Aviation Litigation

Aviation Litigation

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is regularly selected to defend the largest and most sophisticated aviation cases filed throughout the United States. Clients range from large airframe manufacturers, airlines, component part manufacturers, governmental agencies and entities, and both foreign and domestic insurers.
 
Below is a partial list of some of the recent foreign aviation incidents filed in the United States that Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has been asked to defend:
 
  • British Airways #762 - May 24, 2013 (United Kingdom)
  • Airblue #202 - July 28, 2010 (Pakistan)
  • Afriqiyah Airways #8U771 - May 12, 2010 (Libya)
  • Air France #447 - June 1, 2009 (Brazil)
  • Qantas #QF72 - October 7, 2008 (Australia)
  • Sudan Airways #109 - June 10, 2008 (Sudan)
In handling these foreign aviation incidents filed domestically, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has become a leader on the issues of Jurisdiction, Venue, and Forum Non Conveniens.  In addition, its national reputation as a firm that has tried in excess of 1,000 cases to verdict in 35 states has resulted in early dismissals of Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP clients without any payment. 
 
Given the high stakes in aviation litigation, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP utilizes its experienced senior trial counsel, many of whom are Fellows of the American College of Trial Lawyers, to coordinate the defense of this multi-party and multi-forum mass-tort litigation.

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers know the importance of minimizing business interruption for clients as well as avoiding unexpected issues and substantial changes in evaluation.  Therefore, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is committed to early and accurate case evaluation as well as clear, concise communication for status reports, market reports, and strategy recommendations.  
 
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers have many years of proven success in navigating the applicable legal doctrines, conventions and treaties governing both domestic and foreign airline travel such as:
 
  • Warsaw Convention
  • Montreal Convention
  • Airline Deregulation Act
  • Federal Aviation Act
  • Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act
  • General Aviation Revitalization Act
In addition to handling foreign aviation incidents, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers have played an instrumental role in domestic aviation litigation since the United Airlines crash of Flight 553 near Midway Airport on December 8, 1972 and the May 25, 1979 crash of American Airlines Flight 191 at O’Hare Airport.  Since then, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP lawyers have been handling cargo, property damage, personal injury, and product liability claims as both lead and local trial counsel.  In addition, the firm’s depth and understanding of the complex aviation industry has led our clients to seek our advice as it relates to business disputes, leasing and intellectual property.    

Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP brings great value to its clients because lawyers, paralegals, and staff have substantial practical experience coordinating hundreds of claims arising out of the same set of operative facts. In fact, many clients rely upon Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP as their national coordinating or general counsel. The firm is prepared to deploy its skilled staff and state-of-the-art technology to bring efficiency in coordinating aviation litigation worldwide.


News

August 18, 2023
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Sponsors Tuskegee Next's Annual Red Tail Ball
Partner Joseph P. Kincaid and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP proudly sponsored Tuskegee Next's 6th Annual Red Tail Ball on August 13 at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago, IL.

Chicago, March 24, 2021
Monaco Speaks at CBA Seminar on Litigating During COVID-19
Monaco will be among a panel of experienced litigators providing insight into how medical malpractice, work accident, and mass torts cases have been litigated in the age of COVID.

Chicago, February 2, 2021
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 25 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 12 attorneys have been named n to the 2021 Illinois Super Lawyers list and 13 have been named to the Illinois Rising Stars list.

Chicago, Lisle, Libertyville, Madison County, January 11, 2021
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Named Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyers for 2021
Those designated Leading Lawyers were recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois.

Chicago, October 2, 2017
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Continued Growth
In recognition of its 25th anniversary year, Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP has made a monthly donation to a non-profit with whom the firm has a strong relationship.

Chicago, January 13, 2016
Illinois Super Lawyers Recognizes 39 Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP announces that 39 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2015 Illinois Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.


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