Lyons & Simmons attorney Jackson Smith helped secure a $1.735 million jury verdict in a Dallas County aviation case stemming from the 2023 crash of a single-engine jet during the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow.
Jackson Smith joined his brother, Austin Smith, partner at Steckler Wayne, in representing plaintiff Daniel Filer in Daniel Filer v. Mark Ruff, tried in the 14th Judicial District Court of Dallas County.
The lawsuit arose from an August 13, 2023 incident involving Filer’s Soviet-era MiG-23 aircraft during the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow. According to court filings, Filer was serving as pilot-in-command while defendant Mark Ruff occupied the rear cockpit as an observer. The lawsuit alleged that Ruff initiated an ejection against to Filer’s direction, ejecting both occupants and leaving the aircraft unmanned before it crashed near a residential apartment building.
Following trial, the jury returned a verdict awarding $1.735 million in damages and found no negligence on the part of Filer.
“This was a unique case involving unusual aviation issues, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside my brother and give Mr. Filer his day in court,” Jackson Smith said. “This is a fantastic result, and we appreciate the jury’s time, attention and careful consideration of the evidence.”
