National law firm Wilson Elser announced the official launch of a national Helicopter Defense practice. The firm has practiced in this area for years, but decided to codify a specific sub group to address the distinct risks that helicopters present and the needs of our clients.

Led by William Katt, regional managing partner of the firm’s Milwaukee, WI, office and chair of the Aviation & Aerospace practice, the experienced team represents helicopter operators and others in the industry against claims that arise in this discrete sector of the industry.

“Helicopters present a unique set of risks,” said Katt, who serves as lead litigation counsel for the largest fleet of EMS helicopters in the world. “Flying at low altitudes and often in delicate situations such as patient transfer and search and rescue missions create circumstances that require a team with an understanding of aviation beyond fixed-wing aircraft.”

“The confluence of skills and experience within this team is what makes it so strong,” Katt explained further. “Our team consists of accomplished litigators and trial attorneys, which are key to any defense team, as well as collective experience in aviation and aerospace with a distinct focus on rotorcraft. Together with our strong relationships with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), we are able to gather the information necessary to create strong defense theories.”

Wilson Elser clients also benefit from breadth of services and national reach across the firm’s 30 U.S. offices.