According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) statistics from May 2024, there are approximately 775,000 registered commercial and recreational drones in the United States, almost evenly split. These drones are required to weigh less than 55 pounds, travel no faster than 100 mph, and fly lower than 400 feet in altitude — with occasional exceptions. Even so, out-of-control drones are menaces. A drone weighing just a couple of pounds dropping from 400 feet, with little wind resistance, can dole out roughly 940 pounds of force upon impact. Spinning blades are hazardous too. Unfortunately, drone incidents are becoming more common.
This past December, in Orlando, Florida, a 7-year-old boy was struck by a drone that crashed into the crowd during a holiday drone show. He suffered lacerations and an impact injury to his chest that necessitated emergency heart surgery. The FAA canceled five other drone shows nationwide pending an investigation.
Drones also plunged from the sky at a 2024 New Year’s Eve drone show in Folly Beach, South Carolina. One man was struck but fortunately suffered only relatively minor injuries.
When drones crash into people and property, the operator’s actions will likely be scrutinized first. Drones can be operated via remote control, or a user may be able to preprogram them while implementing AI (artificial intelligence) features. Proper licensing, training, and following industry standards and best practices come into play too.
Design, mechanical, and software defects in drones may also be responsible for crashes, which could leave manufacturers on the hook for damages.
Drones serve many useful purposes, but with that comes responsibility. If you have been harmed by someone’s negligence, contact our firm for skilled and thoughtful representation.
