Former traffic reporter Paul Cavenaugh settles suit in chopper crash
Tags: Bell Ranger, CBS 12, Channel 12, helicopter crash, Paul Cavenaugh, traffic reporter, West Palm Beach, WFTL, WPEC
| Wednesday 2 June 2010 3:07 pm
Cavenaugh, by his aircraft in 2006 (The Palm Beach Post)
Former WPEC-Channel 12 and WFTL-850 AM traffic reporter Paul Cavenaugh is shopping for a 53-foot Hatteras yacht these days.
Why?
Improper maintenance was cited in the CBS 12 chopper crash that injured Cavenaugh
Cavenaugh and the company that operated the chopper he used to dispatch his rush-hour reports settled the lawsuit he filed after the November 2008 crash that injured his back.
And although Cavenaugh won’t discuss the amount of money he wrestled from the Lake Worth-based Air Coastal Helicopters, the 56-year-old says he’ll “be able to get by” for the rest of his life.
“I can’t fly again so I can’t work,” said Cavenaugh, a 25-year veteran of the traffic reporting biz. “Another impact and I’ll be paralyzed. I’m still waiting for more surgery.”
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The Bell Ranger in which Cavenaugh and a pilot were flying about 6 a.m. Nov. 11, 2008, lost power at about 1,000 feet then spun out-of-control until the pilot managed a violent landing in grass. The chopper’s tail broke off. Cavenaugh fractured a vertebrae and the pilot suffered minor injuries.
Six months later, the Federal Aviation Administration reported that a loose nut and a loose compressor line probably caused the incident. Cavenaugh’s suit claimed the helicopter was poorly maintained.
“No one’s really happy with the settlement because you have to pay the lawyers,” Cavenaugh said, “but at least I’ll have roof over my head.”
And in his case, that’ll be yacht.
Congratulations Paul! You are one of the classiest guys in the biz…you will be missed. Enjoy your yacht!
The fees the attorneys get is just obscene. Why is Obamajinedad not capping that like he does bankers compensation? Oh that’s right…he’s a scumbag lawyer himself and you’ll never see a snake bite another snake. There should be a maximum cut of 20% up to a maximum payout of $150,000 for this ambulance chasing filth.
Hey Paul,…..I bet you can take the waves that rock the boat though? Shame on you!
Do you need a Captain?
Most insurance settlements are scams today……
its the way in corruption county.
Go ahead Joose/Pb Poost…delete this…
Paul Cavenaugh was one hard worker. I remember hearing him on many stations at all hours of the day. He guided me around many traffic jams. He deserves whatever he can get. You can’t put a price tag on your health. We miss you Paul.
PS: And the lawyers deserve their share too. Obamajinedad Rocks!
GLAD YOUR STILL HERE TODAY MY FRIEND. I WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME THING.
Another Personal Injury suit rip…..
And the PI attys….its the price paid for dealing ….with the devil
Banging up an down on the open water will do wonders for your back Paul. Go to any marina bar and talk to a boat captain. Congrats on hitting the Scam Lottery.
This GentleMan known as Paul Cavenaugh actually gave SoFla ALL He could give during a remarkable TV/Radio (combined)career, producing INSTANT traffic & news over a humble 30+Year period, & based @ a former legendary/heritage broadcast property along Congress just south of Forest Hill in West Palm Beach. In fact, Jose Lambiet made many appearances in the same building providing personality-driven banter when SUPERIOR content was the foundation for perennial ratings success. It is with great personal & professional pride that I congratulate Paul Cavenaugh on a charismatic journey through the hallowed halls of SoFla Broadcast History. Buzzy (& Miss Rosie) Barnett
Perhaps Paul can use a portion of his settlement money to buy a more realistic looking hairpiece.
Congrats cuz…first rounds on you.
Congrats Paulie…save a stateroom for me!
Yes……bouncing around in boat on the ocean is great for your back.
Instead of being thankful for surviving an accident…
Scams…all scams.
WAY TO GO PAUL! HOPE THE PARTY BOAT IS UNDERWAY SOON! YOU DESERVE IT! AND LOCAL TRAFFIC REPORTS SURE DO SUCK WITHOUT YOU!
Paul may be Polish but he has the luck of the Irish. He survived three crashes and forty years in broadcasting and retires with a boat and, if he’s frugal, a nest egg to make it to Social Security and Medicare. He’s a class act and the local airwaves are less entertaining and funny without his cheerful reports of South Florida’s traffic mayhem. Bon voyage Paul, see you at Happy Hour and for the Early Bird.
Are ex wives allowed on your new yacht? LOL…wish you the best…hope your health is good. I am well and happy. Living on the west coast of US. Remarried now….loving life.