Suit Filed Over Fatal Medical Chopper Crash
Updated 8:22 PM CST, Tue, Jan 6, 2009
A wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday claims known safety measures could have prevented a medical helicopter crash that killed an Illinois toddler.
The lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court claims the emergency transport company, its operator and the deceased pilot should have taken more safety precautions, such as installing better equipment and having two pilots.
"This accident, that took her life on those of others on that helicopter, was a totally preventable occurence," attorney Donald J. Nolan said.
The Air Angels helicopter carrying Kirstin Blockinger crashed on Oct. 15 after clipping a wire to a radio tower, killing her and all three crew members. [Read More...]
"In this case, this particular operator had ignored those recommendations, failed to make the necessary improvements that would prevent accidents like this from occurring," former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman James Hall.
Hall is now part of the law firm persuing the case.
He says the emergency medical helicopter industry needs to improve its safety procedures.
"Industries themselves, including the hospitals, need to take a very close look at this service, and require the changes that the NTSB has recommended," Hall said.
Air Angels and an attorney representing the defendants haven't returned calls seeking comment.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Chicago
First Published: Jan 6, 2009 3:48 PM CST
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