Skydiving and Other Risk-Related Sports: Accident and Injuries


In late November, two skydivers in Arizona were killed when they collided mid-air about 200 to 300 feet above the ground. Another was seriously injured with life-threatening injuries. In all instances, the canopies were open just as they should have been. Could these collisions have been prevented? The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating these cases, as they do with any collision or accident that occurs in the air, and it may take some time before answers are revealed.

Training facilities, like the one for skydiving above, take a huge risk when teaching students the ins and outs of safe diving, jumping or driving. Racecar training facilities, skydiving training facilities and aviation / helicopter training facilities nationwide encounter all levels of students and must be equipped and knowledgeable to deal with students of varying personalities. They must take weather conditions into consideration also, and know what weather conditions should be avoided, such as high winds or slick tracks. What are other things to look for when you or someone you know enrolls in one of the training centers?

  • Has the school been cited on one occasion, or numerous occasions, for negligence?
  • What is the longevity of the school and are their ratings high for training?
  • How long does the training last? Is the lesson a one-day lesson or does the training take place over several sessions?
  • Have there been any fatalities at the training center?
  • How are their instructors credentialed? Have any of the instructors been cited at other schools or the current facility?
  • Are others satisfied with the school, or does it come with minimal recommendations?
  • Is there a contingency plan if the weather or other situation impedes moving forward? Or, do the instructors train, regardless of outlying conditions or factors that may influence the outcome?

Trainers and educators know the risks and possibilities when setting up a training facility that involves riskier sports. Knowing the history and success rate of the school or training facility will be worth the effort investigating before you decide to enroll.

If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of carelessness on the part of a training facility, your lawsuit will be complicated and lengthy, and may involve the participation of outside entities like the FAA, as mentioned above. Seek the advice of a personal injury law firm in New York to help you with your case.