Ladd C. Sanger

Ladd C. Sanger: Aviation Litigation Expert in Texas

For over 25 years, Ladd C. Sanger has been a dedicated and highly experienced legal advocate specializing in aviation litigation. As a pilot with extensive experience in both fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft operations, Ladd possesses a unique understanding of the technical complexities involved in aviation accidents, enabling him to provide unparalleled representation to his clients. He consistently delivers exceptional results, earning recognition as a top attorney in the field, including multiple awards for his achievements in aviation accident litigation.

Ladd Sanger’s expertise spans a wide range of aviation legal matters, including crash litigation, aviation insurance coverage disputes, airport use issues, international aviation conventions, and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. He’s known for his meticulous attention to detail, his aggressive pursuit of justice for his clients, and his ability to navigate the intricate legal landscape surrounding aviation incidents.

What Sets Ladd Sanger Apart? Ladd’s background as a licensed Airline Transport Pilot with two jet-type ratings and a helicopter pilot certification is a significant advantage. He doesn't just represent clients; he understands the physics, the mechanics, and the operational factors that contribute to aviation accidents. This technical proficiency, combined with his extensive litigation experience, allows him to build strong cases and secure favorable outcomes for his clients – whether they’ve been injured in a crash or are facing coverage disputes.

Key Areas of Expertise: Ladd Sanger's practice focuses on delivering strategic legal counsel and aggressive representation across a broad spectrum of aviation legal issues:

• Crash Litigation: He has a proven track record of handling complex crash cases around the globe, securing significant settlements for injured parties and their families. His experience encompasses a wide variety of aircraft types, including single and multi-piston engine, turboprop, jet, and helicopter accidents.
• Aviation Insurance Coverage Issues: Ladd expertly navigates the complexities of aviation insurance claims, advocating for his clients’ rights and maximizing their coverage.
• NTSB Investigations: He provides comprehensive representation during NTSB investigations, ensuring his clients’ interests are fully protected.
• International Aviation Conventions: Ladd's expertise extends to international aviation conventions, providing valuable guidance to clients involved in cross-border aviation matters.

Notable Case Experience: Ladd Sanger’s impressive resume reflects his success in handling some of the most challenging aviation cases worldwide. He has successfully litigated and investigated numerous cases, including:

• Addison, Texas King Air Crash: Represented a key party in this significant aviation accident.
• Pilatus PC-12 Air Ambulance Flight: Provided legal representation in a complex air ambulance incident.
• FlightSafety International (Wichita, Kansas King Air 200 Crash): Represented FlightSafety International in connection with claims arising from this accident.
• Robinson R44 Post-Crash Fire Cases: Successfully handled multiple cases involving Robinson R44 aircraft following post-crash fires.
• AS-350 Control Systems Litigation: Litigated cases related to malfunctions in AS-350 helicopter control systems.
• Cirrus Avionics Litigation: Represented clients in cases involving Cirrus avionics systems failures.
• Engine Failure Cases: Successfully handled numerous engine failure cases across various aircraft types.
• FAA and ATC Tower Litigation: Represented claimants against both the FAA and private ATC tower cases.

Extensive Litigation Experience: Ladd Sanger has litigated dozens of Federal Aviation Regulation Part 125 and 121 cases, both domestically and internationally, including tour helicopter crashes (such as the Hawaii Bell 407 crash on the Big Island). He has also handled cases involving international aviation matters, including: Gol Transportes Aero 1907 (Brazil), Aero Ruta Maya Caravan (Guatemala), multiple Tropic Air 208 crashes (Belize), and the Southwest 1380 incident (New York). His experience also includes managing numerous Montreal Convention, Death on the High Seas Act, and Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act cases, demonstrating his breadth of legal knowledge.

Commitment to Justice & Awards: Ladd Sanger's dedication to his clients is reflected in his numerous accolades. He has been recognized as a Top 50 Verdicts in Texas Award recipient in 2019 and 2022, consistently ranking number one in aviation accident litigation. His commitment to excellence has earned him a Board Certified in Aviation Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and the prestigious AV®-rated attorney from Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. He’s a member of the SMU Air Law Symposium Board of Advisors, Past Chair of the American Bar Association Aviation Section on Tort and Insurance Practice, and Past Chair of the American Association for Justice Aviation Section.

Education & Credentials

Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Board Certified in Aviation LawSMU Air Law Symposium Board of Advisors (20 Years of Service)Past Chair, American Bar Association Aviation Section on Tort and Insurance PracticePast Chair, American Association for Justice Aviation SectionFAA-Licensed Airline Transport Pilot (Two Jet-Type Ratings)Licensed Helicopter PilotUniversity of Southern California, Aircraft Accident Investigation Training

Practice Areas

Aviation Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Transportation Law

Awards

Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Dallas/Fort Worth (2024), Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Dallas/Fort Worth (2022), Lawyer of the Year: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs, Dallas (2013), Recognized: Aviation Law, Recognized: Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, Recognized: Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs