Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC can guide you through a claim if you’ve been injured in an aviation accident in Louisville. If you’ve been involved in a helicopter accident—whether as a passenger, a pilot, or even someone on the ground—you’re probably still trying to make sense of what happened. Between the shock, medical care, and all the questions about what went wrong, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our Louisville helicopter accident lawyers can help. Set up a free consultation today to learn more about your options.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
Helicopter accidents don’t happen often here in Louisville, but when they do, they’re serious and can turn your life upside down. What makes things even more complicated is how many people might be involved. It’s not always just the pilot—sometimes it’s the helicopter owner, a tour company, a maintenance crew, or even the manufacturer.
And then there are the government agencies. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) usually step in to investigate, which can make it tough for anyone outside the system to get straight answers. That’s where we come in. Our team can:
- Explain your options and what the path ahead looks like.
- Gather evidence and information to put together your claim.
- Look into records and investigative reports to figure out what went wrong and who’s responsible.
- Help you through the claims process, whether that’s inside or outside of court.
Basically, you have enough to deal with when you’re hurt in one of these accidents. With our team, you don’t have to go through it alone. Most of all, we make things easier with things that you’re going to need with a claim–and that starts with evidence.
What Evidence Will I Need for a Claim After a Helicopter Accident?
Helicopter accident claims depend heavily on evidence—and in aviation cases, that evidence can be technical. But that’s not the end of the line. Think about it like trying to get anything that might show what happened and how it’s impacting you. Here are some examples of evidence that can help your case:
- Accident and incident reports from the FAA or NTSB
- Maintenance records for the helicopter
- Flight logs and pilot certifications
- Eyewitness statements from passengers, bystanders, or ground crew
- Photos or videos taken before, during, or after the accident
- Medical records and bills that document your injuries and treatment
Even small details can matter—something as simple as a maintenance log entry or a witness’s description of engine noise could help connect the dots. That’s why it’s important to start gathering information as soon as possible, while memories are still fresh and records are easy to access. Once that evidence starts coming together, the next big question is usually: who’s responsible?
Who’s Responsible for My Injuries in a Helicopter Accident?
Responsibility—or “liability” in legal terms—depends on what caused the accident. And in helicopter cases, there are often several layers to uncover. Most of the time, though, it falls on:
- The company that operates the helicopter, if they failed to follow safety rules or perform proper maintenance
- The pilot, if the investigation shows they made a preventable error
- The maintenance crew, if repairs or inspections were done incorrectly
- The manufacturer, if a part or design defect caused the failure
- A third-party contractor, like a refueling company or equipment supplier
- Sometimes, even air traffic control or the entity managing the landing site could share responsibility if their communication or infrastructure contributed to the accident.
In most helicopter accidents, there’s rarely just one simple cause. It’s often a mix of things — maybe a small mechanical issue, a split-second decision, or unexpected weather that made everything worse. Figuring out exactly what went wrong takes time and careful digging. Investigators look at everything from flight data and maintenance logs to communication records and weather reports from that day.
The important thing to remember is that responsibility usually isn’t black and white. More than one person or company might have played a role. But this is the starting point of figuring out what happened, who’s responsible, and leads directly into the next phase of things: filing a claim.
What Damages Can I Get in a Helicopter Accident Claim?
While responsibility for the helicopter accident is one of the biggest hurdles you’ll need to clear, the reason it’s so important is because–just like any other type of accident–that’s what you’ll need to actually file a claim and recover “damages.”
The way you decide to do that is up to you, but generally, you can either:
- File an insurance claim outside of court.
- File a personal injury lawsuit.
Every situation is different, but the point of an injury claim is simple — you shouldn’t be left carrying the weight of someone else’s mistake. Depending on what happened, your claim might include:
- Medical costs, from the first ambulance ride to surgeries, rehab, and follow-up care
- Lost income, if you’ve had to miss work or your injuries make it harder to earn a living
- Pain and suffering, for both the physical and emotional distress of what you’ve been through
- Property damage, if your belongings were lost or destroyed in the accident
- Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages related to a fatal accident, which is filed in a wrongful death claim.
And when someone’s carelessness goes beyond simple negligence—like ignoring known maintenance problems or safety warnings—Kentucky law may allow for punitive damages. Those aren’t about replacing what you’ve lost, but about sending a message that reckless behavior has consequences.
While these categories help outline what a claim can cover, the details depend on how the accident happened and who was involved. And in Louisville, that’s where things start to look a little different — because our city’s aviation scene is unlike anywhere else.
What Can Cause a Helicopter Accidents in Louisville?
Helicopter travel probably isn’t the first thing you think about when you think about Louisville, but that doesn’t mean that these aircraft don’t have a strong presence here. Whether it’s for the local news covering traffic or life flights to and from U of L Hospital, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that you’ll see—or encounter—a helicopter here.
That also means that you could be injured in an accident, either directly or by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Here’s what can cause one of these accidents:
- Defective parts
- Improper maintenance
- Pilot error
- Design flaws or defects
- Issues with air traffic control or other agencies
When a helicopter accident happens, it’s rarely because of just one thing. It usually takes a closer look to uncover what went wrong — whether it was a maintenance issue, a design flaw, or a communication breakdown. The good news—relatively speaking—is that you don’t have to face the aftermath by yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a helicopter accident claim in Kentucky?
Usually about a year, but it’s best to reach out sooner so your lawyer has time to gather key evidence.
What if the accident involved a loved one who didn’t survive?
You may be able to bring a wrongful death claim to help your family recover and find answers.
Can I start a claim while the NTSB investigation is still ongoing?
Yes — we can begin building your case and stay updated as the official reports come in.
Reach Out to Kaufman & Stigger After a Louisville Helicopter Accident
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we know how confusing and emotional a helicopter accident can be. You deserve clear answers and steady guidance, not red tape and guesswork. If you were injured—or lost someone you love—our Louisville helicopter accident lawyers take the time to explain your options and help you move forward with confidence. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation to get the process started.
