Landmark Case:
Beltran v. Boeing, et al.
The Settlement:
$13.5 Million
Trial attorney(s):
Practice Areas:
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 | Ravipudi 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.
–Kevin Boyle, Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi 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.
Beltran v. Boeing, et al. Case Articles:

Injured When Their Helicopter Crashed, Survivors Sued Over Faulty Manufacturing.
Other Publications:
Business News
Panish | Shea | Boyle | Ravipudi LLP Announces That Court Approves Largest Known Settlement for Military Personnel Injured During War in Iraq: Major Settlement with Manufacturers of Army’s Apache Longbow Helicopter.
The Spinal Cord Injury Zone
Court approves $13.5M personal injury settlement against Boeing and others over Iraq Apache Longbow accident.
Seattle PI
Boeing, others settle with soldiers injured in a helicopter crash.
FOX News
$13.5M Settlement in Army Copter Crash.
CBS 2
Boeing To Pay $13.5M To Settle Soldiers’ Lawsuit.