Douglas Bates

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.