According to the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board), Hawaii has the most helicopter accidents and fatalities in the nation in recent years. Families of Hawaii residents and visitors grieving the loss of a loved one in a helicopter crash may be left asking: Why did it happen? Could it have been prevented? And what can the family do to move forward?
Wrongful death claims for helicopter crash victims’ families give certain relatives and dependents the ability to seek justice when design or manufacturing defects, inadequate maintenance, pilot error, missed safety protocols, poor decisions by the flight operator, air traffic control error, or a combination of these cause a fatal crash in or around Hawaii’s most popular sightseeing areas.
Learn which family members and dependents can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Honolulu, what a claim can include, and how Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks supports families after a helicopter crash.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Helicopter Accident Victim?
Hawaii law limits who can file a wrongful death lawsuit after a fatal helicopter crash. It prioritizes the relatives with the closest legal ties to the deceased person.
The following family members may be eligible to file:
- A surviving spouse,
- Biological or adopted children,
- Parents of the person who passed away,
- Financial or emotional dependents.
In addition to family members, related by blood or marriage, Hawaii recognizes persons who are financial or emotional dependents, such as unmarried partners or children who are treated as family even though they were not legally adopted. Whether someone qualifies as a financial or emotional dependent is determined by the nature and quality of their relationship. One person may file the wrongful death lawsuit individually, or several eligible relatives or dependents may file it together or separately. The estate’s personal representative may be able to bring claims on behalf of those entitled to recover.
After losing someone in a helicopter crash, you may be unsure whether you have the right to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney in Honolulu can help clarify your role and whether you have a claim. They can also help you understand how lawsuits work when multiple relatives are involved or when family dynamics make the situation more complex.
Can I Sue the Helicopter Company for My Loved One’s Wrongful Death?
Yes. Hawaii law may allow you to sue the helicopter company if its actions, not just the pilot’s, contributed to the crash.
Pilot error and wrongful death lawsuits in helicopter crashes often uncover broader safety issues. A helicopter accident might appear to involve a single misjudgment, but deeper investigations can reveal improper training, skipped inspections, ignored mechanical warnings, inadequate maintenance or pressure on pilots to fly despite dangerous weather.
Proving negligence in a helicopter accident wrongful death case involves examining what the company knew, how it prepared for risk, and how it responded to problems to assure the safety of future passengers. FAA investigations, maintenance logs, employee training records, and internal emails may all play a role in building the case.
Many crashes involve helicopter design or manufacturing defects which provide for liability against manufacturers under Hawaii’s product liability laws. Manufacturers of defective products are strictly liable, which means that proof of negligence is not needed. In contrast most other claims against helicopter tour companies, pilots or air traffic controllers require proof of negligence.
If your family believes that a manufacturer or the helicopter tour company’s conduct played a role in the crash, a wrongful death lawsuit may allow you to pursue compensation and bring those failures to light.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Helicopter Crash?
Hawaii law requires survivors to file most wrongful death lawsuits within two years of the person’s death. Minor children and those with disabilities may have more time to bring claims. Missing this deadline may prevent your family from bringing a legal claim, even if there’s clear evidence of fault. This timeline applies to helicopter crash product liability and wrongful death claims, including those related to helicopter defects, inadequate maintenance, pilot error, equipment failure, or safety violations. Because gathering evidence takes time, we recommend speaking with an attorney as early as possible.
Do Wrongful Death Settlements for Helicopter Crashes Cover Funeral Costs?
Funeral and burial expenses are typically included in wrongful death claims for helicopter crash victims’ families, along with losses tied to income, support, and emotional connection. These lawsuits may provide financial support for families after a fatal helicopter accident, covering burial and memorial costs, as well as the economic impact of the person’s absence. While every case differs, funeral costs are standard in many wrongful death settlements.
Talk to a Honolulu Attorney About a Helicopter Crash Wrongful Death Claim
A fatal helicopter crash can leave your family facing grief, unanswered questions, and unexpected financial responsibilities. For over 50 years, Cronin, Fried, Sekiya, Kekina & Fairbanks has helped families pursue legal claims after helicopter crashes in Hawaii. Our lead aviation attorney, Rick Fried, is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel with years of flying experience. Sadly, we have pursued claims involving more than 50 helicopter and aircraft crashes. We take the time to understand who your loved one was, what they meant to your family, and how that loss has changed everything.Call or contact our office to learn how a wrongful death claim may help your family seek answers, accountability, and support now and in the future.
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