Drones have become ubiquitous in our skies, bringing benefits and new risks. While these unmanned aircraft systems offer numerous advantages, they also present new risks and potential dangers. At Blumenshine Law Group, we’ve witnessed a growing number of drone-related injuries, from minor accidents to severe traumatic brain injuries.
As drone usage continues to grow across Illinois for both recreational and commercial purposes, understanding your legal rights and the implications of drone accidents is crucial for seeking the compensation and justice you deserve. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the complexities of drone injury cases and advocate for your right to fair compensation.
The skilled attorneys at Blumenshine Law Group recognize the severity of drone-related injuries. If you’ve suffered from a drone accident, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (312) 766-1000 immediately for support and guidance.
Real Drone Accident: Baby Injured by Falling Drone in Pasadena
A woman was pushing her baby’s carriage down a Pasadena, California, shopping street when her 11-month-old baby was hit in the head with shrapnel from a drone that had crashed into the ground. Yes, a drone.
This was not a military aircraft used in foreign countries to drop bombs in areas where it is unsafe for regular aircraft to fly, but an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) being used as a toy. In this case, the owner of the small toy drone apologized and stated he lost control of the system. The child was treated at an emergency room for a cut on the side of her head and contusions on her forehead.
Florida Drone Accident: Young Boy Suffers Head Injuries
A recent incident in Florida underscores the potential dangers of drones. During a holiday light show, a drone fell from the sky, seriously injuring a young boy. According to his mother, the drone caused significant head injuries that required emergency medical attention. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that drones, when improperly operated or maintained, can lead to severe accidents and legal consequences for those responsible.
At Blumenshine Law Group, we help victims of drone-related injuries seek justice and hold negligent operators accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a drone accident, contact us for a free consultation to explore legal options.
How Drones Are Used Today (And the Growing Risks)
Ideas for expanding the use of drones include inspecting pipelines and skyscrapers, using them on movie sets for aerial photography, package delivery, and monitoring animal poaching. Amazon plans to use drones for 30-minute package delivery. In Virginia last year, drones were used to deliver medical supplies to a rural community.
The Hidden Dangers of Recreational and Commercial Drones
The organizer of the Chicago Area Drone User Group, speaking about toy drones that fly away from their owners and get lost, stated that he did not know of anyone who has “ever been hurt by one falling on them.” But an instructor from McHenry County Community College, who teaches the proper use of drones, states that most private drones weigh about 2.2 pounds. If that weight, with no wind resistance, drops straight down from a legal flying height of 400 feet, it is “roughly 939 pounds of force.”
Being hit on the head with an object is the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S. Nearly 2.5 million people are seen in emergency departments every year with TBIs. Others are hospitalized, and many are permanently disabled. Approximately 50,000 people die every year due to a traumatic brain injury. This makes the “scolding” a Chicago man got from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) when he carelessly and recklessly flew his drone over the Lollapalooza music festival seem naively lenient.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) from Drone Impacts
When a person is hit on the head, the soft brain tissues are jostled inside the skull. The tissue hits the hard sides of the skull in the same way passengers are thrown around when their car is rear-ended, or the train they are riding on comes to a sudden halt. The brain hits one side of the skull, flips back, and hits the other. The brain can even twist inside the head, disrupting the natural flow of blood vessels and ripping neurons from their moorings.
Damage can occur to specific parts of the brain that were directly injured and to axons, which work in conjunction with neurons to send messages to other parts of the body. This means those with a TBI may suffer damage ranging from temporary memory problems to total paralysis. Even those who may not seem to be severely injured outwardly may suffer from personality changes and depression. Senses may be impaired, and hearing or sight loss is not uncommon.
Warning Signs of a TBI After a Drone Accident
Some symptoms of brain injury, such as headaches or fuzzy thinking, may appear immediately. Others may not appear for hours, days, or even weeks. Those who have been hit in the head should watch for things like:
- Blurry vision.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- A feeling of being “slowed down.”
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering.
- Balance problems.
- Sensitivity to noise and light.
The sooner a TBI is treated, the more likely it is that long-term effects can be prevented.
Types of Injuries Caused by Drones
- Impact injuries: Drones can collide with objects or people, causing injuries such as bruises, cuts, and fractures.
- Lacerations: If the spinning blades of a drone come into contact with a person, they can cause lacerations or cuts to the skin.
- Eye injuries: The bright light or glare from a drone’s LED lights or camera flash can cause eye irritation or temporary loss of vision.
- Noise-induced hearing loss: The loud noise produced by a drone’s motors or propellers can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss if a person is exposed to it for an extended period.
- Psychological injuries: The presence of drones, particularly those equipped with cameras, can cause anxiety or distress in some individuals.
What You Should Do After a Drone Accident in Illinois
If you or a loved one has been involved in a drone-related accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what you should do:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation, as some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), may not show symptoms immediately. Early medical documentation is also critical for any potential legal claims.
2. Document the Incident
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including the drone, any visible injuries, and property damage.
- Record details about the incident, such as the date, time, location, and weather conditions.
- Gather contact information from witnesses who saw the event unfold.
3. Preserve Evidence
If possible, secure the drone involved in the accident. This could be important for determining whether the drone malfunctioned or was operated negligently. Avoid tampering with it and store it in a safe place.
4. Report the Incident
Notify local authorities about the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can serve as an official record of the incident.
5. Identify the Drone Operator
Identify who was operating the drone at the time of the accident. This information will be crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries or damages.
6. Consult a Drone Injury Attorney
Drone injury cases can be complex due to evolving laws and regulations surrounding drone usage. Contact an experienced drone attorney to evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you seek fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why Choose Blumenshine Law Group for Your Drone Injury Case?
At Blumenshine Law Group, we help clients recover compensation for injuries caused by out-of-control drones. Our team is well-versed in the unique laws and regulations surrounding drone accidents and stays current on evolving legal issues affecting victims.
We have a proven track record of holding negligent drone operators accountable and securing meaningful recoveries for our clients. Our approach combines compassionate, personalized attention with aggressive representation so you feel supported every step of the way.
With Blumenshine Law Group, you pay nothing unless we win your case. We are committed to protecting your rights, maximizing your compensation, and making the claims process as straightforward as possible.
Contact a Chicago Drone Injury Attorney Today
At Blumenshine Law Group, we specialize in handling drone-related injury cases and are here to provide you with expert legal guidance. Call (312) 766-1000 or email us at [email protected] to schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss your options.
Taking prompt action after a drone accident can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing justice for your injuries.
Scott Blumenshine is the founder of Blumenshine Law Group and is licensed to practice law in all Illinois state courts. With over 37 years of experience representing personal injury victims, Scott has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in accidents throughout Chicago and Cook County.