Protection against a lawsuit
 

Here is a question for all you airline veterans,
Since we are in the age of "I'll sue everyone", how have you set up certain things, like finances, so that in the event that a plane that you are piloting goes down (assuming you die, or maybe not), your family isnt racked across the coals by a zealous lawyer, and the remaining kin of all the passengers that were on that aircraft. Is there a way you can protect your family assets from being sued into bankruptcy?

That is what a union is for.

What I recommend if you are worried is that you get what is called and "umbrella policy". The way it works is, you have to increase your limits on your auto policy. If you get an umbrella policy, it covers your personal liability up to a specified amount. In most cases, the insurance company supplies the lawyers if there's ever a case filed against you. You honestly probably won't need it, since cases go after the biggest pockets/policy holders. If you own houses and have many assets, it probably won't hurt.

A union is not going to help you with a personal civil suit.

The only practical way to protect against something like that is to legally transfer assets out of your name. If you have significant assets, a lawyer will help you with that. They won't come after you if there is nothing to get. Some states have laws that limit what can be taken in the event of a judgement as well.

OJ Simpson is a master at that.

(1)Check and see if your company has made your pilots "agents of the company". That`s legalese for "whatever you do, it`s their fault, not yours". My company, Delta agreed to that in a contract about 25 years ago.(2) put your house in your wifes name (3) The suggestion about an umbrella policy is a good one. I have a two milliom dollar one, covers you for every thing (unless you do something illegal, like rob a bank or something).Cost about $450/year. We live in a litiguous society, I think it`s worth it. And one more thing..this advice was given to me by F. Lee Bailey (had him on a flight) he said that if you ever get in trouble, of any kind KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!

Everybody should heed this advice.

If you're ever in an accident or incident, make no comment to ANYBODY (company, NTSB, FAA, police, media, etc), until you've had the opportunity to speak with legal counsel/union representation.

The only thing that you are required to do in a timely (immediate) manner following an accident is a drug/alcohol test. Beyond that you have no obligation to make any statements before having the opportunity to prepare yourself thoroughly.

Thanks for the info guys, other than the "thats what a union is for comment" all have been very helpful. I was planning on a 49 (mine) 51 (wife) split so at least if she divorces me I will still have something, and if I crash they wont get everything. I agree with the mouth shut thing as well. I was hoping for more response but i think I got the reaffirmation i was looking for, thanks bros.

Follow SOPA/SMAC. That way, if the aearospace vehicle descends into terra firma, my a$$ will be covered (literally.....with dirt). ;)

Really, just follow the rules and don't do anything stupid. Follow your companies procedures.