Helicopter Accident Attorney Los Angeles, CA

Helicopter Crashes Are Rarely Accidents. Someone Is Usually Responsible.

Helicopter accidents — whether on an LA sightseeing tour, a charter flight, or an air ambulance run — are usually caused by pilot error, mechanical failure, inadequate maintenance, or operator negligence. L&F Brown investigates all responsible parties and pursues full compensation for survivors and families.

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California law

What You Need to Know Before You Settle

CA Law

FAA Part 135 regulations

Commercial helicopter operators — including tours and charter services — are governed by FAA Part 135, which sets strict requirements for pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and operational procedures. Violations of these regulations are strong evidence of negligence.

CA Law

Common carrier duty for passengers

Helicopter tour and charter operators carrying paying passengers are common carriers under California law, subject to the highest duty of care. Any unreasonable risk to passengers that the operator knew or should have known about can give rise to liability.

CA Law

NTSB investigation records

The National Transportation Safety Board investigates aviation accidents including helicopter crashes. Its factual findings — maintenance records, pilot logs, weather data — are critical tools in discovery even though final reports are generally not admissible as evidence of negligence.

CA Law

Multiple defendants common

Helicopter accident liability often spans multiple parties: the operator, the aircraft manufacturer, the engine or component manufacturer, and the maintenance contractor. Pursuing all defendants ensures maximum recovery and prevents any single defendant from pointing the finger at another.

Helicopter accidents

Types of Helicopter Accident Claims We Handle

Whether you were a passenger, a bystander, or lost a family member, helicopter crashes involve complex liability questions that demand expert investigation.

Tour & Sightseeing Helicopter Crashes

Los Angeles area helicopter tours over the hills, coastline, and city — common carrier standards apply to all paying passengers.

Charter Helicopter Accidents

On-demand charter flights for business and personal travel — pilot qualifications and aircraft maintenance are critical liability issues.

Air Ambulance Accidents

Emergency medical transport helicopter crashes — involving both aviation and medical negligence theories.

News & Broadcast Helicopter Crashes

Media helicopters operating over the LA basin — operator and crew liability in crashes affecting both occupants and ground victims.

Private Helicopter Accidents

Non-commercial helicopter crashes — liability can involve the pilot, owner, maintenance provider, or aircraft manufacturer.

Mechanical Failure & Product Liability

Defective rotors, engines, avionics, and structural failures — manufacturer liability under California and federal standards.

Evidence disappears fast

What to Do After a Helicopter Accident

Helicopter operators and their insurers respond immediately after an accident. Having legal representation in place early is critical to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Seek emergency medical care

Helicopter crashes cause severe trauma. Get full emergency care and document all injuries from the outset.

Do not speak with the operator or their insurer

Operators deploy their own response teams quickly. Do not provide recorded statements before you have legal counsel.

Preserve any documentation you have

Booking confirmations, payment records, safety briefing materials, and photographs taken before the flight.

Contact L&F Brown immediately

Flight data recorders, maintenance records, and witness accounts must be preserved by litigation hold — we act immediately to protect this evidence.

Track all medical treatment

Keep records of every medical visit, prescription, and treatment. These form the economic backbone of your damages claim.

Injured in a Helicopter Crash?

Get the Compensation You Deserve.

Free consultation · Pay nothing unless we win · 6,000+ cases handled

800-953-0075

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

UCLA Law · Personal Injury Partner · 6,000+ Cases

Helicopter operators want you to believe the crash was just bad weather or bad luck. Most of the time, that's not what the records show. We demand those records early — flight data, maintenance logs, pilot credentials — and build the case around what they reveal.

Client Stories

Hear From the People We've Helped

“I had a very good experience with these lawyers. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for quality legal advice and fantastic service. Curt is an Ace.”

Jack Hoskinson

“Overall experience was great. Arya was extremely knowledgeable and guided me through a stressful time in my life. Response times were quick and reassuring. Very happy with the outcome of my case.”

David Chau

“Helped now on three different occasions. Have referred Curt to at least three other people.”

Scott MacDonell

What you can recover

Compensation Available After a Helicopter Accident

Helicopter accident injuries are frequently catastrophic. California law allows survivors and families to recover the full scope of economic and non-economic losses.

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Medical Expenses
Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term care for traumatic injuries.
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Lost Wages & Earning Capacity
Income lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity from permanent disability.
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Pain & Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress from traumatic crash injuries.
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Permanent Disability
Compensation for lasting physical limitations from catastrophic injuries.
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Wrongful Death
When a helicopter crash is fatal, surviving family members can recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
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Punitive Damages
Available when the operator knowingly ignored known mechanical defects or violated FAA maintenance requirements.

Track record

Recent Verdicts & Settlements

Past outcomes don't guarantee future results, but they show what's possible when evidence is preserved and all defendants are pursued.

$6M Auto versus government entity settlement.

$4M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$2.5M Slip and fall at major retailer.

$1.5M Complex auto vs auto case.

$900K Complicated auto vs auto accident.

$700K Resolved following an auto accident injury.

Know your rights

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is liable after a helicopter crash?

Helicopter crash liability depends on the cause. Pilot error typically points to the operator (for negligent hiring, training, or supervision) or the individual pilot. Mechanical failure points to the operator (maintenance negligence), the aircraft manufacturer (design or manufacturing defect), or the component manufacturer (engine, rotor, avionics). In many crashes, multiple parties share responsibility. We investigate all potential defendants and pursue each.

Does the helicopter tour operator's insurance cover my injuries?

FAA regulations require commercial operators to carry liability insurance for passenger injuries. However, insurance policy limits may be insufficient for catastrophic injuries, and operators may contest liability aggressively. Beyond operator insurance, manufacturer liability claims may provide additional recovery. Having an attorney ensures you access all available compensation.

Can I bring a claim if a family member was killed in a helicopter crash?

Yes. California's wrongful death statute (CCP §377.60) allows surviving spouses, children, and other statutory beneficiaries to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship. Survivors who are dependents have strong claims. Contact us immediately — wrongful death claims are subject to the same statute of limitations as personal injury claims (2 years under CCP §335.1).

What if the helicopter crash happened during an authorized activity, like a news flight?

The occupant's purpose for being on the helicopter affects only certain defenses, not the fundamental right to compensation. Whether you were a paying passenger, a media crew member, or an employee, the operator's duty to maintain a safe aircraft and employ a competent pilot applies. Employment status may affect the proper legal theory (Jones Act, workers' compensation, or civil tort), but does not eliminate your right to recovery.

Helicopter Crashes Are Rarely Accidents. Someone Is Usually Responsible.