Helicopter Crash Litigation: Third Edition

Helicopter Crash Litigation, Third Edition is, simply put, an essential volume for any lawyer litigating a helicopter crash case. No other book is devoted exclusively to the representation of plaintiffs in helicopter crash cases. These unique cases require a different approach and techniques, which you will learn from accomplished trial lawyer Gary Robb, who has used these same techniques in a brilliant career as a trial lawyer. Much has happened as affects helicopter crash litigation in the intervening eight years since the publication of the Second Edition of this book in 2015. Highlights of recent developments covered in this Third Edition include: 1. The U.S. Supreme Court clarified the jurisdictional landscape for the better in Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District. 2. The “Helicopter Fuel System Safety” Amendment was enacted. 3. The Federal Officer Removal Statute was rejected as a basis for any aircraft manufacturing defendant’s removal of a design defect case to federal court. 4. The global pandemic of 2020-21 engendered the widespread and continued use of virtual or remote depositions in civil discovery and helicopter crash litigation was no exception. 5. The universal social and business usage of electronic media has led to a corresponding explosion in the use of electronically-stored information (ESI) discovery. In addition to addressing in detail the foregoing developments, this Third Edition: Updates and “modernizes” Chapters 1 and 2 dealing with helicopter operation and common failure modes. Updates all of the legal, statutory and regulatory framework applicable to helicopter crash litigation. Continues to expand and (hopefully) upgrade the actual practice techniques and methods recommended for handling helicopter crash litigation including new material on jury selection, opening statement and closing argument. Incorporates material from recent helicopter crash cases handled by the author including the Calabasas, California helicopter crash that caused the deaths of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna; the Frisco, Colorado crash that resulted in horrific 90% total body burn injuries to flight nurse David Repsher because of the lack of a crash-resistant fuel system (CRFS); and the Kentucky air ambulance helicopter crash that killed three crew members caused by a defectively manufactured main rotor blade. Updates helicopter accident statistics and reviews ongoing efforts for industry safety improvements. For over thirty-five years, Robb has handled numerous helicopter crash lawsuits throughout the country. His long-standing success earned him the recognition by Forbes Magazine as “by far the most successful helicopter crash attorney in the country.” His $350 million jury verdict in 1995 on behalf of a pilot killed in a helicopter crash and his $70 million jury verdict for a young woman killed in that same crash are the two highest jury verdicts in helicopter crash cases in U.S. history. In this book, Robb leads you through the myriad complexities that inevitably arise from cases involving these unique flying machines. Helicopter crash litigation is difficult. From start to finish, these cases are as complex and challenging as any to be found in civil litigation. This book removes some of that mystery and offers practical and useful advice, giving you the tools to successfully litigate such cases. Utilizing this book, you will be able to maximize the prospects of success for persons injured in helicopter crashes and for the families of those who have had loved ones killed in those crashes. This indispensable text travels through the different knowledge and skill sets critical in the successful handling of cases, ranging from the basic elements of helicopter structure and flight, through the preliminary factual investigation, filing the case, discovery, common defenses, damages and trial.