Plane Crash Lawsuit Results in $11.35M Jury Award

An Ohio couple has been awarded $11.35 million for injuries suffered in a plane crash, which allegedly occurred because their airplane was not properly maintained. 

Earlier this month, a Philadelphia jury ruled in favor of Dr. Robert Marsico, 47, and Heather Moran, 39, both from Ohio. Moran, a professional pilot, was flying the plane when it crashed near Atlanta in 2007.

According to the complaint, which was filed against Winner Aviation, the plane developed engine problems after taking off from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport in Atlanta. The plane, a Skymaster, went down and Marsico’s legs were crushed. However, he was still able to revive an unconscious Moran, and the two struggled out of the plane just as it exploded. Both were caught in the blast.

In addition to his crushed legs, Marsico suffered third-degree burns and lung damage from breathing in flames. Marsico was unable to resume his career as a dermatologist until 2009. Moran suffered third-degree burns over 40 percent of her body and injuries ended her flying career.

The lawsuit accused Winner Aviation of failing to properly maintain the airplane, which resulted in the engine failure and crash. Marsico owned the plane and had been suffering rear engine problems which were supposed to be fixed by Winner Aviation. The lawsuit claims that an inspection of the engines, which survived the crash, showed that the rear engine had not been repaired and that front engine was overdue due for an overhaul.