On February 15, 2023, a Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk crashed near Huntsville, Alabama. Based on early reports, at least two were killed in the accident. The identities of the victims are currently unknown.
Unknown Cause of Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk Crash
The cause of the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk crash is unknown at this point. Based on videos circulating on social media, the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk appears to have crashed after a freefall. It is possible that the Black Hawk malfunctioned.
When Will We Know the Cause of the Black Hawk Helicopter Crash In Huntsville?
There will likely be a government investigation into the cause of the crash. However, the victims’ family could also hire wrongful death lawyers to investigate the cause of the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk crash. Most wrongful death lawyers in Huntsville will handle a case like this on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there is no attorney fee or expenses unless the wrongful death lawyers collect a settlement or verdict for the victims’ families. Hiring a wrongful death attorney to investigate could also help give closure to the families of the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk crash victims.
How Will the Victims’ Families be Taken Care of?
Under the Department of Defense’s death gratuity program, the victims’ families should receive $100,000. Any surviving spouse would also receive an annuity under the Annuity for Certain Military Surviving Spouses (ACMSS). However, the annuity benefits are limited. Lastly, under the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, the maximum amount of life insurance for military personnel is $400,000. The amount is set to increase to $500,000 later this year.
Obviously, these government benefits are not near enough to compensate for the loss of a spouse or parent. In addition to these benefits, the surviving family may have a wrongful death claim against the entity who is responsible for the malfunction of the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk. The validity of the claim will likely depend on whether the cause of the crash can be determined. Hiring a Huntsville wrongful death attorney could be a wise decision for the families.
Huntsville Wrongful Death Lawyers
Alabama has very unusual wrongful death laws. Alabama is the only state where punitive damages are the only remedy in a wrongful death case. That means that under Alabama law the families of the victims of the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk crash cannot make a claim for future lost income or pain & suffering.
Depending on where the Tennessee National Guard Black Hawk was coming or going, there is a chance that Tennessee or another state’s law could govern the claim. That would likely improve the victims’ chances of succeeding on a claim.
Huntsville Helicopter Accident Lawyers
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we have handled many types of wrongful death cases. For a free consultation, call our office at 256-539-8686. We partner with law firms across the country to aggressively pursue serious claims.