Michael L. Slack

Bar / Professional Activity

• American Bar Association
• American Association for Justice, past chair of the Aviation Law Section and current member of Board of Governors
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Texas Pattern Jury Committee Volume I, Vice Chair (2008-present)
• AIAA National Technical Committee, Legal Aspects of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Texas Trial Lawyers Association, Past President and current member of Board of Directors
• American Astronautical Society
• Judicial Compensation Commission, State of Texas (2008-2016)
• Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, Advisory Council
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
• Lawyer Pilots Bar Association
• International Society of Air Safety Investigators

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Discriminatory Auto Insurance Rates Result In Significant Settlement, Grigson, et al. v. Farmers Group, Inc. (W.D. Tex.)
• Incorrect Situational Awareness Results In International Crash Lawsuit, American Airlines Flight 331
• Pilots Negligence In Following Established Procedures Results In Commercial Airplane Crash Lawsuit, American Connection 5966
• Errors On Take-Off Results In Commercial Airplane Crash Lawsuit, Continental Flight 1404
• Defective Beech Depressurization System Results In Private & Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Hagerman, et al. v. Hawker Beechcraft Corp., et al.
• Cyclic Control Seize Results In Helicopter Crash Lawsuit, Talbott v. Eastern New Mexico Medical Center
• Pilot’s Fatigue And Stress Results In Commercial Airplane Crash Lawsuit, Manus v. American Airlines (American Airlines Flight 1420)
• Mishandled Hazardous Materials Results In Commercial Airplane Crash Lawsuit, Hyatt v. ValuJet Flight 592
• Pilot Error Results In Private And Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Himsel v. State of AK
• Stevie Ray Vaughan Helicopter Crash Lawsuit, Vaughan v. Omniflight Helicopters
• Incorrectly Modified Engine Results In Helicopter Crash Lawsuit, Denning v. Airbus Helicopters
• Lack Of Weight And Balance Consideration Results In Private And Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Barnes et al v. PB One Aviation LLC, et al
• Improper Planning And Processes Results In Private & Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Taquan Air
• International Crash Lawsuit In San Pedro, Belize, Dreyer, et al v. Tropic Air
• Ice Accumulation Issues Results In Private & Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Fry et al. vs. Cessna Aircraft Company
• Crash Due To Improper Borescope Inspections Results In Private & Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Fuddy v. Makani Kai Air
• Lack Of Proper Engine Inspection Results In Private And Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, McKenna v. Pratt & Whitney
• Improper De-Icing Results In Private & Small Plane Crash Lawsuit, Mills v. Cessna Aircraft Company
• Reno Air Race Disaster
• Loss Of Hydraulic Pressure Results In Helicopter Crash Lawsuit, Strothman v. Airbus Helicopters
• Broken Fan Blade Results In Commercial Airplane Crash Lawsuit, Southwest Airlines Flight 1380
• Engine Power Loss Results In Helicopter Crash Lawsuit, Summons v. Air Methods & American Eurocopter
• Pilot’s Lack Of Training Results In Airline & Mass Disaster Aviation Lawsuit, Robertson v. Blue Hawaiian
• Engine Failure Results In Airline And Mass Disaster Aviation Lawsuit, Odekirk, et al v. Aero Ruta Maya, et al
• Maintenance Manual Error Results In Military Aviation Lawsuit, Davis v. Boeing
• Helicopter Crash Results In Active General Aviation Lawsuit, Stockbridge v. Heliservices
• Defective Fuel Tank Results In Aviation Lawsuit, Nemec v. Robinson Helicopter
• Southwest Airlines Flight 1380. On April 17, 2018, a Boeing 737 operated by Southwest Airlines experienced engine failure after departing from NY LaGuardia airport. While in flight, a fan blade detached from the engine and punctured the body of the aircraft, causing rapid depressurization of the passenger cabin and partially ejecting one passenger, resulting in her death. Eight other passengers were physically injured, and numerous passengers are suffering severe emotional trauma. The firm represented numerous passengers who continue to experience PTSD from this horrific experience. All clients settled for confidential amounts., 2018
• Denning v. Airbus Helicopters. On February 22, 2013, an air ambulance helicopter crashed in winter flying conditions a few minutes after take-off, killing the pilot and a flight nurse and injuring another medical crew member. Investigators determined that ice trapped in the air inlet was ingested during flight causing the engine to fail. Allegations against Airbus Helicopters and an entity which modified the air inlet system were that the air inlet screen on the top of the helicopter was susceptible to passing water into the area in front of the engine, trapping the water and allowing it to freeze quickly in winter conditions. The plaintiff alleged that the ice and water were not detectable by the pilot during a pre-flight inspection. A design modification proposed by the plaintiff would have melted the ice and permitted the trapped water to harmlessly escape the inlet before freezing. The firm represented the flight nurse that was killed in the crash., 2013
