Aviation

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Lord, Bissell & Brook LLP’s aviation practice has provided assistance to the aviation industry and its insurers for more than 40 years. From major international airline accidents to multi-party product liability litigation and commercial disputes, Lord, Bissell & Brook covers a range of issues that affect the aviation industry today.

The Aviation Group provides services in the areas of airline claims handling, litigation, product liability claims, general aviation, airport claims, regulatory advice, and alternative dispute resolution. We also focus in aviation insurance coverage counseling and litigation, as well as corporate transactions, financing and leasing arrangements.

We understand that our clients require practical steps to resolve the issues they face and our services enable them to manage their businesses effectively. Lord, Bissell & Brook understands that the key to effective claims handling is in listening and understanding our clients’ needs and objectives. We approach each new project in partnership with our client to identify the most effective and cost-efficient solutions.

With offices strategically located across the United States and in London, we can service our clients’ needs throughout the Americas, whether in North America through our various offices, or in Latin America and the Caribbean through our comprehensive international network of correspondents and contacts. Lord, Bissell & Brook has the ability to deal with cases that touch and concern countries throughout the region, seamlessly, through one firm. With an office in London, we can provide all the services that heretofore require instructing multiple firms, thereby significantly improving cost-effectiveness and streamlining the entire process. We are active members of the National Business Aviation Association and the National Air Transport Association.

General Aviation Lord, Bissell & Brook’s aviation group consists of attorneys admitted to practice in 27 jurisdictions in the United States, including experienced pilots and licensed aircraft mechanics. Our experience includes:

  • Fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft
  • Reciprocating and small turbine aircraft engines
  • Industrial Aid operators
  • FAR Part 135 operations
  • Flight schools
  • Agricultural/Firefighting
  • Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
  • Full national coverage
  • Fatal accident cases, burn cases, serious and minor personal injury cases
  • Proactive approach to general aviation claims
  • Cost-effective solutions
  • Commitment to alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
  • Geographical and time zone benefits

Airline Our lawyers have experience handling aviation market cases throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean. Experience includes:

  • Major airline accident handling and litigation
  • Representation for National Transportation Safety Board Investigations and Public Hearings
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA) arbitration
  • Crisis management and communication
  • Analysis of airline exposure
  • Accident investigation
  • Claims handling
  • Hull claims, including aircraft engine damage
  • Surface damage
  • Claims handling procedures - Domestic and International
  • Personal injury claims
  • Cargo
  • Baggage
  • ADR arbitration and litigation
  • Subrogation
  • Federal and state regulation

Airport We have experience representing airport operations around the globe in respect to their legal liability to incidents and accidents as well as Air Traffic Controllers; both privately owned and government controlled. Experience includes:

  • Assessment of liability
  • Review of terms and conditions
  • Claims handling and dispute resolution
  • Third party proceedings
  • Advice on compliance and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommended practice
  • Contractual disputes
  • Defense of property damage claims
  • Airport wrap-up claims

Product Liability Our lawyers have defended product manufacturers at all levels of the U.S. legal system and internationally. Members of the team serve on the Product Liability Advisory Council and as legal counsel to the Equipment Manufacturers’ Institute. Experience includes:

  • Case analysis and assessment
  • Post occurrence investigation, design defects and construction flaws
  • Advice on liability
  • Contract interpretation
  • Multi-District International Litigation
  • Mass tort litigation
  • Defense of class actions
  • Defense of punitive damage cases
  • Drafting and evaluation of all types of product literature
  • Dedicated appeals team for U.S. product cases
  • Product recalls
  • Resources available to efficiently handle all cases from the smallest to the largest

Insurance

Lord, Bissell & Brook is committed to the insurance industry, which includes internationally recognized experience in the areas that affect our clients well beyond claims handling.

Regulatory & Corporate  We target a particular state or structure for businesses and products for multi-state transactions.  We implement national insurance programs.  We counsel and advise on anti-trust issues from compliance to advice and litigation defense.

  • Licensing and formation matters
  • Insurance holding company filings
  • Investment and capital requirements
  • Corporate governance
  • Capital infusion
  • Insolvency
  • Guaranty fund issue
  • Transactional & Litigation
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Purchase of blocks of business and commutations
  • E-commerce and alternative risk financing transactions
  • Policy writing and analysis
  • Run off services
  • Coverage disputes
  • Long-tail exposures
  • Toxic tort and pollution claims