DKOW Wins Jurisdictional Dispute in Guatemalan Plane Crash Case

ARM, a Guatemalan based company that offers charter plane services in Guatemala and surrounding areas, including Texas, was the operator of a Cessna plane that crashed in 2008 due to in-flight engine failure, killing 11 and injuring 3. Twelve of the victims were on humanitarian trip with Utah based company, Choice Humanitarian. ARM fought to keep the jurisdiction of the case solely in Guatemala and out of the United States. DKOW attorneys presented findings of fact, arguing multiple connections between ARM and Texas to maintain one lawsuit tried in Dallas, Texas. The court found ARM subject to jurisdiction in Texas and of the Texas Court agreeing that judicial economy and efficiency are most effectively served by trying one lawsuit in Dallas, Texas.