Beltran v. Boeing, et al.

CASE SYNOPSIS

A Los Angeles judge approved a settlement against Boeing and other companies associated with the manufacturing of the Apache Longbow helicopter amounting to $13.5 million. Brian Panish and Kevin Boyle of Panish Shea & Boyle LLP represented Juan Beltran and Ron Carns, the lead plaintiffs in the case, who sustained catastrophic spinal injuries as a result of the August 2003 crash. The accident occurred during a maintenance flight and resulted when the aircraft’s gearbox failed.

It was like a smoke alarm that failed when it sensed smoke.

– Kevin Boyle

Panish Shea & Boyle LLP

While the U.S. Army is immune from liability, the manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft parts are not. Boeing Company, Honeywell International Inc., Chadwick-Helmuth Electronics Inc., MPB Corp. and Aircraft Gear Corp were therefore all deemed responsible for faulty manufacturing, and ordered to pay more than $13.5 million in damages to Beltran and Carns. Specifically, it was determined that the helicopter’s gearbox and accelerometer were the cause for malfunction and subsequent crash.

Beltran is now a quadriplegic as a result of the spinal injuries he sustained during the crash. Carns had to consequently have a metal device inserted in his neck and back. Beltran’s apportionment of the Settlement was $11.28 million, while Carns was awarded $2.3 million.