Fatal Airline Accidents

A fatal airline accident is every traveler’s fear—and every family’s worst nightmare. Whether a crash happened during takeoff, landing, or mid-flight, the impact is devastating. Families are left with shock, grief, and unanswered questions—alongside urgent financial and legal concerns. If you lost a loved one in a fatal airline incident, you may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under U.S. law or the Montreal Convention, depending on the circumstances of the flight.

At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we help families understand their rights after aviation tragedies. While no lawsuit can ever undo the loss, holding the airline or responsible party accountable can hopefully provide financial security and some measure of closure. Our team has represented wrongful death clients across Florida since 1976, and we are prepared to help you take the next step forward with the utmost care and attention.

Most airline deaths involve major aviation disasters, but others result from mechanical failures, pilot error, or inflight medical events that are made worse by crew inaction. Common scenarios include:

• Commercial airline crashes
• Hard landings or runway overruns
• Engine failures mid-flight
• Cabin depressurization
• Onboard fires or smoke
• Fatal injuries caused by falling objects or turbulence
• Crew delays in responding to medical emergencies

In some cases, the airline’s own safety procedures—or lack of enforcement—contribute to the outcome. Investigating what happened takes time and experience. The dedicated airline injury lawyers at Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada work with aviation experts, review maintenance records, and request flight data to help explain the events leading to your unfortunate loss.

If the fatal accident occurred on an international flight, or one that was part of an international itinerary, the Montreal Convention may govern the claim. This treaty makes airlines strictly liable for passenger injuries and deaths that result from an “accident” during international travel—including while boarding or disembarking.

Under the Montreal Convention:

• The airline is automatically responsible for damages up to a set amount.
• For compensation above that, the airline must prove it was not negligent or that the injury was caused by another party.
• Claims must be filed within two years of the passenger’s arrival (or scheduled arrival) at their destination.

These rules can significantly affect your claim, so it is important to speak as soon as possible with an airline injury attorney who understands both U.S. and international aviation law.

In most cases, the decedent’s surviving spouse, children, or parents may file a claim for wrongful death. In Florida, these claims are governed by the Florida Wrongful Death Act, which outlines who can recover and what damages are available. Depending on your relationship to the deceased, you may be able to recover for:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of future earnings or support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, or parental care
• Emotional pain and suffering

If the death occurred during international travel, your rights may instead fall under the Montreal Convention, which allows families to pursue financial damages without needing to prove fault.

Handling a fatal airline claim requires a combination of compassion, technical knowledge, and legal skill. At Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, we work closely with investigators, federal agencies, and aviation experts to gather the full picture of what happened to cause your loss. Our team will:

• Request black box data and flight communications
• Investigate maintenance records and safety logs
• Review witness accounts and crew statements
• Identify all responsible parties, including manufacturers or third-party contractors
• Calculate both economic and non-economic damages
• Manage communications with the airline’s insurers and legal teams

Our goal is to give your family the space to grieve while we focus on pursuing maximum compensation for your loss.

You should not have to face the aftermath of an airline tragedy alone. Let Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada answer all your questions and explain your different options. Our airline injury lawyers are recognized as some of the best, and we offer free, confidential consultations and charge no fees unless and until we recover compensation for your family. Call 877-448-8585 to speak with our experienced airline injury lawyers who can help you take the first step forward after your significant loss.