Jury: $21.7m to Survivors in Medical Chopper Crash

A Kentucky jury has awarded $21.7 million to families of three people who died in a June 2013 medical helicopter crash.

Media outlets report that a Clay County jury decided the award Thursday.

The helicopter crashed in a school parking lot 750 feet from the helipad, killing 61-year-old Laurel County pilot Eddy Sizemore; 40-year-old London, Kentucky paramedic Herman "Lee" Dobbs; and 28-year-old Pineville nurse Jesse Jones.

Eight family members sued Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

The National Transportation Safety Board said the crash probably happened because the pilot became disoriented and lost control in foggy nighttime conditions.

Gary C. Robb, attorney for the families, said there was a main rotor blade defect, and the tail broom and roof broke off, leaving the crew helpless.