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The deadliest hot air balloon accident in American history has raised new concerns over federal regulations governing the industry.
Late last month, a hot air balloon was on a tour in Caldwell County, Texas, roughly 30 miles to the south of the City of Austin, when it caught fire and crashed. The incident killed the operator – pilot Alfred “Skip” Nichols, who was the proprietor of Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides – and all 15 passengers on board.
In a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) expressed concern over the possibility of a deadly incident, citing the need for tighter regulations, specifically regarding hot air balloon operators. Failure to do so would, according to the NTSB, raise the risk for injury or death in a single air tour incident.
Although few details were available regarding the direct cause of the accident, investigators were able to collect 14 personal mobile devices, including phones, cameras and tablets, from the accident scene, which could help uncover the circumstances leading up to the deadly crash.
Personal Injury Cases
While it is not possible to avoid accidents completely – they happen everyday – the circumstances leading up to an accident can sometimes be controlled. That is a significant point when you consider that negligence, or reckless behavior, is a driving force in so many personal injury incidents today.
Someone can sustain a personal injury in virtually any scenario – from walking down the sidewalk to receiving improper or irresponsible medical care. However, there are a number of scenarios consistent with a number of personal injury cases, such as those involving:
- Dangerous products
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Driving under the influence
- Premises liability
When these types of incidents occur, they may cause injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, perhaps debilitating conditions like spinal or brain trauma. Such injuries can pose a number of challenges to victims, including additional financial pressures posed by factors like mounting medical expenses, lost wages or long-term disability.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Houston
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, or if you are dealing with ongoing personal injury matters, you may be entitled to compensation or other damages stemming from your injury. Such damages can be used to help offset the many financial burdens of personal injury, including medical or other rehabilitative costs.
For those residing in Houston and the surrounding areas in Texas, the Argento Law Firm serves as the premier legal resource for personal injury victims and their families. Our firm specializes exclusively in personal injury law, and our team has a wealth of experience in handling these types of cases.
Whether you are reeling from a recent motor vehicle accident or dealing with a complex personal injury matter, our attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to see your claim through to the best possible end.
We are pleased to offer our new clients the convenience of a complimentary initial consultation, to help evaluate your case as soon as possible. To get started, contact the dedicated attorneys at the Charles J. Argento & Associates Law Firm today at (713) 225-5050. Our firm’s attorneys are fluent in both English and Spanish.