We are proud to announce that Presley & Presley recently secured a $3.25 million settlement in a wrongful death case for the family of Paul M. Emaus, a pilot who tragically lost his life in a preventable plane crash. The case was prominently featured in Missouri Lawyers Weekly, highlighting our commitment to seeking justice for our clients.
The crash occurred after a faulty engine repair at The Ohio State University Airport, where improper torqueing of a fuel line connection led to a dangerous in-flight fuel leak. Despite efforts to manage the issue, the leak escalated, causing the engine to fail and forcing an emergency crash landing. Tragically, Paul Emaus passed away the following day after extraordinary life support was terminated.
A Successful Legal Team: Kirk R. Presley and Jordan Lebovitz
This significant victory was achieved through the efforts of Kirk R. Presley and our team at Presley & Presley, in collaboration with Jordan Lebovitz of Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy in Cleveland, Ohio. With expert testimony and thorough investigation, we were able to hold the responsible parties accountable for their failure to follow proper aviation maintenance protocols.
The settlement provided compensation for the economic loss of future earnings for the Emaus family, reflecting the devastating impact of this preventable accident.
About the Case
The incident began when Paul Emaus performed a gear-up landing at The Ohio State University Airport, which caused damage to the aircraft’s propeller. After the plane was partially repaired, the engine was sent for inspection and minor repairs. However, during the reinstallation, a critical mistake was made: the fuel line connection was not properly torqued, leading to a dangerous fuel leak that ultimately caused the crash.
Through diligent legal work, Presley & Presley was able to secure a settlement before trial, delivering justice for the Emaus family and sending a clear message about the importance of aviation safety.
To read the full article in Missouri Lawyers Weekly, click here
Why This Settlement Matters
This case underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in aviation repairs and ensuring accountability in safety procedures. At Presley & Presley, we are committed to helping our clients receive the justice they deserve and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.