Tourist Killed When Helicopter Crashes in New York | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

A helicopter crash that killed a woman in New York has renewed calls to restrict air traffic over the crowded skies of the city.

The tourist helicopter crashed in the East River on October 4, 2011. A woman died despite a rescue effort that involved police and fire vessels and many emergency workers.  Four other people were pulled from the water, the New York Times reported.

In 2009, small private plane and a helicopter collided over the Hudson River, and the Times cataloged helicopter crashes in and around NYC, including three crashes into the East River since 2006.

The newspaper also quoted U.S. Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney as asking the Federal Aviation Administration to look at “‘whether or not it makes sense’ to allow nonessential helicopter traffic to originate in Manhattan.”

See this video of the most-recent incident

The experienced mass transit lawyers with our Virginia-based law firm have reported on numerous cases that have led to injuries in recent months in the air, on the roads and on the water. In August 2011 months-long trend of serious low-fare bus wrecks continued when a motorcoach ran off the New Jersey turnpike, injuring more than a dozen passengers.

On Aug. 8, 2011, two people were killed in Warrenton, Virginia (VA), when a single-engine plane crashed and burst into flames. We have also reported on how helicopter crashes are on the rise. Lawsuits in the wake of helicopter crashes can be tough, but they are not impossible. The key to succeeding as a plaintiff is to retain a personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle these types of cases.

Helicopter accident litigation can be difficult because federal regulations are geared towards preventing liability on behalf of the helicopter manufacturer, even where there is a defective part. To lean more, read this FAQ about when to file a claim following a bus train, cruise ship or airplane accident.  

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