Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752: What Families Need To Know

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...