Helicopter accidents are high-impact events with catastrophic consequences. Unlike typical motor vehicle collisions, these incidents often involve complex aviation issues, multiple liable parties, and injuries that are frequently fatal or permanently disabling. Victims and families are left not only with the trauma of the event itself but with the burden of dealing with insurance carriers, corporate defendants, and, at times, government entities—all of whom are motivated to limit their exposure. These cases demand aggressive legal representation from a firm with the experience, resources, and willingness to litigate when necessary.
Georgia Helicopter Accident Lawyer
At McArthur Law Firm, we handle helicopter accident cases with the seriousness they require. We pursue claims against operators, maintenance contractors, aircraft owners, and manufacturers when their actions or omissions contribute to harm.
McArthur Law Firm serves Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and other counties in Georgia. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your personal injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
Types of Georgia Helicopter Accidents
Commercial Helicopter Crashes — In Georgia, these incidents often involve aircraft used for business purposes like news coverage, traffic monitoring, and aerial photography. Operated by companies subject to both state and federal aviation rules, such flights can end in disaster due to factors like pilot fatigue, excessive payloads, maintenance lapses, or tight scheduling.
Medical Helicopter Accidents — Air ambulances are critical for patient transport in rural or remote parts of Georgia where ambulances might take too long. Crashes are particularly tragic as they often involve fragile patients and medical crews, and typically occur during high-speed travel under pressure or in bad weather, sometimes due to equipment issues or misjudged routes.
Private or Recreational Helicopter Crashes — Personal flights, whether for leisure or short-distance travel, present their own risks. Accidents in this category often stem from lack of experience, inadequate weather assessment, or mechanical trouble, especially when pilots fly in conditions beyond their certification or skill level.
Utility and Industrial Helicopter Accidents — In Georgia, helicopters support operations like power line inspection, timber transport, and construction, usually at low altitudes and in high-risk areas. Crashes here may result from equipment malfunction, pilot miscalculation, or the inherent dangers of rugged terrain and work environments.
Maintenance and Mechanical Failure Accidents — Across all helicopter types, improper upkeep can lead to devastating outcomes. Whether it’s overlooked rotor wear or engine defects, these failures are preventable with rigorous inspections and compliance with safety protocols. Both commercial and private owners in Georgia bear responsibility for ensuring airworthiness.
Pilot Error or Air Traffic Mistakes — A significant number of helicopter accidents are attributed to human misjudgment, whether from those in the cockpit or controlling flights from the ground. Navigational slip-ups, poor weather assessment, or miscommunication with air traffic control can all result in catastrophic incidents like mid-air collisions or emergency landings.
Weather-Related Helicopter Accidents — Georgia’s unpredictable weather—including fog, thunderstorms, and abrupt wind changes—poses a constant threat to helicopter safety. While nature can be unforgiving, some of these incidents are avoidable, often linked to decisions to fly in conditions deemed marginal or dangerous due to operational pressures.
Injuries from Georgia Helicopter Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries — Victims of helicopter crashes can suffer a range of TBIs, from concussions to lasting brain impairment, with symptoms that may emerge over time and demand extended medical attention.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis — The violent force of a crash can severely affect the spinal cord, resulting in fractured vertebrae or, in more severe cases, paralysis that depends on the area of injury.
Severe Burn Injuries — When fuel ignites, it can lead to devastating second- or third-degree burns that damage skin, nerves, and muscle tissue, often requiring painful treatment such as skin grafts.
Multiple Bone Fractures and Crush Injuries — The physical trauma of a crash frequently breaks bones or crushes extremities, necessitating prolonged recovery involving surgery or implanted hardware.
Internal Organ Damage — Blunt-force trauma in these accidents can quietly devastate organs like the liver or lungs, often with no outward signs but requiring urgent medical intervention.
Amputations and Limb Loss — Serious crashes can result in the loss of limbs at the scene or later due to infection, leaving survivors with lifelong physical and psychological effects.
Psychological Trauma — Long after the physical wounds heal, survivors may grapple with PTSD, anxiety, or depression, all of which can significantly disrupt daily functioning.
Fatalities — Tragically, many helicopter crashes end in death either immediately or due to later complications, leaving families to endure emotional loss and financial burdens.
Determining Who is Legally Responsible for a Helicopter Crash
Helicopter Operator or Pilot — If a helicopter crash in Georgia happens because of pilot error, poor planning, or carelessness during the flight, the operator or pilot may be held responsible. Under Georgia Code § 51-1-2, a person is liable if they fail to use “ordinary care” in performing a duty. Pilots who ignore safety procedures or make reckless decisions can be held accountable under this law.
