Personal Injury Law

Family?s Chicago Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Air Angels Over Fatal Medical Emergency Helicopter Crash is Still in Discovery

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cook County wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of baby Kirstin Blockinger against Air Angels and Reach Medical Holdings Inc. is still in the discovery phase. The 14-month-old, who had been diagnosed with failure to thrive, died on October 15, 2008 when the Air Angels helicopter that was taking her to Children?s Memorial Hospital crashed in Aurora.

Her family is accusing helicopter pilot Del Waugh of careless and negligent operation of the medical helicopter. They also contend that Waugh, who was 69, was overstressed following a recent divorce. The plaintiffs are accusing the company of failure to follow federal recommendations for conducting safe flights. Waugh and Air Angels co-workers William Mann and Ron Battiato died in the helicopter crash.

Their Cook County aviation accident lawsuit contends that Waugh was 29 and suffering from overstress that was partially triggered by a recent divorce. They claim that the helicopter company failed to abide by federal safety standards.

Also, according to the National Transportation Safety Board?s report, Waugh did not take the proper steps to get ready for the flight path. He also is accused of filing a flight path that wasn?t high enough to clear the WBIG radio tower that the aircraft struck. The NTSB, however, acknowledged testimony provided by other Air Angels workers, who have stated that Waugh?s demeanor seemed normal and he looked well-rested when he began his shift on the night that the crash happened.

Unfortunately, helicopter medevac crashes can happen. As with all air flights, if the proper procedures aren?t followed, safety mechanisms aren?t in place, the pilot is distracted or lacks the experience or skills to safely fly the helicopter, or the aircraft malfunctions, the risk of an aviation accident happening increases dramatically. In most helicopter crashes, any injuries sustained are usually catastrophic or can prove fatal.

Family pursues lawsuit over crash, Beacon-News, March 17, 2010

Crash victims' families united in grief, Chicago Breaking News, October 16, 2008

Related Web Resources:
National Transportation Safety Board

Plane Accidents Overview, Justia

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on March 17, 2010 (boomark / email).