A tragic helicopter accident near the Pogo mine which resulted in the death of the pilot shows the wisdom of consulting a lawyer. See http://www.alaskadispatch.com/section/alaska-beat#alaska-beat-253671. The Preliminary Investigation suggests that one of the causes of the accident was a defective helipad.
Because of it being a work accident, Alaska law provides a minimal safety net through workers' compensation benefits, a benefit which precludes the pilot's family from bringing a loss claim against the pilot's employer or the Pogo mine owner. However, if the helipad was constructed by a subcontractor, the family may have the ability to pursue a claim for full recovery. In advising the family a lawyer would investigate the contractual relationships of the parties.
You have to know your hand in order to play your cards smart. See www.junelawyer.com