• Reno Air Race Disaster - On September 16, 2011, a highly modified P-51D Mustang crashed near the spectator area at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, killing eleven people and injuring more than 100 other spectators. The firm represented multiple spectators and served as the lead counsel for all of the spectator survivors and families in originating, negotiating and implementing the Reno Air Disaster Compensation Fund. Insurance funds were distributed to claimants in January 2013, less than eight months after the initial meeting with Ken Feinberg, Administrator of the Fund. The process resulted in complete exhaustion of all of the available insurance funds to cover the losses sustained by the spectators and their families., 2011
• American Airlines Flight 331. During the December 22, 2009 landing attempt in Kingston, Jamaica, American Airlines Flight 331 crashed at Norman Manley International Airport, injuring most of the passengers. The firm represented multiple injured passengers, many of whom suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The firm represented multiple passengers whose cases settled for confidential amounts, 2009
• Talbott v. Medical Air Transport, Inc., and Roswell Hospital Corporation. On October 19, 2001, an air ambulance helicopter owned by Medical Transport and operated for Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, crashed killing two passengers and seriously injuring a third. The firm represented the family of a deceased passenger, and the case resulted in two favorable verdicts.  After the retrial, which was, again, a record verdict for the deceased passenger’s family, the hospital appealed.  The appellate court stated, “we expressly adopt Section 411 of the Restatement (Second) of Torts as the law of New Mexico. We further conclude that the evidence presented at the second trial in this case was sufficient to establish the elements of Plaintiffs' claim under Section 411…”  Talbott v. Roswell Hospital Corp. d/b/a Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, 144 N.M. 753, 192 P.3d 267 (N.M. App. 2008).  The ruling greatly enhanced air ambulance safety by ensuring that hospitals scrutinize their helicopter operators to safeguard patients and personnel onboard., 2001
• American Airlines Flight 587 American Airlines Flight 587 took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on November 21, 2001. Shortly after take off, the aircraft lost its vertical stabilizer and crashed moments later into Belle Harbor, a residential area of New York City. The plane exploded on impact, killing all 251 passengers. AA Flight 587 was the second deadliest aviation accident to occur on U.S. soil. The firm represented the families of multiple passengers and served on the plaintiff’s steering committee in the Multi-District Litigation. The firm’s cases settled for confidential amounts., 2001
• American Airlines Flight 1420 (Manus v. American Airlines). American Airlines Flight 1420 crashed on June 1, 1999 at the Little Rock National Airport in Little Rock, Arkansas during an intense thunderstorm which had begun crossing the airport as the aircraft was landing.  Ten passengers were killed in the crash, and many sustained serious physical injuries. The firm represented five surviving passengers and the family of two deceased passengers.  Several of our clients who survived were diagnosed with severe PTSD resulting from their traumatic experience.  Mike Slack was trial counsel in Manus v. American Airlines, with Little Rock attorney Jim Jackson, in which the jury awarded significant damages to a mother and two small children who survived the crash but sustained serious effects from PTSD.  The Manus verdict was affirmed on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.  Manus v. American Airlines, Inc., 314 F. 3d 968 (8th Cir. 2003).  Manus remains one of the largest verdicts ever awarded to airline passengers for PTSD., 1999
• Hyatt v. ValuJet Flight 592. On May 11, 1996, Walter Hyatt, American singer and songwriter, mentor to Lyle Lovett, was killed when ValuJet 592 caught fire and crashed into the everglades in Miami-Dade County.  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the fire began in the cargo compartment below the passenger cabin.  The firm represented the Hyatt family and the case settled for a confidential amount., 1996
• Vaughan v. Omniflight Helicopters. On August 27, 1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan, famed guitarist, was killed when the helicopter he was in crashed into the side of a hill at the Alpine Valley Resort in East Troy, Wisconsin. The firm represented the Vaughan family, and the case settled for a confidential amount., 1990

