Drones offer amazing developments for aerial photography and recreation. However, in the wrong hands, they can also be dangerous. Despite taking protection measures, there is still a chance of sustaining a drone injury if you are visiting a public venue or an errant drone crosses into your property.
Head injuries may occur with drone impacts, but facial disfigurement is also likely. If you sustain this type of injury from a drone, here is what you need to know.
The Concerns
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) research wing finished a report regarding drone collisions with people on the ground. It mainly evaluated head injuries, but it also indicated that laceration injuries produced severe consequences. Drone operators are most vulnerable to them, but bystanders are easy targets as well.
The FAA was already aware that propellers from remote-controlled flying machines were hazardous. In 2013, a 19-year-old Brooklyn resident died after receiving lacerations from his remote-controlled helicopter. While discussing this incident, the FAA acknowledged the same was possible with drones.
Reported injuries of this nature over the past several years include:
- A case handled by this office where guests suffered disfigurement when a drone operated by the groom recording his wedding crashed into them;
- Brooklyn photographer, Georgine Benvenuto, losing the tip of her nose when a drone collided with her;
- Australian triathlete, Raija Ogden, suffered a cut on her head when an operator lost control of their drone;
- A drone crash at the Virginia Motorsports Park injured four or five people when it landed in the grandstands.
The FAA recommended propeller guards or cages to prevent injuries. Since the industry does not have standards for this equipment or other safety precautions, this cannot always be guaranteed.
Disfigured? Here is What to Do
Operator error, technology failure, and even hackers can cause drone failure. Product liability can come into play too if the drone was not safely designed.
If you suffer from a drone injury that has disfigured you, there are steps you should take immediately:
- Get the facts. Learn who the drone belongs to, what happened before the collision, and if there were unusual circumstances, like an unexplainable loss of control. This will help determine who may be responsible for your injuries.
- Receive medical treatment. This includes stitches, cosmetic surgery, and any type of pain control. Complete your recommended treatment plan to ensure the best possible recovery–both medically and in your civil claim.
- Document in writing the effects of the injury on your life. Disfigurement has severe consequences to your quality of life. Even if your injuries can be addressed with cosmetic surgery, recovery can be difficult and the emotional effects can be long-term. Document each day in writing so you have a contemporaneous record of your experiences.
- Call an attorney. You need to focus on healing, not witness interviews, medical record collection or communication with insurance companies. Hiring an attorney to handle your drone claim assures your case receives the attention it deserves.
The Law Offices of Mazow | McCullough, P.C. offers skilled legal representation to those who are injured by drones. If this has happened to you or a loved one, contact our office today a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Drones are becoming popular in all walks of life, from hobbyists to real estate agents to professional wedding photographers. While drones can be quite useful in providing aerial views and can be fun to fly, like any technology, there’s always the possibility that something could go wrong.
