Atty. 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.
Aviation Law & More Attorney · Serving Jeffersonville, IN
Profile Summary
About Douglas Bates at a Glance
Douglas Bates is a product liability and aviation attorney based in Jeffersonville, Indiana, practicing at Stites & Harbison PLLC. Admitted to practice in Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association and Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association. Educated at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law (J.D., 1992) and Indiana University Maurer School of Law (J.D., 1992). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Aviation Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serves clients in Jeffersonville, IN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About 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.
Practice Areas Explained
Douglas Bates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Douglas Bates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Jeffersonville.
Product Liability in Jeffersonville
Douglas Bates is one of 65,610 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Indiana →
Aviation Law in Jeffersonville
Aviation attorneys for aircraft accidents, FAA regulation, pilot defense, and aviation industry matters.
Douglas Bates is one of 9,145 aviation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse aviation attorneys in Indiana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Jeffersonville
Practicing law in Indiana. Legal matters in Indiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Jeffersonville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Indiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Indiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Indiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Jeffersonville Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Jeffersonville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Indiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Jeffersonville or all attorneys in Indiana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Jeffersonville Choose Douglas Bates
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Douglas Bates's practice in the field of product liability and aviation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association and Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association, Douglas Bates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering product liability and aviation, Douglas Bates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Jeffersonville
A Jeffersonville-based practice means Douglas Bates attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Douglas Bates's Practice Areas & Specializations
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