Helicopter rides are becoming more common in Chicago, especially for sightseeing tours and quick business travel. With the city’s famous skyline and heavy traffic on the ground, helicopters seem like a fast and scenic way to get around. But every now and then, a crash makes the news and reminds us of the risks involved.
Even though helicopter crashes don’t happen very often, when they do, the results can be extremely serious. Because helicopters fly low and have fewer safety features than large airplanes, injuries or fatalities are more likely in a crash. That’s why it’s important to know what steps to take if you ever find yourself in that situation.
If you’re in a helicopter crash, try to get medical help for yourself and others if you can, and then reach out to your legal team of Phillips Law Offices for quick legal support. Taking action early can make a big difference in your recovery and in protecting your rights.
Understanding what to expect and what to do after a crash could help save lives and make sure survivors get the care and support they need—both medical and legal.
Immediate Steps After a Helicopter Crash
If you survive a helicopter crash, the first thing to do is check if you or anyone else is hurt. Some injuries may not be obvious right away, so try to stay still until you’re sure it’s safe to move. If you can move and you’re not badly hurt, help others if it’s safe to do so.
Call 911 if you can. If your phone is lost or broken, try to use any kind of emergency signaling—like a whistle, a mirror, or even shouting. If you’re flying over the city, chances are help is nearby. Still, getting help fast can save lives.
If you’re conscious and the helicopter is stable, look for the emergency exit. Many helicopters have latches or doors that open in a specific way. Don’t panic—take a deep breath and focus on getting out safely without rushing.
After escaping the crash, move away from the wreck in case of fire or more damage. Stay in a visible area if possible, and wait for emergency responders to arrive. The most important thing is to stay calm and safe until help gets there.
Common Injuries from Helicopter Crashes
Traumatic brain injuries
When a helicopter crashes, the injuries people suffer can be extremely serious. One of the most common and dangerous injuries is a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which often occurs when a passenger hits their head during impact. This can lead to confusion, memory loss, or even unconsciousness. Some people recover fully, but others may deal with long-term effects that change their daily life.
Spinal injuries
Spinal cord injuries are also a major concern in helicopter crashes. These happen when the force of the crash damages the spine, which can sometimes lead to paralysis. People with spinal injuries often need months or even years of physical therapy and care.
Burn injuries
In cases where the helicopter catches fire, burn injuries become a risk. Burns are not only painful but also potentially life-threatening, and may require skin grafts, surgeries, and long healing periods. They can also leave lasting scars and emotional trauma.
Broken bones and internal bleeding
Broken bones and internal injuries are very common as well. The sudden impact can fracture arms, legs, or ribs, and even damage internal organs like the liver or lungs. These types of injuries may not be immediately visible but can be extremely dangerous if not treated quickly.
PTSD and psychological trauma
Aside from physical harm, survivors of helicopter crashes often deal with emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if someone walks away with no physical injuries, the mental scars can be deep. Nightmares, anxiety, and panic attacks are common, and professional therapy is often needed to support their mental recovery.
Emergency Response in Chicago
Chicago has a strong emergency system for serious accidents like helicopter crashes. First responders such as the Chicago Fire Department and EMS are trained to deal with air emergencies. If the crash happens within city limits, they usually arrive within minutes.
Once on the scene, medics will check for injuries and stabilize anyone who needs help. They quickly decide which hospital to send patients to. In serious cases, patients may go to trauma centers like Northwestern Memorial Hospital or University of Chicago Medical Center.
Chicago also has air medical transport if someone needs to be moved faster. Special units and trained teams know how to handle crashes that happen on rooftops, open land, or near the lake.
The speed and skill of Chicago’s emergency teams can make a big difference in saving lives after a helicopter crash. Their fast actions often decide how well someone recovers.
Legal Steps to Take After the Crash
After getting medical care, one of the first things to do is contact an aviation accident lawyer. These kinds of crashes involve many technical details, and a lawyer can help figure out who may be responsible.
It’s also important to gather evidence. If you’re able, take photos of the crash site, your injuries, or anything that could help explain what happened. If someone nearby saw the crash, get their contact information for later.
Helicopters often have something like a black box, which records flight data. This information can help prove whether the crash was caused by a mistake, a problem with the helicopter, or something else. Your lawyer will know how to request this data.
Determining Liability in Helicopter Crashes
Pilot error
After a helicopter crash, one of the most important questions is: who is responsible for what happened? Figuring out liability is essential for victims who want to pursue legal action or seek compensation. In many cases, pilot error is a leading cause. If the pilot makes a poor decision—such as flying in unsafe weather or failing to follow proper flight protocols—they or their employer could be held accountable for the crash.
Mechanical failure
Mechanical failure is another major factor. If the helicopter experiences engine trouble or other system malfunctions, the fault may lie with the manufacturer or the maintenance team responsible for keeping the helicopter in working order.
Air traffic control issues
Sometimes, the crash results from poor guidance from air traffic control. If an air traffic controller gives incorrect directions or fails to alert the pilot to potential dangers, they may share responsibility.
Weather and environmental causes
Weather also plays a critical role in helicopter safety. While not every weather-related crash results in liability, if the helicopter was cleared to fly in unsafe conditions, that decision may be questioned legally. In some situations, the helicopter operator or charter company can be at fault. These companies are responsible for maintaining aircraft and hiring qualified staff. If they cut corners, ignore maintenance, or overwork their pilots, they may be held liable for any resulting crashes.
Liability of charter companies or tour providers
Finally, it’s important to understand that liability can be shared among multiple parties. A single crash might involve mistakes by the pilot, mechanical issues from the manufacturer, and poor decisions by the operating company. In such cases, responsibility is divided, and multiple lawsuits or claims may follow as the full picture of what went wrong comes into focus.
How to File a Helicopter Crash Claim in Illinois
If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash, you may be able to file a claim for medical bills, lost wages, or even pain and suffering. You’ll likely start with an insurance claim, either through your own insurance or the helicopter company’s policy.
In more serious cases, you may want to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. A lawyer can guide you through this process and help make sure you get fair compensation.
It’s important to act quickly. In Illinois, the time limit to file most injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the crash. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your chance to get help.
Real Chicago Helicopter Incidents
There have been a few well-known helicopter crashes in or near Chicago. In some cases, bad weather was a factor. In others, poor maintenance or pilot error caused the crash.
Each incident has taught important lessons. Some led to changes in safety rules or better training for pilots. In other cases, families of victims took legal action and won settlements to cover their losses.
These real stories remind us that helicopter crashes, while rare, are very serious and deserve proper investigation and legal attention.
Recovery and Support Resources
Surviving a helicopter crash is just the beginning. Many people need months or even years to recover from their injuries. Physical therapy, surgeries, and regular doctor visits are common parts of the healing process.
Mental health is just as important. Survivors may deal with fear, stress, or depression. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help with emotional healing.
Chicago has many places that offer help, like rehabilitation centers, therapy clinics, and legal aid services. There are also nonprofit groups that support people hurt in aviation accidents or help them find financial assistance.
Contact Phillips Law Offices if You or Your Loved One Has Been in a Helicopter Accident
If you or someone close to you has been in a helicopter crash in Chicago, Phillips Law Offices is here to help. Our team understands aviation laws and knows how to deal with complex accident cases.
We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and fight to get the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s medical bills, loss of income, or other damages, we’ll work to make sure your rights are protected.
Don’t wait too long to get help. The sooner you contact us, the easier it is to gather important evidence and build a strong case. Call us today for a free consultation at (312) 598-0917.
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