It’s one of those lovely SoCal Saturday afternoons, and like so many San Diegans, you’ve decided to have a lazy day at the beach; a little sun, a little surf, good friends and good times. About an hour goes by, and you’re relaxed, toes in the sand, listening the rhythmic sound of the tide rolling in and out, the laughter of children, a friend tells an amusing story. Then — BAM! — you’re knocked unconscious. When you come to your senses, you see your friends standing over you, your head throbs in pain, and someone holds a cold rag to your temple. “What happened?” You’ve been droned.
San Diego has the distinction of being considered “the hub of the drone industry,” and drones flying in the air in the city’s parks and beaches are not an uncommon sight. Unfortunately, federal regulations are still in the formative stage regarding who can fly drone and the proper training and licensing required, and as a result, accidents, similar to the one described above, often occur.
Laws regarding the use of drones are also in the nascent stages, but most lawsuits break down into one of these three categories:
DRONE EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION
If the manufacturer of the drone didn’t supply adequate operating instructions, or if the safety implementations installed are not sufficient, then the manufacturer can be liable for any injuries caused by the drone that they marketed and sold to the public.
OPERATOR NEGLIGENCE
Since drones are relatively easy to acquire it means that almost anyone can get one. And of course, not everyone is a responsible and respectful user of drones. Often negligent operators are inebriated, or easily distracted, inexperienced, or simply don’t comprehend the responsibility of operating a drone around others. Operators such as these don’t see the danger posed by a drone until it’s too late.
VIOLATION OF PRIVACY
The use of drones can be readily abused by invading the privacy of others. Flying a drone into someone’s backyard or around an individual’s bedroom window can be a nuisance and, if a camera is mounted on the drone, it can be a crime.
If you have operated a malfunctioning drone and caused harm to others, that was solely the fault of the manufacturer, or if you have been on the receiving end of a drone malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. Likewise, if you have been injured by the careless and irresponsible use of a drone, or if a drone has been used to violate your privacy, then you should seek legal assistance. Call the San Diego personal injury lawyers at Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (619) 233-5020 or Toll Free (888) 233-5020 for a free consultation.
