We have been waiting for cases from drone injuries to arise for some time now. One of KBA’s attorneys took classes on drone licensing and regulation years ago in anticipation of an uptick in personal injuries from negligent operation and product liability failures. We are starting to see cases emerge, like one drone accident recently in Florida.

Drone Falls from Sky at Holiday Show and Causes Serious Drone Injuries

Catastrophic case for a drone lawyer. A mother and child attended a show in Orlando Florida. This was the  third annual Holiday Drone Show at Lake Eola Park. After a collision in the sky, a drone allegedly fell from the sky and struck the boy. He suffered serious injuries.

Drone Injury: Open Heart Surgery

The fallen drone struck the boy in his chest. The boy underwent heart surgery related to his drone injury. Spectators described the event as terrifying.

There are likely several claims to come from this incident.

Potential Claims for Drone Injuries from the Drone Accident

Unmanned vehicles like drones are not entirely “unmanned.” A person operates the drone using a remote control and software. Some drones have AI features, and users can pre-program them. When a drone falls from the sky, the first consideration is the operator.

Questions will include whether the operator was properly licensed, trained, and following industry standards and best practices when operating the drone. Negligent operation is one potential claim. There are specific measures to put into place before launch and during drone operation to prevent collisions and drones falling from the sky. They may not have been followed.

Federal investigators in this case are looking at the drone’s software. That may lead to potential product liability claims. The manufacturer may have designed the drone defectively physically, mechanically, or in terms of its operation. If a different company designed the software, they may face product liability or negligence claims if there was a defect in the code. In sum, negligence and product liability claims are likely the centerpiece of any potential claims for drone injuries arising from this drone accident. A drone lawsuit will likely emerge from this matter, but case specific legal analysis premised on additional facts and an investigation is necessary.

Contact Our Drone Lawyer and Work with Our Product Liability Team

Our partner in Florida is a product liability lawyer. KBA’s other partner is a drone lawyer, a personal injury lawyer capable of taking on cases involving drone injuries. Our legal team combines unique knowledge and experience to serve people who have suffered drone injuries. Contact us today at 855-KBA-LAWS (522-5297) if you suffered a drone injury and want to understand your rights.