Helicopter Owner or Charter Company — Helicopter owners, including private individuals and commercial charter companies, have a duty to ensure their aircraft are safe and properly maintained. If they cut corners or skip necessary safety checks, they may be found negligent under Georgia Code § 51-1-6, which allows injured people to seek damages when another party breaks a legal duty.
Maintenance Providers — Companies that service helicopters are responsible for doing thorough and proper work. If they perform faulty repairs or overlook warning signs of mechanical problems, they may be liable if the helicopter later crashes.
Aircraft or Parts Manufacturer — If a helicopter crashes because a part fails—even if it was installed correctly—the manufacturer of that part may be responsible under Georgia Code § 51-1-11.
Air Traffic Controllers or Ground-Based Support — In rare cases, mistakes made by air traffic controllers or others providing flight guidance may contribute to a helicopter accident. If they fail to give accurate instructions or do not alert pilots to nearby hazards, they may be held responsible under state or federal laws, such as the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Employers and Worksite Operators — When a helicopter crash happens during work, the victim’s employer or the company managing the site may be responsible, especially if they failed to provide a safe environment. Georgia Code § 34-7-20 requires employers to provide safe tools, machinery, and working conditions. Under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1), employers in Georgia are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This system offers no-fault benefits to workers who suffer injuries arising out of and in the course of their employment, including incidents as severe as a helicopter crash occurring on the job.
Statute of Limitations — Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, most personal injury or wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent the victim or their family from recovering damages. It is important for people involved in a helicopter accident to act quickly so their legal rights are protected.
Lost Evidence in Helicopter Accidents
One of the more concerning facts about helicopter crashes in Georgia is how quickly vital evidence can disappear after an accident. Unlike commercial airplane crashes, helicopter accidents often occur in isolated areas, with limited oversight and no black box data to explain what went wrong. In many cases, crash sites are cleared or disturbed before a thorough investigation begins. This makes it difficult for victims and families to understand what happened and hold the right people accountable. If legal action is not taken right away, key records—such as flight plans, maintenance logs, and weather data—can be lost or destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does someone have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?
Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, most personal injury or wrongful death claims must be filed within two years of the accident.
Can a family sue if someone dies in a helicopter crash?
Yes. Georgia law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim under Georgia Code § 51-4-2.
Is the helicopter company automatically responsible for a crash?
Not always. Liability depends on the facts.
What happens if the crash involved a private helicopter?
Private owners and pilots can be held liable under Georgia Code § 51-1-2 for failing to use ordinary care.
Do victims need to prove who caused the crash?
Victims need evidence, but helicopter injury lawyers usually conduct investigations to determine fault and preserve records.
Can injured passengers sue the pilot?
Yes, if the pilot was negligent. Georgia Code § 51-1-6 allows a victim to recover damages for breached legal duties.
What compensation can victims receive?
Victims may recover for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs under Georgia law.
Do these cases go to court or settle?
Many settle out of court, but some go to trial depending on how the parties handle liability and compensation.
Is a lawsuit possible if bad weather caused the crash?
Sometimes. If a pilot chose to fly in unsafe weather, liability may exist. Each case must be evaluated individually.
Additional Resources
- FAA – Effective Aeronautical Decision-Making — This official FAA document explains how helicopter pilots make decisions before and during flights. It discusses risk management, situational awareness, and pilot self-assessment tools like the I’M SAFE and PAVE checklists.
- Fox5 News – Georgia Governor Confirms Identity of Crew Chief on Army Helicopter That Crashed Near DC — This news article covers the helicopter crash near Washington, D.C., involving a Black Hawk and an American Airlines flight. It confirms the identity of the crew members, including Ryan O’Hara from Georgia.
- Pilot Institute – The Causes of Helicopter Crashes — This article outlines the main causes of helicopter crashes, dividing them into human error, technical problems, and environmental factors. It includes explanations of each category with examples such as pilot fatigue, air traffic control mistakes, component failure, and bad weather.
- Fatal Air Medical Accidents in the United States (2000–2020) – National Library of Medicine — This journal article examines fatal air medical transport accidents from 2000 to 2020 using NTSB data. It provides insights into accident causes, including human errors, weather, and nighttime flying conditions. The article highlights that most fatalities occurred in helicopters and suggests that human factors training could help improve safety in air medical operations.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for Helicopter Accident Injuries in Fulton County, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: (478) 551-9901
