Methodology

We spare no expense in the evaluation of aircraft and engine components. We work with laboratories across the country equipped to use forensic tools such as scanning electron microscopes, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, precision measuring devices, and CT Scanning. These forensic investigative techniques are necessary to evaluate the nature of fractures, metal to metal rubbing, identification of materials, and to quantify measurements. Each case is unique and so too its investigation. We pride ourselves on using state of the art equipment and respected experts in their respective field to prepare a client’s case.

The work does not end in the laboratory. Depending on the requirements of a case, experts trained in assessing aircraft structures, aerodynamics, radar analysis, occupant protection, fire origin, weather, and human factors, are consulted to provide a full picture on the cause of a crash. Given the complexities of aircraft crashes, it is often necessary to rule out all other potential causes. In appropriate situations, engine testing or flight testing may be required. Once the full forensic evaluation is performed, witnesses are interviewed or deposed, aircraft performance capabilities evaluated, and the expert analysis completed, rendering a reliable understanding of how an aircraft crash occurred.

Visual representations are extremely helpful in assisting jurors to understand the technology and appreciate the depth of analysis. Katzman, Lampert & Stoll regularly engages animators to render complex flight paths and mechanical principles in formats easily comprehensible for judges and jurors.

An aviation lawyer must bring science to the courtroom, and must understand the science and teach it to a jury. This is what Katzman, Lampert & Stoll does for our clients. Every case is unique, but the scientific and legal principles which apply are a constant.

The lawyers at Katzman, Lampert & Stoll have been taking aviation cases to trial for forty years. We are skilled in the practice of aviation law. Other law firms write about our cases. Investigative news reporters write about our cases. Our history and our accomplishments are proven. We have the resolve to bring an aviation case to its proper conclusion.

Courts in the United States are divided at the state and federal lines. In aviation cases, federal courts may hear cases involving federal questions, treaties, and disputes between citizens of different states. State courts are generally competent to hear any aviation case. However, not every state or federal court can hear any case Whether the case will be in federal, or state court is a paramount consideration that has to be carefully analyzed before commencing an aviation lawsuit.

In an aviation case, an aircraft that crashes in Texas may have been piloted by a person from Oklahoma, the aircraft may have been assembled in Kansas, equipped with an engine manufactured in Pennsylvania, which runs from its fuel delivery system that manufactured in Washington. That same aircraft may have been maintained in Florida. Cases like this raise complex issues of jurisdiction. We understand these legal issues and routinely handle multi-state cases, like the foregoing.

It is important that any firm handling an aviation case understand the types of documents manufacturers prepare, how to ask for them, and importantly, how to fight for them. For over forty years we have been preparing aviation cases, litigating discovery issues, and taking testimony of adverse witnesses. At trial, it is often necessary for a jury to see the full picture of the history of a product. Moreover, it is necessary for the retained experts to prepare and present their opinions carefully and fully under the direction of the trial attorneys.

Aviation cases are expert-witness driven. We work with expert witnesses who are nationally renowned and leaders in their fields. We have extensive experience asserting and, where necessary, defending the integrity of the experts’ accident reconstructions that we present in court. In just about every aviation case, there is a time when a defendant challenges a plaintiff’s experts’ accident reconstruction, seeking to strike the experts’ opinions under the rules of evidence. These defense challenges are often false and misleading, but we treat them all with the utmost seriousness. We have litigated expert witnesses’ challenge hearings spanning several days. The experts we work with know that we are competent to defend their work and navigate the complex legal issues involved in an expert’s challenge. Because of our knowledge in this area, leading experts are willing to associate with our firm.

We use state of the art technology to teach juries how an aircraft crash occurred. We use the results of the discovery we obtained from the defendants and other third parties to establish liability. Our experts’ presentations are clear and concise. Our experience in the courtroom and success with jury trials anchors our commitment to our client’s cause.