Patients in need of urgent care sometimes require rapid transportation provided by air ambulances and medical helicopters. But when these aircraft crash, devastating injuries and loss of life can result. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a crash, an experienced air ambulance crash lawyer from Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Our firm has experience helping victims of aviation and helicopter crashes, including several multi-million dollar results for plane and helicopter crash victims in Kansas and Missouri. Contact us right away for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Air Ambulance and Medical Helicopter Risks
Medical helicopters operate under conditions that leave little room for error. Many flights take place at night, when reduced visibility makes it harder for pilots to identify terrain, power lines, or other hazards. Severe weather may also develop quickly and expose crews to strong winds, heavy rain, fog, or icing conditions.
At the same time, medical transport teams face demanding schedules and pressure to reach critically ill or injured patients as quickly as possible. These factors increase the risk of pilot error, loss of control, collisions, and other catastrophic aviation accidents during already difficult emergency flight operations.
Common Causes of Medical Transport Crashes in Kansas and Missouri
Medical transport crashes can result from decisions pilots and crew members make before takeoff, as well as from problems that arise during flight. Some of the factors that can cause or contribute to these accidents include:
- Pilot fatigue that affects their judgment or reaction time
- Poor decisions about whether the conditions are safe for flight
- Mechanical failures caused by defective components or maintenance problems
- Corporate pressure on pilots or crews to accept flights despite safety concerns
Determining Liability in an Air Ambulance Accident
Medical transport crash liability could be split between multiple parties, depending on what caused the accident. Potentially liable parties may include:
- Flight operators who failed to follow required safety procedures
- Maintenance providers who performed inadequate inspections or repairs
- Manufacturers who were responsible for defective aircraft equipment or components
A skilled medical helicopter accident attorney in Kansas City from Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers can thoroughly investigate a crash to determine what happened and who was responsible. We’ll review maintenance records, operating procedures, and other evidence to determine whether regulatory violations contributed to the crash. Whether the crash occurred in Kansas or Missouri, our firm can help you understand your rights.
Navigating Federal Regulations and the NTSB Investigation
Air ambulance operations are heavily regulated at the federal level. Most medical helicopter flights are conducted under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which imposes specific requirements on operators — including weather minimums, pilot rest rules, and safety equipment standards adopted specifically for helicopter air ambulances. Evidence that an operator violated FAA regulations can be powerful support for a claim.
After a crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) — the independent federal agency that investigates aviation accidents — controls the wreckage and evidence in the early weeks and ultimately issues findings on probable cause. Knowing how to work within a federal investigation, and how to preserve and develop the evidence a civil case requires, is where experienced aviation counsel makes the difference. The team at Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers has extensive experience with these cases and is very familiar with the regulations and insurance policies that might apply to your situation.
Our Proven Track Record in Kansas and Missouri Aviation Litigation
Presley and Presley Trial Lawyers is proud to have a record of success in securing aviation crash settlements for our clients, including a $12 million helicopter crash recovery and a $4.5 million medical transport crash recovery. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our aviation accident law firm in Missouri has over 40 years of legal experience and is prepared to pursue your case with dedication and a commitment to justice. Contact us today to arrange a free initial consultation.
