4. Tell it to the judge.

If nothing else works, tell it to the judge. An airline can be sued in small claims court in any jurisdiction where it operates flights or does business. You can get more information about this through your city’s office of consumer affairs or the clerk of the court. Small claims court costs are low and doesn’t need a lawyer, plus the procedures are much less formal.

In the case of serious injury or death, a common obstacle that obstructs the the initiation of legal process is the inability to find previously related information on the type of tragedy. The families of the victims should be aware that:

a. Under the law, a minimum of one year are given to them to take legal action against an airline in cases involving aircraft crash. This will give them enough time to grieve for the loss.
b. The smallest settlements were distributed to families who settle claims through direct negotiations. They should be cautious in directly negotiating with the insurance company of the airline.
c. In looking for attorneys to defend them in court, they must choose those who have at least a decade experience in air crash litigation. These attorneys can be found through those who send out promotional packets after the crash, referrals from other trusted lawyers, assistance from the National Air Disaster Alliance and other private support group, searching in the internet for lawyers especializing in air crash litigation, publications and newspapers naming attorneys involved in disaster coverage, and determining attorneys on steering committees during previous crash incidents.
d. Air disasters are often resolved in one to three years. The other key issue in suing an airline is approving or disapproving a settlement proposal.
5. Persist until you get your desired resolution.

Doing one action for a complaint will not get you anywhere unless you are lucky enough to be given attention and resolution on one try. Most often, a series of actions is necessary to really get what you want.

Follow up your complaint and insist on the desired resolution. The best way is to talk to multiple people and document your case to make sure you will get what you truly deserve. Remember, you’ll never get your benefits unless you ask for them. Sometimes, you need to ask multiple times or multiple people.

If the airline causes you trouble, it owes you for it. Do not hesitate to ask for compensation or to take legal action, if necessary, against the airline. Sometimes, a good customer service can fix it. But sometimes, it’s the law. Always exercise your rights as an airline passenger.