Drones have become increasingly relevant in the legal field, providing valuable tools for various types of cases. Here are some ways drones can be used by lawyers:
- Personal Injury Cases:
- Accident Reconstruction: Drones can capture aerial footage of accident scenes, providing a detailed view that helps in reconstructing the events.
- Evidence Gathering: Drones can document the scene of an accident from different angles, offering perspectives that might be missed by traditional photography.
- Property Disputes:
- Boundary Disputes: Aerial surveys conducted by drones can provide precise measurements and images of property boundaries.
- Property Damage: Drones can assess and document damage to properties in cases of disputes over responsibility.
- Environmental Law:
- Monitoring and Compliance: Drones can monitor environmental compliance, such as checking for illegal dumping or pollution.
- Documentation: They can gather evidence of environmental damage or violations for use in court cases.
- Construction Law:
- Site Inspections: Drones can conduct inspections of construction sites to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
- Progress Monitoring: They can document the progress of construction projects, which can be useful in disputes over delays or quality of work.
- Criminal Law:
- Surveillance: Drones can be used for surveillance in criminal investigations, although this raises privacy and legal issues that need careful handling.
- Evidence Collection: They can collect evidence in hard-to-reach or dangerous locations, such as crime scenes or areas affected by natural disasters.
- Family Law:
- Custody Cases: Drones can gather evidence related to custody disputes, such as documenting living conditions or activities.
- Insurance Claims:
- Claims Investigation: Drones can investigate insurance claims, such as assessing damage from natural disasters or accidents.
- Fraud Detection: They can help detect fraudulent claims by providing an unbiased view of the scene.
- Real Estate Law:
- Property Inspections: Drones can perform inspections of properties for sale, providing detailed images and videos for potential buyers.
- Land Use: They can document land use and zoning issues, providing evidence for disputes or planning.
- Intellectual Property:
- Patent Infringement: Drones can capture evidence of patent infringement, especially in industries like agriculture or manufacturing where large-scale operations are involved.
- Maritime Law:
- Inspections: Drones can inspect ships and offshore installations, documenting conditions and compliance with regulations.
- Search and Rescue: They can assist in search and rescue operations, providing aerial views that are crucial in locating missing persons or vessels.
While drones offer numerous benefits in legal cases, their use must comply with regulations, such as those set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. Always make sure your drone company is FAA part 107 licensed, and insured, before using them. Cost effective, fast, great footage still shots or videos.
By John Delaney FAA part 107 licensed drone pilot
