By Bill Carey
EMS1
MILFORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Three individuals have filed lawsuits against multiple people and organizations following an Air Methods Corporation CareFlight medical helicopter crash in 2022.
The three plaintiffs are filing lawsuits against the pilot, Air Methods Corporation, Milford Township, the Milford Township Fire Department, the Milford Township Fire Association and several firefighters individually, WCPO reported.
The lawsuit alleges that the firefighters marked the landing zone with four flashlight-lit cones and warned the pilot of nearby high-tension power lines. Despite this, the pilot neglected to perform the required 360-degree high reconnaissance, a breach of Air Methods General protocols, with no obstacles preventing this procedure.
According to the report, the pilot, wearing night vision goggles, couldn’t locate the wires as he approached. Although he saw the electrical tower, he was unsure of the direction the wires extended and could not identify them despite adjusting the landing light. Believing the wires were beyond the landing zone, he then descended.
The lawsuit states that Flight Nurse Lisa McPhillips sustained severe and permanent injuries, including a burst spinal fracture and spinal cord damage requiring ongoing care. Flight Nurse Erin Monroe experienced serious injuries and emotional distress.
Justin McPhillips, who is Lisa McPhillips’ husband and was not on the helicopter, is suing for the loss of benefits resulting from his wife’s injuries.