New Delhi: Are families of the 53 UK nationals – including the one who miraculously survived – who were on board the ill-fated AI-171 flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12 planning to sue Air India and Boeing over compensation and other issues?
According to India Today, the families are in active consultation with Keystone Law, a UK-based law firm, regarding potential lawsuits around compensation and legal obligations under international aviation law.
The accident is now being probed by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) of India in New Delhi. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the US is also part of the investigation.
Keystone Law is said to have confirmed that it is currently advising several families affected by the Air India AI-171 tragedy. The flight, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London, crashed shortly after its take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 229 passengers and 12 crew members on board. Nineteen people were killed on the ground. All 260 bodies have been handed over to the families after DNA tests.
“We are reviewing the recent actions 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,” Keystone Law has been quoted as saying.
It has been revealed that a series of meetings have been scheduled this week with multiple UK-based families to map out a legal strategy. A final decision on how to proceed is expected after these consultations conclude.
After the crash, Air India and its parent Tata Group announced compensation of Rs 1.25 crore for the family of every victim — Rs 1 crore from Tata Sons and an interim Rs 25 lakh payment from the airline.
