Dallas Legal Issues Blog

How might The Boeing Company’s innovation disrupt aviation?

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Monday, March 16, 2020.

Boeing’s identity as a top innovator continuously challenges the aerospace industry. However, how far will the company’s efforts stretch aviation efforts in the coming years?

The company’s intellectual property (IP) claims exceed 7,000 patents worldwide, ranging from information technology to aircraft assembly among both military and civilian markets. Yet, do they believe in the possibility of taking a flight powered by electricity?

Boeing displays some optimism despite financial setbacks

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Wednesday, February 12, 2020.

Boeing reportedly lost more than $630 million in 2019. This comes after the company faced intense scrutiny over two 737 Max planes that crashed, killing 346 people total.

In early 2020, Boeing halted production of the 737. That’s after regulators demanded the planes be grounded in spring of 2019. The ordeal could have Boeing’s costs rising above $18 billion. That’s twice the amount than what the company predicted in its previous quarter.

U.S. law protects older planes from lawsuits

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.

Federal law sets a time limit for filing lawsuits against aircraft manufacturers for defective planes. A manufacturer is free from liability after 18 years, with some restrictions, for property damage, personal injuries and deaths caused by problems with their product.

What manufacturers must know when facing defective product claims

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

The well-known aircraft manufacturer Boeing has faced quite a few challenges this year. For months, reports of crashes, whistleblowers and claims of defective products have filled the news.

These stories are only increasing the public’s apprehension as well as the FAA’s aggressive investigation tactics into aircraft manufacturing. So, what should manufacturers know if they are faced with these challenges and product liability claims?

Is cyber insurance essential for business owners?

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

Businesses and individuals/ entrepreneurs wouldn’t dream of operating without liability insurance. Taking out an insurance policy is a smart way to protect your business in case any of the covered events unexpectedly occur.

Insurance policies also serve as a relief point and a financial backup plan. And, now especially with the internet playing a significant role in the economic market, businesses are adding cyber insurance to the list.

What should you do if you suspect intellectual property theft?

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Thursday, September 19, 2019.

Business owners know that they must take proactive measures to protect their intellectual property. After all, intellectual property often supports the business, from a unique logo that boosts the brand to the ideas behind the products.

Unfortunately, there are some parties who seek to misappropriate or even steal a business' intellectual property for their own gain. Though this is rare, it is an increasing risk. The FBI reports that it has become easier for other entities to steal intellectual property as technology advances.

All commercial planes are equally safe, right?

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Thursday, August 22, 2019.

As a frequent flier, you are likely used to hearing the engines rev during a pre-flight check and staying buckled into your seat during turbulence. Because of your previous airline experiences, you may not have concerns about flying. Yet, inexperienced travelers may be nervous about whether they will reach their destination.

Although a high percentage of commercial airplanes take off and land without a problem, crashes often flood news reports. One incident can raise anxiety about what happened and the probability that it will reoccur, as well as make people wonder if there is a better option when booking a flight.

NTSB probing helicopter crash that killed billionaire, 6 others

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Tuesday, August 6, 2019.

It will likely be a long time before the world knows exactly what caused the helicopter crash that killed billionaire coal magnate Christopher Cline, his daughter and five others. The aircraft took off from Cline’s private island, Big Grand Cay in the Bahamas, shortly before 2 a.m. on July 4, with plans to fly to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to get medical treatment for two unspecified passengers.

Cline’s 22-year-old daughter, Kameron Cline, was on board, along with three of her friends, a pilot and one other crew member. Minutes after taking off the helicopter crashed into the ocean, killing everyone on board.

Insurance company sued over limited coverage insurance plan

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

Health Insurance Innovations is being sued by two different policyholders that claim they did not receive the insurance coverage they were promised. The policyholders are millions of dollars in debt due to the insurance plans lapse in coverage.

One individual spoke with a Health Insurance Innovations sales representative in 2016 that found an affordable option for her. The client said that the sales representative offered her a plan for $240 per month. She was very thankful and agreed to purchase the plan that she believed to be a traditional plan with coverage guarantees.

Pilots upset with recent plane crashes

On behalf of Cunningham Swaim, LLP on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

The Boeing 737 Max aircraft has been globally grounded since March, following two plane crashes—in under five months—resulting in 346 deaths.

In May, Boeing’s representatives disputed the pilots’ requests to immediately fix the software system. An official stated that the company did not want to rush the process of finding the exact cause of the crashes. Boeing claims that pilot error may have been the cause of the accidents.