Drones are becoming more common in everyday life. They’re used for photography, package deliveries, and even law enforcement. But with more drones in the sky, accidents are bound to happen. If a drone crashes into a person or damages property, the first question that comes to mind is: Who’s responsible?
It’s not always a simple answer. The blame could fall on the drone’s operator, the company that manufactured it, or even a business using drones for commercial purposes. Understanding how liability works in these cases is important, especially if you’ve been injured and are considering legal action.
How Dangerous Can a Drone Really Be?
At first glance, drones seem harmless. They’re small, lightweight, and designed to fly smoothly. But what happens when something goes wrong? Imagine you’re walking down the street when a drone suddenly drops from the sky, hitting you on the head. Maybe it’s a small device that only causes a minor bump. Or maybe it’s a high-powered drone with heavy propellers that leaves you with a deep cut or even a concussion.
Then there’s the issue of drones invading personal space. More than a few people have looked out their window to find a drone hovering nearby, recording them without permission. While this doesn’t leave physical scars, the emotional distress and privacy concerns are very real.
Who’s at Fault?
Every drone accident is different, but in most cases, liability falls into one of a few categories.
The operator is often the first person to look at. If someone is flying a drone and loses control, crashes it into a person, or ignores safety guidelines, they could be held accountable for any injuries or property damage. Just like driving a car, operating a drone comes with responsibilities.
Sometimes, though, the problem isn’t the operator—it’s the drone itself. If a mechanical failure or software glitch causes a drone to malfunction, the manufacturer could be liable. Drones rely on technology to function properly, and when a defective part leads to an accident, the company that built or sold it may be responsible.
Businesses also use drones, and if an employee crashes one while on the job, the company may be at fault. Real estate agencies, construction firms, and delivery services are just a few examples of industries that rely on drones. If a company-owned drone injures someone, there’s a good chance the employer will be held accountable rather than the individual operator.
Property owners sometimes get dragged into these cases as well. If a business or individual allows drones to be flown in an unsafe manner on their property, they could share some of the responsibility for an accident that happens there.
What the Law Says
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict rules about how drones should be flown. Operators are required to keep their drones within sight, avoid flying over large groups of people, and stay away from restricted airspace, such as airports. Drones over a certain weight must also be registered with the FAA.
In Connecticut, there are additional state laws. Drones can’t be used to harass or stalk people, and law enforcement officers need a warrant before using drones for surveillance. If someone is flying a drone illegally and it leads to an injury, that violation can help strengthen a personal injury case against them.
What You Can Do If a Drone Injures You
If you’ve been hurt because of a drone, you may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any damage to your personal property. The first thing to do is document everything. Take pictures of your injuries and the area where the accident happened. If there were any witnesses, get their contact information. If the drone was flying in violation of FAA or state laws, report it to the authorities. Finally, talk to an attorney who understands these cases and can help you figure out the best way to move forward.
Talk to a Lawyer Who Knows Drone Injury Cases
A drone accident can be stressful and confusing, especially when you’re left dealing with medical expenses or property damage. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law understands how these cases work and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether your injury was caused by a careless drone operator, a faulty product, or a company’s negligence, we’re here to fight for your rights.
If a drone has impacted your life, let’s talk about your legal options. Call us today for a free consultation.