Families of victims in the Air India AI 171 crash are considering suing the airline and Boeing in UK courts. They are reportedly seeking higher compensation for their losses, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Families in the UK of the victims from the Air India (AI 171) crash are contemplating legal action against both the airline and aircraft manufacturer Boeing in UK courts in pursuit of increased compensation.
The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of nearly all 242 passengers and crew members aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as well as 34 individuals on the ground, when the London-bound aircraft crashed into a medical college campus shortly after takeoff in Ahmedabad.
Among the deceased, 181 were Indian nationals, while 52 were from the UK.
Sources indicate that the victims’ families are consulting with the UK-based law firm Keystone Law to explore potential lawsuits against Air India and Boeing, primarily focused on seeking enhanced compensation.
The Tata Group, which owns Air India, previously stated it would provide compensation of Rs.1 crore to each family, according to sources.
Additionally, they announced an extra Rs. 25 lakh per family to assist with immediate financial needs.
Keystone Law has confirmed that it is in discussions with multiple families who have lost loved ones in this devastating aviation disaster.
Meetings are scheduled this week between the law firm and UK relatives of the victims to develop a legal strategy.
Keystone Law stated,
“We are reviewing the recent actions taken by the lead aviation insurer for Air India, TataAIG, in relation to early offers of financial settlement and the obligations of Air India under international law to provide advanced payments to all next of kin,”
A final decision regarding legal proceedings will be made following the conclusion of this week’s meetings. Under the Montreal Convention, families of crash victims have the right to file claims in jurisdictions where the airline operates or if the victims have connections to those countries.
Earlier, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India, seeking the temporary suspension of Air India’s Boeing fleet.
The plea calls for a comprehensive safety audit and suggests that all Boeing aircraft operated by the airline should be grounded until they successfully clear an inspection within two weeks.