Air India Flight 171 Plane Crash Attorneys

Our Lawyers Handled Plane Crashes Like This Before—And Won

Our attorneys have spent over 50 years representing families in the wake of commercial airline disasters. From mechanical failures to design defects to negligent airline operations, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to win high-stakes cases in both U.S. and international courts.

Some of our landmark aviation cases include:

• $40 million recovery in a helicopter crash caused by design flaws
• $25 million FTCA judgment involving U.S. air traffic control errors
• Leadership roles in Boeing 737 MAX litigation for Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air victims

Our experience spans the globe. Our commitment is to every family we serve.

Why Podhurst Orseck Is the Firm You Need

Steven Marks: A Global Leader in Aviation Law

Steven Marks, Podhurst Orseck’s Managing Partner, is a powerhouse in aviation litigation. He is the only attorney in decades to try and win multiple commercial airline disaster cases in U.S. courts. His command of aviation law, engineering principles, and international treaties makes him a formidable advocate for grieving families.

Ricardo Martinez-Cid: Veteran of International Crash Litigation

Ricardo is a board-certified aviation attorney who has led litigation in crashes involving American Airlines, Boeing, and foreign entities. He is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and offers culturally sensitive representation to international clients.

Lea Bucciero: A Force in Mass Disaster Recovery

Lea has played critical roles in aviation and mass disaster cases, including the Boeing 737 MAX litigation and the Champlain Towers South collapse. Lea’s empathy, persistence, and results have earned clients and judges’ praise.

Kristina Infante: Nationally Recognized FTCA Litigator

Kristina is a standout FTCA attorney with deep aviation litigation experience. She served on the leadership team for the Ethiopian Airlines 302 crash and led the historic $127.5 million recovery in the Parkland school shooting FTCA case.

When you hire Podhurst Orseck, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting an elite team.

U.S. Government Liability in International Crashes

Although Air India Flight 171 was an international tragedy, U.S. law may still apply. If negligent design or manufacturing by American companies contributed to the crash, families may be entitled to pursue legal action in U.S. courts.

We’ve successfully litigated cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and other statutes that allow foreign plaintiffs to seek damages in the U.S. Our knowledge of cross-border legal frameworks—including the Montreal Convention—ensures that no stone is left unturned in your pursuit of justice.

Navigating international aviation law requires seasoned counsel.

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Compensation for Victims of Air India Flight 171

Families impacted by the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 may be entitled to substantial compensation under international aviation law, including damages available in wrongful death and personal injury claims. Determining fair compensation involves careful evaluation of the crash circumstances, liability under international treaties, and the unique losses suffered by each victim’s family.

Damages That May Be Recovered

• Medical Expenses – For survivors, recoverable damages may include emergency medical care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment resulting from crash-related injuries.
• Loss of Earnings & Future Income – If the victim was employed or had future earning potential, families may recover compensation for lost wages, diminished earning capacity, or future financial support lost due to death or disability.
• Pain, Suffering & Emotional Distress – Compensation may be available for the physical pain and emotional trauma endured by survivors, as well as for the grief, anxiety, and psychological suffering experienced by family members.
• Loss of Consortium & Parental Guidance – In wrongful death claims, surviving spouses and children may seek damages for the loss of companionship, emotional support, and guidance once provided by their loved one.
• Funeral & Burial Costs – Families may recover the full cost of memorial services, repatriation of remains, and burial expenses stemming from the fatal crash.
• International Treaty Coverage (Montreal Convention) – Since the crash involves an international carrier, the Montreal Convention may apply, imposing strict liability on Air India up to a certain threshold and allowing for further compensation if negligence is proven.

At Podhurst Orseck, our aviation accident attorneys work with a global network of aviation safety experts, life care planners, forensic economists, and grief counselors to build comprehensive claims. We fight to ensure that every loss—economic, emotional, and personal—is fully accounted for under both U.S. and international law.

If you lost a loved one on Air India Flight 171 or suffered injuries as a survivor, we are here to guide you with sensitivity, skill, and global legal experience.