Douglas B. 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.
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
Federal Rule 26(A)(2) Expert Witness Disclosures: Strategies for Composing and Attacking Expert Disclosures
Article, 83 J. Air. L. & Com. 67 (2018)
Federal Rule 26(a)(2) Expert Witness Disclosures: Strategies for Composing and Attacking Expert Disclosures
Recent Developments in Aviation Case Law
Food Law Update
Stites & Harbison Thirsty Thursday, Food Safety Modernization Act, March 26, 2011
The Basics of Electronic Discovery
Yer Out! Getting Rid of Your Trial Judge in Indiana and Kentucky
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
Office Executive Member, Jeffersonville, IN Office
Retirement Plan Committee, Member
Jeffersonville Office Recruiting Committee, Member (ex officio)
Lateral Recruiting Committee, Member
Jeffersonville Rotary
Boy Scouts (Troop Leader)
Junior Achievement
Leadership Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana Legal Volunteers
cum laude
Indiana University School of Law - Indianapolis
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Dean's List
Indiana University Southeast
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Chancellor's List 1988
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Dean's List
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Student Body President 1988
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Student of the Year Award 1988; History Student of the Year 1988
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Alpha Chi Honor Society
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.
Best Lawyers in America®, Aviation Law; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2024)
Stites & Harbison, PLLC Lawyers Named to 2024 Best Lawyers® Publications
LOUISVILLE, Ky.—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that 101 of its lawyers are included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Doug Bates named Office Executive Member of Stites & Harbison's Jeffersonville office
Attorney Doug Bates honored as Distinguished Alumni at Indiana University Southeast