Snowmobile Crash Victim Seeks .5M Damages From Government

In this U.S. Army photograph by attorney Douglas Desjardins, a damaged Black Hawk helicopter rests on the snow, March 13, 2019, in Worthington, Mass. A Massachusetts man wants the government to pay ne

In March 2019, Jeff Smith was involved in a serious snowmobile crash with a Black Hawk helicopter parked on a trail in Massachusetts. The incident left Smith with life-altering injuries, including the loss of the use of his left arm and ongoing respiratory issues.

Smith has filed a federal lawsuit against the government, seeking $9.5 million in damages to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and to hold the military accountable for the crash. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the Black Hawk helicopter crew for parking the aircraft on a trail used by snowmobilers without adequate warning or illumination.

Despite the government's attempts to dismiss the case, Smith's attorneys argue that the crew failed to take necessary precautions to prevent the accident. The lawsuit also implicates the owner of the airfield where the incident occurred, accusing them of allowing both snowmobilers and the helicopter crew to use the same area.

Smith, an experienced snowmobiler, contends that it was unreasonable to have a military aircraft land on an active snowmobile trail. The Army's internal investigation concluded that the crew was unaware they were landing on a snowmobile trail, but Smith's legal team disputes this claim.

Lawsuit alleges negligence on part of helicopter crew and airfield owner.

Jeff Smith suffered life-altering injuries in the crash.

Smith seeks damages for medical expenses and lost wages.

Army crew claims unawareness of landing on snowmobile trail.

Smith's recovery has been challenging, impacting daily tasks and activities.

Family also affected emotionally by the incident.

Following the crash, Smith suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, a punctured lung, and internal bleeding. His recovery has been challenging, impacting his ability to perform daily tasks and participate in activities he once enjoyed, such as golfing and snowmobiling.

Smith's family has also been deeply affected by the incident, with his brother expressing the emotional toll of losing his riding partner. Smith is hopeful that winning the lawsuit will provide him with the financial means to undergo a procedure that could improve movement in his left arm and enhance his quality of life.

The outcome of the lawsuit, which is pending a ruling by a U.S. District Court judge, will determine the extent of accountability and compensation in this tragic collision between a snowmobiler and a military helicopter.