On January 8, 2020 Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 crashed shortly after takeoff from Tehran airport. All 176 people on board were killed including many Canadian citizens and residents. This horrific tragedy has had, and will continue to have, a major impact on the lives of the victims’ families.

WHAT SHOULD FAMILIES EXPECT?

This is an overwhelming time for anyone related to the victims of UIA Flight 752. Not only do you have to deal with all the grief but you must deal with all the challenges that arise. One of these is dealing with the claims.

There is a huge amount of information and mis-information floating about.  The purpose of this summary is to address some of the questions families may have and to try and bring some clarity to the claim process.

While the claim process will never begin to address your grief, families should know that the claim process is well established and will result in a good financial result for families.  It will also help to ensure that the truth comes out.  The family will have meaningful control and there will be accountability.

WHY DO FAMILIES MAKE CLAIMS?

After these tragic events, families seek information, accountability and compensation.  All are important and the claim process should ensure that all are addressed.

While financial compensation can never begin to fill the void left, it can help by addressing the financial consequences of such a loss and by providing a measure of meaningful accountability.

WHAT CLAIMS CAN BE MADE AND AGAINST WHOM?

Because this happened on an international flight, there are special rules that apply which change the process in very important ways.

The investigation is continuing but at this point it appears that there will be claims against Ukraine International Airways and Iran.

Because of these unique rules, family members should make a claim against UIA which is strictly liable for at least a substantial amount of compensation, and probably liable for all damages.

It is likely that a claim will be made against Iran.  However this is governed by different rules and considerations.  It should be pursued together with, not instead of, the claim against UIA.

WHEN SHOULD A CLAIM BE STARTED?

Families are dealing with many pressing matters.  There is no requirement for a claim to be made immediately though such claims must be brought within the permitted periods.

However, the sooner a claim is started, the sooner it is likely to be concluded.  So the sooner a family member is able to address the claim, the better.

WHERE CAN A CLAIM BE MADE?

The rules are unique and complex because they are subject to international law and considerations.

Different families may have different choices.  But if the passenger bought a Canadian ticket or resided in Canada, then it is likely that their family may claim against UIA in Canada or Ukraine.

The claim against Iran may be made in different ways or places, including an international court and tribunal.  It is possible that it can be made in Canada though the basis for such a claim here is limited.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED IN YOUR CLAIM?

This may vary according to whom the claim is made against and where the claim is advanced.

For those families who can claim in Canada, the amount of the damages will be determined under Canadian law.

For the claims against UIA in Canada, compensation is normally assessed on an individual basis.  We look at the loss of each family member and obtain the evidence necessary to demonstrate what these losses mean for that family member.  It is very important that the claim of each family member is carefully considered.

In Canada compensation is generally awarded for any economic loss.  This includes the loss of any future financial support.  It also includes the loss of services and other support family members provide for each other, including care, guidance and companionship.  However, compensation is not awarded for grief.

The claim against Iran is not limited in this way.  It is quite possible that compensation which reflects other considerations may lead to additional compensation.

It is also possible that interim payments will be made, similar to the payments offered by the Canadian Government.

WHAT EVIDENCE DO WE NEED TO HAVE FOR CLAIM AGAINST UIA?

You will not need to have evidence with respect to how the crash occurred.

It may be helpful to have any evidence with respect to the ticket or how it was purchased.

We will also need a variety of evidence in order to prove the claim. The list is detailed but the main point at this stage is to ensure that no evidence is lost.

DO I NEED A LAWYER?

You are not legally required to have a lawyer.  However, given the many issues involved, we believe all families should have a competent and trusted lawyer.

It is common for family members to use the same lawyer but this is not required.

HOW DO WE CHOOSE A LAWYER?

Grief puts us in a vulnerable position. It compromises our ability to make decisions. You should be very careful to select a lawyer who has the necessary experience and ability and you should be comfortable with the lawyer.  You will have to work with the lawyer and rely heavily on them.  So you should be careful to make sure you make the right choice.

There are several ways to find a lawyer.  However we believe the best way is to investigate carefully to ensure the lawyer has the particular experience and expertise for this claim.  You should be very cautious in doing so. Look for specific and detailed facts about the lawyer’s experience, not general descriptions of experience or expertise.

You should then look for arms-length recommendations and meet so that you can ask any questions you have and see if you feel comfortable with the lawyer.

HOW WOULD WE PAY THE LAWYER?

There are several different ways to pay lawyers.  However, in cases of this type they are usually paid on the basis of what is referred to as a contingent fee.  This means that you do not pay anything until the claim is successfully completed.  At that time the lawyer is paid based on the terms of the written retainer agreement signed at the time the lawyer is first retained.

These terms may vary and different approaches can be taken.

It is common for lawyers to be prepared to meet with families before they are retained to answer questions without charge.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SETTLE MY CLAIM AGAINST UIA?

No one can say with certainty how long this will take.  However the period tends to be one of three.

In some cases the claim can be properly assessed and settled within months.

More often it takes about two years from the time the claim is formally made.

In some cases where the airline takes steps to delay the process or refuses to negotiate it can take longer.  But in recent years this has been rare.

AGAINST IRAN OR OTHER PARTIES?

In theory the same three possibilities exist.  However it is more likely that this process will take years.  This is one reason that it is very desirable to proceed with the claim against the UIA without delay. 

It is desirable to coordinate both claims. The Canadian Government, which is likely to proceed with the claim against Iran, is likely to co-operate with families and their lawyers.  But there is no reason not to proceed with the claim against UIA now.

WHO CONTROLS THE CLAIM PROCESSES?

In the action against UIA, you control your claim.  You should be fully advised of all material information and given meaningful choices to consider. You provide instructions to your lawyer. 

It is probable that the Canadian Government will control the process in the claim against Iran, however, it is likely that they will work with families and their lawyers.

You should know that no one can speak for you other than your lawyer and that no one, including the lawyer, can settle your claim without your express agreement.  We only settle cases on the basis of a written Direction which sets the precise terms of the settlement and exactly how much you will receive after payment of all expenses.

WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH THIS TYPE OF CLAIM?

We have acted for families and those injured in a long list of aviation losses arising from crashes caused by pilot and equipment failures and also planes attacked by missile, bomb and hijackers. Some of these cases are listed below.

KOREAN AIR LINES 007

This aircraft was shot down by the Soviet Union in 1983.  We acted for the families of the Canadian passengers.

AIR INDIA 182

This flight was destroyed by terrorists’ bomb killing 329 people on board.  In addition to acting for our clients, Rod Winsor was appointed by the Ontario Superior Court as one of the four lawyers to act as the Plaintiffs’ Committee to take the lead on the difficult liability portion of that case.

This case included claims against the airline but also a variety of other parties, including the Canadian Government, on the basis that they shared responsibility for allowing the bomb on board the aircraft.

AIR CANADA CINCINNATI FIRE

A fire broke out on a DC-9 on a flight from Texas to Canada with 41 passengers. We acted for one of the families of a passenger who was killed and 3 of the survivors who were injured.  We also coordinated the efforts of the Canadian plaintiffs’ lawyers.

HIJACKINGS AND OTHER CLAIMS

We acted for Canadian victims in two hijackings, the Lufthansa Munich hijacking and the Ethiopian Airlines 961 which resulted in the crash of the aircraft.

Most recently we acted for the Canadian family of a victim in the crash of EgyptAir 804 where it was initially alleged that it had been caused by a bomb.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be ought about your specific circumstances.