Drone injuries are a relatively new occurrence in personal injury. In the United States, drone enthusiasts have almost no legal regulation – anyone can purchase one and use it. What this means is that anyone can fly one, and many times because of the nature of the flying object – they can fall and hurt both people and property.
How many drone injures have occurred? Currently there is no solid data on this subject. However, drones have caused numerous injuries: A photographer’s nose was cut off by a drone, a drone nearly crashed into an airbus at London’s Heathrow Airport, a drone injured bystanders at a Virginia Motorsports Park by crashing into bystanders, and a bridegroom was struck in the face by a wedding photographer who was using a drone to photograph the wedding.
In 2013drone fatalities in Texas, Korea and Brazil occurred, as well as the case of a 19-year-old, who died instantly in a Brooklyn (NY) Park when the blades of his radio controlled aircraft struck his head and neck.
The primary failing factor for a flying drone is often the untrained pilot at its control. This lack of experience can and will demonstrate the consequences of human error, system failure, flying in inappropriate weather conditions and sheer incompetence.
The FAA estimates that by 2020 approximately 30,000 drones will be in use for all types of commercial purposes. Drones are currently being used by realtors to display houses; wedding photographers are using drones to capture the perfect shot; construction zone flyover drones are used for site inspections; and drone delivery systems are currently being considered by larger US corporations (like Amazon). Unfortunately, many of these new drone users receive no formal operational training yet these aircraft are being flown in neighborhoods, at social gatherings, in malls and many other public places.
Drone liability is new to the field of the law. Who is liable for a drone injury? Fortunately, some drone users now carry insurance for their flying machines; however, prosecution of such a claim will very likely require the skills of a qualified attorney to help a person injured in an accident of this nature.
If you have suffered an injury from a drone (or know someone who has) contact Parrish Law Firm, PLLC for a consultation. We can help.
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Personal Injury Attorney, located in Manassas and Fairfax works with Northern Virginia citizens who have suffered and are looking for fair compensation for their suffering. Contact us today for a free case consultation, or call us at 703-906-4229.
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A representative of the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC researched and wrote this article with Mr. Parrish’s consent. If you have any questions regarding the legal implications of what you have just read, please send us your question by clicking here so we can have our attorney review it.
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