Illinois Parachute Accident Lawyer
Skydivers and paragliders are inherently exposed to serious injury or death associated with extreme aerial sports. When a parachute fails or a paraglider malfunctions, the results of the accident can be catastrophic. When trained professionals conduct the activity and an accident occurs, human error is often the cause. Many parachute failures and paraglide accidents are the result of negligence or insufficient risk management. Other aerial sport accidents are caused by equipment failure or improperly packed parachutes.
Skydiving has been a popular extreme sport for decades involving daredevils and sports enthusiasts alike. Many resort visitors enjoy parasailing when an individual attached to an open parachute is pulled behind a moving vehicle or boat. In recent years, paragliding has also become both a competitive and recreational sport. The paragliding pilot rests comfortably in a harness suspended underneath a large fabric wing with full control of aerodynamic forces that allow the glider to keep the individual in the air.
Unfortunately rented parachutes available at skydiving schools and parasailing equipment at resorts are used repeatedly year-round. The equipment can easily become worn by constant exposure to damaging sunrays, saltwater, pressure and stress. Other times, because of lack of adequate training, the victim might be injured by making harsh contact on a beach, roadway or in the water.
Significance of ‘Waivers’ in Parachute and Paraglide Crash Mishaps
Typically, skydivers and paragliders using equipment or following instruction of others must sign a skydiving waiver before participating in the activity. These release and indemnity agreements attempt to limit negligence liability of the operator and other employees. By law, these waivers must be specific and clear in detailing the inherent risks and dangers involved in the activity.
If the skydiver or paraglider is injured because of an accident or malfunction, seeking compensation after signing a waiver can be challenging. Because of that, many injured victims will hire a skilled personal injury attorney who specializes in aerial sports accidents. The lawyer may be able to prove that a defective product or negligence of others caused the victim’s injuries.
Common Parachute Injuries
Overall, the number of serious injuries involved in aerial sports nearly equals minor ones. An injury can occur from an improper jump or landing, windy conditions, landing on rough terrain, and improper parachute handling.
When a paraglider or skydiver is injured in a sports-related accident they often suffer serious injuries. The most common involved in parachuting and paragliding include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and head injury
- Broken bones and fractures to the feet, ankle, lower leg, femur, hip, pelvis and upper limbs
- Injury to the thorax and abdomen
- Sprains, strains and contusions
- Spinal cord injury involving quadriplegia and paraplegia
- Death
Any catastrophic injury occurring when skydiving, paragliding or parasailing can be life altering and often involves years of rehabilitation, physical therapy and surgeries. Because of that, it is essential to hire an attorney to handle a claim for financial compensation.
Hiring an Attorney to Prosecute a Serious Injury or Fatality Related to a Paraglide or Parachute Incident
Skydiving and paragliding accidents are all too common. Many aerial sport victims are at risk of catastrophic injuries or death at nearly every phase of participating in the sport. Most aerial sport accident claims involve:
- Defective products
- Improper parachute packing
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Worn components
- Cord defect
- Defective steering handle
- Harness failures
- Entanglements
- Poorly maintained gear and equipment
Proving liability in an accident of any highly dangerous activity can be complicated. The amount of compensation paid often depends on the responsibility that particular defendant in the lawsuit had over the injured victim.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC: Experience You Need When It Comes to Prosecuting Serious Injury Matters
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC have extensive experience in handling parasailing and skydiving accident claims. Our legal team is familiar with skydiving and paragliding malfunctions and defective equipment where the participant has no legal responsibility for causing the accident. We represent victims and surviving family members who have a legal right to seek financial compensation to recover all monetary damages including medical expenses, lost time away from work, injuries, and others.
Our legal team can evaluate your case and hold all responsible parties accountable for their negligence. You may be able to see compensation from third parties that could include an instructor, training center, recreation company, product manufacturers and retailers. Call our law offices at (888) 424-5757 to schedule your free case review with our experienced personal injury attorneys who specialize in aerial sports accidents including parachuting and paragliding.