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Helicopters are often used
to transfer crews and supplies to off-shore oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
The hostile work environment combined with the small landing area presents a
challenge even for experienced pilots. Attorney Timothy
M. Farris has more than fifteen years of experience representing people who
are injured in helicopter accidents caused by negligence, such as:
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Engine failure
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Defective parts
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Tail rotor failure
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Pilot error
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Improper maintenance
The law firm of Timothy M.
Farris represents helicopter accident victims on a contingency fee basis,
which means that we earn attorney fees only if we are successful in
obtaining compensation for you. We offer a free initial consultation to
evaluate your case.
Representative
Helicopter Accident Case
As an example, a passenger
in a helicopter that crash-landed at a local airport after having lost tail
rotor control filed suit. The National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) and other
experts examined the aircraft, which was totally destroyed, and found that
the tail rotor spider bearing failed. The same bearing was currently under a
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive in connection
with specialized maintenance and periodic testing due to previous complaints
of failure.
The plaintiff originally
filed suit against the helicopter operator and manufacturer. Toward the end
of discovery deadlines, the plaintiff and the operator settled. Thereafter,
the plaintiff and the operator filed suit against the bearing manufacturer.
Shortly before trial, and during depositions in Turin, Italy, the bearing
manufacturer furnished documents that were never produced by the defendant
helicopter manufacturer. These documents showed that the bearing
manufacturer had previously advised the helicopter manufacturer that the
tail rotor spider bearing utilized by helicopter manufacturer, was a "shelf"
bearing and that its continued use in Helicopters posed " . . . a concrete
risk of failure."
Due to the failure of the
helicopter manufacturer to provide complete disclosure and documentation,
the plaintiff and operator filed a motion to strike the witnesses and
defendants of helicopter manufacturer. The trial Judge struck all expert
witnesses scheduled to testify on behalf of the helicopter manufacturer.
Shortly thereafter, a confidential settlement was completed with all
defendants.
For more information on how
we can help you, contact the law offices of Timothy M. Farris today.
Representing clients throughout the state of Mississippi, we offer free
initial consultations and are available by appointment. |
