Maine Injury Lawyer Blog
According to a recent article, a man suffered critical injuries after plummeting over 50 feet at high speed during a skydiving incident on Thursday afternoon in Lebanon, Maine. The fall occurred at Skydive New England, shortly after 2:20 p.m., prompting an emergency call to the Sanford Regional Communications Center. Although LifeFlight of Maine was initially contacted, a Boston MedFlight helicopter was ultimately dispatched and landed at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. Emergency personnel from Lebanon and Frisbie Memorial Hospital provided on-site care before transporting the victim to a trauma center. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the cause of the accident. Skydive New England, which recently launched its 2025 season, is noted as one of the largest skydiving operations in the country.
Skydiving offers an unparalleled adrenaline rush and breathtaking views—but when things go wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic. As the popularity of adventure sports grows, so too does the risk of injury due to equipment failure, operator negligence, or improper training. At Peter Thompson & Associates, we are committed to helping victims of preventable skydiving accidents seek justice and compensation.
The Risks Behind the Rush
Skydiving is inherently risky, but those risks are supposed to be minimized by strict adherence to safety regulations and proper protocols. Unfortunately, when operators cut corners or fail to properly maintain equipment, those risks become significantly more dangerous. Common causes of skydiving-related injuries include:
- Parachute malfunctions or deployment failures
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Insufficient instruction or supervision
- Mid-air collisions
- Improper landing zone selection
- Negligent behavior by instructors or tandem partners
- Even experienced skydivers can suffer serious injuries if a third party’s negligence is involved.
What About the Waiver?
Many skydiving centers require participants to sign liability waivers before jumping. However, these waivers do not always shield companies from legal responsibility—particularly when gross negligence or reckless conduct is involved. Courts in Maine and beyond have recognized that businesses cannot contract away their obligation to follow safety standards.
If you or a loved one was injured in a skydiving accident, do not assume that a signed waiver means you have no legal recourse.
Your Rights After a Skydiving Injury
Victims of skydiving accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
At Peter Thompson & Associates, we conduct thorough investigations to determine whether safety violations, negligent instruction, or defective equipment played a role in your injury. We work with aviation experts, medical professionals, and accident reconstructionists to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.
Call for a Free Consultation
Skydiving injuries can be life-altering. If you’ve been hurt in a jump gone wrong, don’t wait. Contact Peter Thompson & Associates today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at 207-874-0909 or visit our website now.