Videos

• Mike Slack Bio
• Slack & Davis Aviation Attorney Mike Slack Talks About Air Ambulance Helicopter Crashes
• Slack & Davis Aviation Attorney Mike Slack Talks About Commercial Airline Crashes
• Slack & Davis Aviation Attorney Mike Slack Discusses Discounted Fees
• Slack & Davis Aviation Attorney Mike Slack Talks About Helicopter Crashes
• Slack & Davis Aviation Attorney Mike Slack Discusses Helicopter Crashes In Hawaii

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Licensed as a professional engineer and as a pilot.

Pro bono / Community Service

• Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Corporate Council Member, 2017
• Leadership Austin, Alumni

Honors

• Bendix National Design Team Award, Recipient (Unmanned Venutian Lander, 1973)
• The 2018 recipient of the Aerospace Alumni Academy Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University., Aerospace Alumni Academy Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas A&M University, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 2018
• AV® Rated, Martindale-Hubbell; Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
• Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers (a 10-year honoree)
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Associate Fellow (2002)
• Board Certified, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Personal Injury Trial Law
• Licensed Pilot, Airplane Single Engine Land, Instrument Rating
• National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mission STS-2 (1981)
• The 2014 recipient of the Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award from the Department of Aerospace Engineering in the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University., Outstanding Aerospace Engineer Award, Texas A&M University, Department of Aerospace Engineering, 2014
• Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers “Top 100 Lawyers in Texas” (2012, 2014)
• National Board of Trial Advocacy, “Civil Trial Advocate”
• Board Certified, National Board of Trial Advocacy, Civil Trial Law
• Licensed Amateur Radio Operator W5QKM
• 73rd Texas Legislature, Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock (Contributions to Products Liability Bill)
• Who’s Who Legal Aviation, 2014
• Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers “Top 50 Lawyers in Central and West Texas” (2012-2014)
• Best Lawyers in America (past 13 years)
• Registered Professional Engineer (Aerospace), Texas

