In recent years, drones have significantly increased in popularity. These unmanned aerial vehicles were once primarily used by the military for missions that were dangerous or dirty for humans to undertake. However, the use of drones has widely expanded in the United States and now these vehicles are used for commercial purposes, security and surveillance, or simple recreation and entertainment.
With millions of drones being sold to civilians in the U.S., the creative uses for drones have also increased. Both professional and amateur filmmakers and photographers have utilized drones for difficult aerial shots. Agriculturalists, developers, and construction companies use them to survey crops or land from the air and law enforcement use drones for search and rescue missions as well as crowd control. Drones can be utilized for information gathering, scientific research, and pollution monitoring in remote locations and from within storm systems such as hurricanes or typhoons.
While there are many highly useful functions performed by drones, people have also used them for recreation, for convenience, or for a commercial enterprise. For example, reports indicated that one man used a drone to video his proposal to his girlfriend that took place on top of a mountain. People have also used drones to deliver burritos or pizzas. While drones have become highly useful and loved for their many different practical and creative functions, the increased use of these devices has also increased the number of injuries that occur as a result of drone use.
Common Causes Of Drone Injuries and Liability in Vegas
While drones are widely available, there are no training requirements or licenses needed to purchase or operate a drone. In addition, hundreds of companies manufacture many types of drones that can range from the relatively simple and inexpensive to highly technical and autonomous drones that can be very costly. With the lack of training for drone operation and the wide range of products available on the drone market, it should be no surprise that drone operation can result in accidents and injuries. The following are some of the main causes of drone-related injuries:
Negligent drone operators: Many people who purchase and operate drones have little idea what they are doing. Drones may be remote controlled or may have autonomous computers that are pre-programmed. In either situation, many mistakes can be made that can lead to a drone colliding with individuals and causing injury. This is especially true if a person is operating a drone in a crowded environment or near traffic. If you can prove that someone operated a drone in a negligent manner and without using reasonable care, you can hold the operator liable for your injuries.
Defective drones: Like any other type of product, drones can have defects that can malfunction and cause serious accidents and injuries. Drone manufacturers have the legal duty to sell products that are safe for use, however, manufacturers can be negligent in different ways:
- Defective design: If a particular type of drone is designed with inherent defects, all drones that are made from those design plans can potentially be defective and malfunction.
- Defective assembly: Even if a drone is designed properly, there is still the possibility that it will be negligently assembled. This can involve using inadequate materials or making mistakes in production that affect the drone’s ability to remain in the air.
- Failure to warn: Drone operators should be properly warned of the risks of using a particular drone. If a company fails to provide certain warning or inform of risks, it may be held liable for injuries that occurred due to the drones.
If a drone suddenly falls out of the sky and hits you or causes a car accident, you can sustain serious injuries and substantial financial losses. It is always worth it to discuss a possible legal claim with an attorney who is familiar with drone cases.
Call Our Las Vegas Drone Injury Attorney For a Free Consultation
If you have been injured by a drone, you may have the legal right to recover significant compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses. Drone cases can be complicated and can involve large manufacturers, professionals, or amateur drone hobbyists. It is imperative to identify the true cause of your drone injuries to ensure you bring a claim against the right party. At the Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas in Las Vegas, our experienced personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to handle cases involving new technology and serious injuries. If you have been injured by a drone, please do not hesitate to call us today at (702) 252-0055 for a free case evaluation.