Douglas Bates, Aviation Attorney in Jeffersonville, Indiana
focused on Aviation and Product Liability
Jeffersonville, IN
Trusted aviation attorney serving Jeffersonville.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Douglas Bates is an attorney based in Jeffersonville, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Aviation and Product Liability.
- Based in
- Jeffersonville, INDIANA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Aviation · Product Liability
- Handles Aviation and Product Liability matters from Jeffersonville, INDIANA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law (2026).
About Douglas Bates: Douglas Bates is an attorney based in Jeffersonville, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Aviation and Product Liability.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Douglas takes on
Douglas concentrates on aviation and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Douglas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Aviation cases in Jeffersonville, Indiana
Douglas takes aviation matters in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Product Liability cases in Jeffersonville, Indiana
Douglas takes product liability matters in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Douglas agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Douglas Bates — aviation lawyer in Jeffersonville
Douglas Bates is an attorney based in Jeffersonville, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Aviation and Product Liability.
Doug Bates is an experienced trial lawyer who has been with the firm since 1992. He appears in state and federal courts throughout Indiana and Kentucky and has argued both before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Bates regularly defends aviation clients, including airlines, major municipal airports, product manufacturers, aircraft mechanics and fixed base operators, and is often asked to speak at national aviation-related seminars. Mr. Bates also represents clients in product liability litigation, nursing home litigation, lender liability litigation and complex business litigation matters. He also represents several insurance clients with respect to coverage disputes.
Recent News, Articles & Speaking Engagements
- Law firms keep focus on clients as changes continue, by Marilyn Odendahl, The Indiana Lawyer, January 20, 2021
- GUEST COMMENT: What businesses need to look for with Covid-19 liability, Louisville Business First, August 14, 2020, with Robert M. Connolly and Ashley N. Goins
- Federal Rule 26(A)(2) Expert Witness Disclosures: Strategies for Composing and Attacking Expert Disclosures, Article, 83 J. Air. L. & Com. 67 (2018), with Chelsea Stanley
- Federal Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Witness Disclosures: Strategies for Composing and Attacking Expert Disclosures, 51st Annual SMU Air Law Symposium, Irving, TX, March 30, 2017
- Recent Developments in Aviation Case Law, SlideShare Presentation
Recent Assignments
- Successfully represented a commercial property owner whose insurance carrier refused to pay roofing and interior storm damage claims. Following a trial involving 14 witnesses and over 800 exhibits, the jury returned a verdict ($3.9 million) awarding all of the damages incurred.
- Convinced the Indiana Court of Appeals by a 2-1 vote to reverse the trial court’s finding of personal jurisdiction over our clients, two related non-residents of Indiana engaged in repairing helicopter engines. Cadorath Aerospace Lafayette, LLC v. Ricks, No. 18A-CT-2953 (Ind. App. October 17, 2019)
- Obtained dismissal of product manufacturer based on failure to state a cause of action
- Obtained dismissal of medical device manufacturer on statute of limitations grounds
- Successfully represented county zoning agency before the Indiana Court of Appeals on issue regarding the burning of hazardous waste
- Obtained dismissal of negligence action against railroad client on forum non conveniens grounds
- Obtained dismissal of negligence action against railroad client on forum non conveniens grounds
- Obtained a directed verdict in the defense of a national manufacturer against claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract
- Obtained a TRO in favor of a national retail chain against competitor
- Obtained summary judgment on behalf of municipal airport in premises liability case
- Obtained dismissal of negligence action against aviation staffing client
- Successfully defended national mortgage loan company in lawsuit alleging fraud, constructive fraud and negligence
Community Involvement
- Jeffersonville Rotary
- Boy Scouts (Troop Leader)
- Junior Achievement
- Leadership Southern Indiana
- Southern Indiana Legal Volunteers
More Than Stites & Harbison
Mr. Bates enjoys playing guitar with his sons and spending time at the family farm in Indiana. He is Past President of the Indiana University Southeast Alumni Association and was presented the Indiana University Alumni Association's President's Award (2010). Mr. Bates is active with the Boy Scouts of America and Leadership Southern Indiana. Doug was an intern for Magistrate-Judge Kenneth Foster, United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.
Douglas's approach to aviation cases
Doug Bates is an experienced trial lawyer who has been with the firm since 1992. He appears in state and federal courts throughout Indiana and Kentucky and has argued both before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Bates regularly defends aviation clients, including airlines, major municipal airports, product manufacturers, aircraft mechanics and fixed base…
The kind of cases Douglas takes
Douglas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation and product liability matters in Jeffersonville and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law
J.D. · 1992
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
J.D. · 1992
Jurisdictions
Douglas's state bar admissions
Indiana, Indiana Sta
ACTIVE
Kentucky, Kentucky B
ACTIVE
Douglas studied at J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and J.D. in Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Douglas completed J.D. in Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and J.D. in Indiana University Maurer School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Douglas runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Douglas has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Banking and Finance (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Insurance (2026).
Locations
Douglas Bates's office in Jeffersonville
Douglas's primary office is at 323 East Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana, 47130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Douglas Bates
Douglas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Douglas Bates — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Douglas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Douglas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Douglas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a aviation attorney in Jeffersonville, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Douglas
Douglas discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every aviation matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Douglas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Douglas's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Douglas Bates
How much does it cost to hire Douglas for a aviation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Douglas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Douglas offer a free consultation?
Douglas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Douglas's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check Douglas's current terms during booking.
How long do aviation cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple aviation matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Douglas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Douglas take my case if I'm outside Jeffersonville?
Douglas is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Douglas will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Douglas?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Douglas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Douglas accepting new aviation clients right now?
Douglas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Aviation attorneys serving Jeffersonville, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne in Indiana
Douglas handles aviation matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.
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If Douglas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these aviation attorneys in Jeffersonville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
