The family of one of the victims in the DC plane crash filed a $250 million claim against the Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. Army on February 19. On January 29 a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet moments before it was supposed to land at Reagan National Airport, the crash in the Potomac River left 67 people dead. The claims were filed by the family of Casey Crafton, who left behind a wife and three young children.
This was the first fatal crash of a commercial plane in the U.S. since 2009. The National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Jennifer Homendy pointed to potential missed radio communication to the helicopter and its possible flight above maximum altitude as contributing factors.
NTSB is still investigating the cause of the Jan. 29 plane crash, the first in a series of major aviation disasters in the U.S. this year. Days after the D.C. collision, a crash in Philadelphia of a Medevac jet killed seven people and injured over 20 others. In early February, a small commuter plane was found crashed amid sea ice with all 10 on board killed in Alaska. Later that month, a Delta regional jet that originated in Minneapolis crashed and overturned upon arrival at Toronto Pearson International Airport, injuring 18 of the 80 people on board.
The claims filed Tuesday are the first step in a process outlined by the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows people to sue the federal government for injury, death, or property loss. They listed $50 million for personal injury and $200 million for wrongful death. The government now has six months to respond to the claims. If they either deny the claims or do not respond, the family can file lawsuits in federal court.
Messa & Associates has handled a number of aviation disaster cases for over 20 years including cases against American, United, and Southwest Airlines, even cases involving small planes and helicopters. The experienced Philadelphia aviation accident attorneys at Messa & Associates have handled many cases involving serious injuries and death arising out of airplane crashes, transportation, and motor vehicle accidents. Our attorneys work with highly regarded experts to ensure we review all the details of your case. If you or a loved one has been involved in an airplane accident, please contact us at 1-877-MessaLaw for an evaluation of your case.
