Patients who need a higher level of care than their local hospital can provide
- Individuals in remote locations who need access to medical services
- Patients suffering from acute illness or injury who need a high level of care
Most Common Causes of Austin Air Ambulance Accidents
There are many potential causes of air ambulance accidents, including:
- Human and Pilot error
- Faulty helicopter maintenance
- Helicopter or parts malfunction
- Air traffic controller error
- Adverse weather conditions
Slack Davis has represented clients injured in all different kinds of air ambulance accidents, including accidents resulting from:
- A wheelchair ambulift that toppled over
- Crashes due to pilot disorientation
- An incorrectly modified engine
- Improper helicopter maintenance
Because air ambulances sometimes transport patients in bad weather and in remote areas, there is often a significant risk of accidents. Pilots must have the proper training and experience to fly safely in these high-risk situations.
Most Common Injuries Sustained From Austin Air Ambulance Accidents
When an air ambulance incident occurs, it often involves a helicopter crash, rotor accident, or hard landing. These types of incidents can cause serious and sometimes fatal injuries. Examples include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Crushing injuries
- Lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Soft tissue damage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
It is important to get prompt medical treatment so your injuries can be documented. It's also critical to note that if you are harmed by failures of the medical staff on board, this can also worsen your condition and could potentially result in a medical negligence or medical malpractice claim.
Who May Be Held Liable for Your Air Ambulance Accident?
When you have suffered injuries because of an accident on a medical air ambulance, you must identify the defendants who could be held responsible for your losses. Some of the different parties that are often held responsible for accidents include:
- The pilot
- The rotorcraft or aircraft owner
- The maintenance crew
- The air ambulance company
- Air traffic controllers
There may be multiple different defendants involved in some claims, and you may make different kinds of legal arguments to pursue claims against different defendants.
For example, if a pilot is negligent, you could pursue a claim against the pilot. If the pilot was employed by the owner of the air ambulance service, the company itself could also be liable either under:
- Vicarious liability rules that hold the company responsible for the negligence of its employees
- Negligence laws, if the company itself was negligent, such as by failing to ensure the helicopter was properly maintained and the pilot was appropriately trained
You'll have to prove negligence to make a successful claim.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Air Ambulance Aviation Accident in Austin?
After an air ambulance accident, you should be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death
Since you were being lifeflighted for emergency medical services, it will be important to determine what additional damages or injuries occurred because of the rotorcraft incident beyond the harm you had already suffered.
Contact an Austin Medical Air Ambulance Lawyer Today
An Austin medical air ambulance lawyer at Slack Davis can provide the help and support you need to pursue a compensation claim when an air accident happens.
Give us a call at (800) 455-8686 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with an Austin medical air ambulance lawyer to find out more about how we can fight for your right to full and fair compensation.