Overview

Ladd Sanger is a nationally recognized aviation trial lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases arising from aircraft crashes. His practice focuses on complex aviation crash litigation involving general aviation, helicopters, air ambulance operations and commercial airline incidents, as well as related matters involving aviation insurance coverage, airport operations and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. In addition to his aviation practice, Ladd has served as lead counsel in complex product liability and catastrophic injury cases.

Board Certified in Aviation Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Ladd has litigated and investigated accidents involving virtually every category of aircraft, including single- and multi-piston planes, turboprops, jets and helicopters. Over the course of his career, he has handled well over 500 general aviation accident cases, along with numerous product liability and negligence matters. His work frequently involves claims governed by the Montreal Convention, the Death on the High Seas Act, and other international aviation frameworks.

Ladd has litigated and tried cases in multiple jurisdictions across the country in both state and federal courts, and is licensed to practice in Texas, Colorado, and Wyoming. His work in the courtroom has earned statewide recognition, including Top 50 Verdicts in Texas honors in both 2019 and 2022, with the top-ranked aviation verdict among those results.

As a pilot with experience flying both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, Ladd brings rare, hands-on aviation experience to his cases. He holds the Federal Aviation Administration’s highest pilot certification, and the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, with multiple jet type ratings. He received formal aircraft accident investigation training at the University of Southern California. This technical background allows him to analyze aircraft systems, pilot decision-making and accident sequences with a level of depth that few trial lawyers can match.

For two decades, Ladd has served on the SMU Air Law Symposium Board of Advisors and has held national leadership roles, including Past Chair of the American Bar Association’s Aviation and Space Law Committee within the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and Past Chair of the American Association for Justice Aviation Section.