A Massachusetts man's decision to sue the government for $9.5 million after crashing his snowmobile into a Black Hawk helicopter has captured the attention of the public.
This unusual incident, which occurred five years ago, has left the man with severe injuries and significant life-altering consequences.
The incident occurred five years ago in March 2019 when Smith was riding his snowmobile and unexpectedly encountered the parked helicopter.
He hit the rear tail of a parked Black Hawk helicopter.
Smith's failed attempt to avoid the collision caused severe injuries, almost claiming his life.
As a result, he now suffers from permanent impairments, such as the loss of functionality in his left hand and ongoing respiratory issues that hinder his ability to work full-time.
After the crash, Smith was immediately airlifted to the hospital.
Medical professionals conducting his examination found that he had suffered numerous injuries, including a dozen broken ribs, a punctured lung, and severe internal bleeding.
In his pursuit of justice, Smith is seeking compensation for $9.5 million and holding the government accountable for the incident.
Smith believes that the $9.5 million he is demanding will cover his medical expenses and compensate for the wages he has lost due to his inability to work.
Smith's legal team affirmed that the crew responsible for parking the Black Hawk helicopter on the trail displayed negligence, causing the tragic accident.
They argue that the camouflaged aircraft posed a danger to snowmobilers, as the crew failed to carefully warn them of its presence.
According to Smith's attorney, Douglas Desjardins, it is fundamentally incompatible to have a helicopter land on an active snowmobile trail.
However, the government has dismissed the case multiple times, citing the Federal Tort Claims Act and claiming that it involves a policy decision.
Additionally, they assert that the crew was unaware they were landing on a snowmobile trail and raise the argument that Smith was driving at a high speed of 105 kmph at the time of the crash.
They also allege that he had consumed prescription drugs and alcohol before the incident.
While a US District Court judge is expected to rule on the lawsuit later this year, the case has ignited a debate surrounding accountability and safety measures.
Smith's legal team argues that the crew's actions were negligent, while the government maintains that the collision could not have been prevented even with the use of additional safety measures.
