Suing for Drone Accidents After New Year’s Eve in South Carolina

Drones have captured headlines throughout the nation – although not always for the right reasons. These relatively new devices are now for military purposes, surveillance, and entertainment. During New Year’s Eve in 2024, many organizations used drones to create dazzling light shows in the sky. Unfortunately, a number of accidents have cast doubt upon the safety of these “drone shows.” What can you do if you were injured by a drone in South Carolina? Can you sue?

Man Suffers Injuries After Drone Falls Out of the Sky in South Carolina 

On New Year’s Day, various sources reported that a man in South Carolina had been injured by a falling drone. The incident occurred during a drone display on New Year’s Eve in Folly Beach, which ended after three minutes when one of the aerial vehicles simply fell out of the sky. Local authorities say that the FAA has become involved in the investigation. One report stated that the injuries were “non-life-threatening.”

The drone show seems to have been organized (at least in part) by the Folly Association of Business (FAB), which issued a statement immediately after the accident. They stated that they did not know what went wrong with the drone show, and apologized for any “harm” it may have caused. FAB also worked with a drone company to create the show, and this company issued its own apology.

This was not the only drone show that went wrong during the holiday season. According to another recent article, a particularly horrifying accident had caused the cancellation of many other drone shows throughout the entire nation – “from Texas to NYC.” This particular drone accident left a child hospitalized, and it occurred when several drones collided during a complex aerial maneuver. These drones fell to a beach below, where a crowd had gathered to watch. One report indicated that the child had been struck in the chest by the falling drone.

Drone Shows Are Supposed to Be Safer Than Fireworks 

These drone accidents are particularly notable because organizers often claim drones are safer than fireworks. At first glance, this seems like a logical statement. After all, the explosive elements of fireworks are absent from drones.

However, one must remember that this is very new technology. A drone is still a heavy object capable of causing serious damage and injuries if it falls to the ground. Organizers of these shows should take various steps to limit injuries if malfunctions occur. Perhaps one of the most obvious steps is to ensure adequate distances between the drones and the audience, preventing these devices from falling directly onto onlookers.

Can a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Drone Accident? 

A https://www.mickelsendalton.com/charleston-premises-liability-lawyer/Charleston personal injury lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation after a drone accident. Drone shows can be exciting, but they can also be very dangerous. If an organization chooses to put on a drone show, it may be liable for any injuries to spectators. To learn more about your legal options, consider scheduling a consultation with Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources:

 tampabay.com/news/florida/2024/12/30/florida-drone-show-mishap-grounds-new-years-events-texas-nyc/

live5news.com/2025/01/01/folly-beach-group-issues-statement-drone-malfunction-new-years-eve-event/