NEW DELHI: Jeff Smith, a Massachusetts lawyer, is pursuing a $9.5 million lawsuit against the
government following a snowmobile collision with a Black Hawk helicopter in March 2019.
The crash, which left Smith with severe injuries including the loss of the use of his left arm and ongoing respiratory issues, has prompted a legal battle aimed at compensating for medical expenses and lost wages.
“The last five years, there’s been surgery, recovery, surgery, recovery,” shared Smith, highlighting the extensive challenges he has faced since the incident. “Honestly, right now, it feels like I’m in a worst place than when I first had the surgeries in 2019.”
The lawsuit centers on allegations of negligence against the Black Hawk crew, who parked the helicopter on a seldom-used airfield frequented by snowmobilers. Smith’s legal team contends that insufficient measures were taken to alert snowmobilers of the helicopter’s presence, ultimately leading to the collision.
“Our argument from the beginning has been that it’s incompatible to have a helicopter land on an active snowmobile trail,” stated Douglas Desjardins, Smith’s attorney, emphasising the central claim of the lawsuit.
Despite efforts by the government to dismiss the case, Smith remains resolute in his pursuit of justice.
“I would certainly be able to function and it would be easier to do the daily activities of daily life like brushing my teeth, taking out the trash and opening door with one hand,” said Smith, highlighting the potential impact of winning the lawsuit on his quality of life.
(With inputs from agencies)