--- description: DC attorneys from CSCS discuss the largest pretrial settlement in history awarded to a helicopter crash survivor. title: Largest Pretrial Settlement in History | DC Personal Injury Lawyer --- [ Back to CSCS Blog ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) # Largest Pretrial Settlement in History Awarded to Helicopter Crash Survivor [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Recent Posts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/) » Largest Pretrial Settlement in History Awarded to Helicopter Crash Survivor * [ March 1, 2018 ](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2018/03/01/) * [Uncategorized](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/category/uncategorized/) A former flight nurse from Colorado who survived a devastating helicopter ambulance crash will receive what it believed to be the largest pretrial settlement in U.S. history for an individual personal injury claim. According to lawyers, the 47-year-old victim will receive a $100 million cash settlement from the helicopter manufacturer and operator. The largest settlement on record stems from a 2015 incident in which a helicopter ambulance crashed while taking off from a medical center in a mountain town 70 miles west of Denver, Colorado. The pilot of the ambulance was killed in the crash, another flight nurse injured, and the plaintiff in this case suffered severe burns to more than 90% of his body. After not being expected to survive the first 24 hours after the crash, the victim spent nearly a year in the ICU for burn victims, and endured hundreds of surgeries and medical procedures to treat burns that at some places extended to the bone. He has suffered severe disfigurement, permanent hearing loss, the loss of function of his hands, and has had to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, and manage the daily tasks of life. In the lawsuit, the victim and his lawyers alleged that the manufacturer of the helicopter, a French company, failed to outfit the aircraft with a crash-resistant fuel system, which caused its fuel tank to explode into flames on impact. They also cited findings from the U.S. government that roughly 85% of domestically registered helicopters made after 1994 did not have crash-resistant fuel systems. The suit further claimed that the helicopters tail rotor system was flawed, and that mechanics employed by the Colorado-based operator failed in taking reasonable measures to adequately inspect, maintain, and repair the aircraft. The significant settlement will provide the victim with compensation needed to cover his extensive damages, including his tremendous pain and suffering and the costs of his exorbitant past and future medical bills. According to the victim’s attorney, some of the settlement proceeds will also be used to create a private foundation that promotes emergency medical flight safety and support efforts for burn survivors. [Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) by phone at (202) 659-8600 to get started with your personal injury claim. Find Something Interesting? Share This post Facebook X LinkedIn Email Print ![]() ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. [ Speak to a Specialist ](#) #### In This Post ## Contact Us Today! "\*" indicates required fields Name\* First Last Name\* Last Email\*\* Phone\* Are you a new client?\* Are you a new client? \*Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neither Case Type Case TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOther Were You at Fault? Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknown Where Did The Incident Occur? Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOther Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years? Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNo Share Brief Description of the Incident\* ## Recent Posts [Joseph Cammarata](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/author/jcammarata/ "Posts by Joseph Cammarata")03/10/2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is... [Read More](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/03/partner-joseph-cammarata-selected-for-the-virginia-lawyers-hall-of-fame/) [Allan Siegel](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/author/asiegel/ "Posts by Allan Siegel")01/06/2026 WASHINGTON D.C. — The legal team at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata... [Read More](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2026/01/joseph-cammarata-seeks-justice-for-catastrophically-injured-clients/) [Allan Siegel](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/author/asiegel/ "Posts by Allan Siegel")12/23/2025 Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. is pleased to announce... [Read More](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2025/12/cscs-welcomes-associate-justin-wood/) [Allan Siegel](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/author/asiegel/ "Posts by Allan Siegel")12/23/2025 Partner Allan M. Siegel obtained over $1.9 million for individuals... 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