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Kobe Bryant Helicopter Crash--Victims’ Families Now Sue for Wrongful Death

Posted by Dan Kann | May 01, 2020 | 0 Comments

It was breaking news on the morning of January 26, 2020 when the world found out that Kobe Braynt and his daughter, Gianna, were killed in a devastating helicopter accident. Kobe, his daughter, and eight others were on their way to a basketball game when the helicopter dropped and crashed into the side of a hill in Calabasas. The tragedy was shocking and definitely felt by Southern California residents who had watched Kobe play for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years.

According to Business Insider, the family members of the crash victims are now pursuing Los Angeles wrongful death claims against the company that owns the helicopter, Island Express Helicopters, Inc. Though the crash occurred several months ago, the investigation on what exactly happened is ongoing. The conditions the day of the incident were foggy, and may have contributed to the accident, but the National Transportation and Safety Board are still investigating to try to determine a cause.

If it is determined that negligence on the part of the company, Island Express Helicopters, is what caused the deadly crash, the company will be liable to the family members of the victims. When a family member brings a wrongful death claim as a result of losing a loved one, they must prove that the negligent or intentional acts of another person is what caused the death of their family member. In order to prove negligence in a wrongful death case, the family member must show:

  1. The person or party responsible owed a duty of care to the victims,
  2. The person or party responsible breached that duty,
  3. This breach was the cause of the accident or injuries that lead to the death of their loved one, and
  4. The death resulted in damages, harm, or losses to the family

In this case, the family members of the victims of the crash, including Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's wife, are claiming that the helicopter company had a duty to “own, lease, manage, maintain, control, entrust, charter, and operate the subject helicopter in a reasonable manner.” They argue that Island Express Helicopter breached this duty, which resulted in the crash and deaths of their loved ones. They have all suffered as a result. They have brought the wrongful death claim to recover for their losses, or damages, that include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of earnings and financial support
  • Pain and suffering, including loss of love, care and support
  • Other wrongful death damages available under California law

Any incident, like this helicopter crash, that results in the death of a family member is heartbreaking and has a long-lasting impact on the family members left behind. When this happens, family members have a right to be compensated for their losses by the person or party responsible. Obtaining that compensation is made possible by bringing a wrongful death claim. If you have lost a loved one due to the fault of another, reach out to the experienced Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys at the Kann California Law Group.

The loss of a loved one can be overwhelming--our compassionate, competent, and aggressive attorneys understand this and will work hard so that you can get not only the compensation, but also the justice you deserve. We can answer your questions and talk about the details of your case during a free case consultation, so call us today at 888-744-7730 to schedule yours or contact us through our online contact form and one of our personal injury attorneys will call you right away. 

About the Author

Dan Kann

Daniel E. Kann has devoted his entire legal career exclusively to defending individuals facing criminal prosecution in Southern California. Dan fights criminal cases throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Kern, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

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