Educational Background

• B.S. and M.S., Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University

White Papers

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Presentation about the law (or absence thereof) surrounding autonomous vehicles., Presenter, Autonomous Vehicles: What Does the Future Hold?, State Bar of Texas Advanced Personal Injury Seminar, 2017
• "Legislative Update: Effect of Tort Reform Legislation," TTLA Car Wrecks Seminar (1995)
• "Handling Medical Device and Pharmaceutical Cases (A Perspective on L-Tryptophan, Norplant and Pedicle Instrumentation Litigation)," TTLA 6th Annual Medical Malpractice Seminar (1995)
• "Trends and Developments in Product Liability Law (Covering Recent Cases and Statutory Developments)," TTLA Advanced Products Liability Seminar (1995)
• "Products Liability Update — Covering Cases and Statutory Developments in 1993 & 1994," TTLA Hot Tips for Hot Times Seminar (1994)
• "The No-Fault Fraud," TTLA Surviving the 90's Seminar (1990); Trial Lawyers Forum (1991)
• "The Effective Use of Settlement Week-Plaintiff's Perspective," Austin Lawyers Journal (1990)
• "Litigation in the Federal Courts," CLA Examination Review Course (1988)
• Article discussing the havoc caused by drones and what can be done to address it., Author, Dealing with Drone Mischief, Law360, 2015
• Article published in Trial Magazine, Author, A Game of Drones, Trial Magazine, 2015
• “Managing the Complex Case” panel presentation (State Bar of Texas Advanced Trial Strategies Seminar, New Orleans, LA; February 18-19, 2016), Panelist, Managing the Complex Case, State Bar of Texas Advanced Trial Strategies Seminar, New Orleans, 2016
• “Developing Strategies to Combat State and Federal Preemptive Defenses” (State Bar of Texas Advanced Personal Injury Seminar 2015), Presenter, Developing Strategies to Combat State and Federal Preemptive Defenses, State Bar of Texas Advanced Personal Injury Seminar, 2015
• “Countdown to Success: Preparing the Plaintiff’s Case for Trial” (SMU Air Law Symposium; March 2015), Presenter, Countdown to Success: Preparing the Plaintiff’s Case for Trial, SMU Air Law Symposium, 2015
• “Legal Perspectives on Drone Regulation and Liabilities” (State Bar of Texas webinar; October 2015), Presenter, Legal Perspectives on Drone Regulation and Liabilities, State Bar of Texas Webinar, 2015
• Like a teacher, it's a lawyer's job to identify and simplify key, complex elements of the case before speaking to a judge and jury., Author, Three Things Lawyers Can Learn From Teachers, Texas Lawyer, 2014
• “Art of Simplicity: Direct and Cross Examination” (American Association for Justice Winter Conference. 2014), Presenter, The Art of Simplicity: Direct and Cross Examination, American Association for Justice Winter Convention, 2014
• “Translating Technical Concepts for Today’s Jury” (American Association for Justice Annual Convention; July 2014), Presenter, Translating Technical Concepts for Today’s Jury, American Association for Justice Annual Convention, 2014
• “It’s Complicated: Tips on Making Complex Cases Simple” (State Bar of Texas Annual Convention – Litigation Section CLE; June 2014), Presenter, It’s Complicated: Tips on Making Complex Cases Simple, State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting, 2014
• “The Legislature’s Impact on the Trial Bar” (Dallas Trial Lawyers Association; March 2014), Presenter, The Legislature’s Impact on the Trial Bar, Dallas Trial Lawyers Association, 2014
• “The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases” (American Association for Justice Winter Convention; February 2014), Presenter, The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases, American Association for Justice Winter Convention, 2014
• “Presenting Complex Facts to a Jury” (State Bar of Texas Advanced Trial Strategies; February 2014), Presenter, Presenting Complex Facts to a Jury, State Bar of Texas Advanced Trial Strategies, 2014
• “Aviation Safety in the New Millennium” (Austin Metropolitan Breakfast Club; February 2014), Presenter, Aviation Safety in the New Millennium, Austin Metropolitan Breakfast Club, 2014
• “The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases” (State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial Course 2013 and Embry Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium 2014), Presenter, The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases, Embry Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium, 2014
• “The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases” (State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial Course 2013 and Embry Riddle Aviation Law and Insurance Symposium 2014), Presenter, The Art of Simplicity: Litigating Complex Cases, State Bar of Texas Advanced Civil Trial Course, 2013
• “Emerging Technologies and Challenges in Aviation Safety” (American Bar Association CLE; October 2013), Presenter, Emerging Technologies and Challenges in Aviation Safety, American Bar Association CLE, 2013
• “Off the Record: Life as an Engineer, Pilot and Trial Lawyer” (Order of Daedalians; April 2013), Presenter, Off the Record: Life as an Engineer, Pilot and Trial Lawyer, Order of Daedalians, 2013
• “Transactions Gone Bad: Litigation between Buyers and Sellers of Aircraft” (National Business Aviation Association, November 2012, Presenter, Transactions Gone Bad: Litigation between Buyers and Sellers of Aircraft, National Business Aviation Association, 2012
• “Legends of the Fall” (Texas Trial Lawyers Association; September 2012), Presenter, Legends of the Fall, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, 2012
• “Plaintiff and Damages Expert – The Complex Path to a Fair and Reasonable Damages Award” (National Institute on Aviation Litigation conference, American Bar Association; June 2012), Plaintiff and Damages Expert – The Complex Path to a Fair and Reasonable Damages Award, National Institute on Aviation Litigation conference and American Bar Association, 2012

• Aviation

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