Industries
Aviation & Aerospace
Our attorneys represent aviation clients of every type in all sorts of disputes and claims. Aircraft accidents are a focus, as we commonly represent aircraft or parts manufacturers, distributors, owners, operators, maintenance facilities, flight schools, airports, FBOs, or ancillary participants in catastrophic and minor claims, including personal injury and property damage. We have been involved in defending mid-air collisions, take-off and landing accidents, runway accidents, crashes over land and water, hangar incidents, airport slip and falls, airline negligence claims, and baggage claims. We work with an impressive team of accident reconstructionists, engineers, radar and weather specialists, pilots, flight instructors, and other specialists in analyzing these claims and preparing defense and resolution strategies. We have handled such accidents that have occurred all over the world in cases brought state-side. We have a team of attorneys experienced in the areas of law involved in aviation cases, such as federal preemption, statutes of repose, GARA, conflicts of law, products and strict liability, educational immunity, limitations on damages, insurance coverage and bad faith, dangerous instrumentality, and comparative fault among joint tortfeasors. We also have experienced licensed pilot-attorneys with a wealth of practical experience.
Claims and client counseling concerning aircraft repair and maintenance are commonplace in our practice, whether involving breach of contract or negligence allegations. We are frequently asked to handle property damage and diminution of value and loss of use claims. We defend such claims and bring subrogation matters on behalf of insured’s on a regular basis. Insurance coverage issues come up from both sides from time to time, and we have experience and comprehension of policy terms, case law and bad faith principles that enable us to provide coverage opinions and bring declaratory judgment actions.
Furthermore, our clients include leaders in aviation financing. We have assisted those clients with documenting loan transactions, including making the necessary filings with state governments, the Federal Aviation Authority and the International Registry of Mobile Assets to ensure the collateral is protected. When necessary, we can also negotiate workouts of these loans and foreclose on and repossess these unique assets. In addition, we have the experience to assist clients whose estate planning needs include aircraft or aviation assets. We can assist in the formation of companies and the necessary documents to govern the purchase, control or divestiture of aircraft assets.