I had an experience with 261 compensation from airberlin described here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airbe...pensation.html
In summary:
I received about 65% of the €600 amount one year after the flight, via court in Germany.
After the flight, airberlin did not respond to my emails and to my mailed letter.
I sent a complaint to LBA and after about three months received a response from LBA telling me that they will not take any action and that the case is closed. No reason given. Absolutely useless.
I went to euclaim, and they sent the letter to airberlin on my behalf - no response. Euclaim passed the case to their lawyers in Berlin and the lawyers sent a letter to airberlin. Airberlin paid 50% of the compensation as a "goodwill" and not admitting anything. The lawyers filed a lawsuit and the court in Berlin ruled against airberlin to pay the remaining 50% of the compensation plus interest and court costs.
Euclaim deducted their cut and after wire transfer fees and currency exchange losses, I finally received about 65% of the amount due.