Aviation Disasters

Charles Herrmann, chairman of Herrmann Law Group, established HLG’s reputation as a preeminent aviation firm when he successfully represented the families of 89 victims of Korean Air Flight KAL 007, which was shot down by a Soviet MIG in 1983. HLG won more than $26 million dollars for clients. For the past 36 years, HLG has been a leader in aviation law, nationally and internationally.

Currently, HLG represents 46 victim families in the 2018 crash of Lion Air JT 610. We will prove Boeing not only provided defective equipment on a brand new 737 MAX 8, but intentionally concealed a new computer program from pilots to avoid expensive but necessary training costs. The firm also represents victim families in the crash of Ethiopian Airlines ET 302 in 2019, a similar disaster to Lion Air involving the same Boeing 737 MAX 8 design.

The firm has successfully secured tens of millions of dollars in compensation for victims from liable parties including commercial aircraft manufacturers, airline carriers, and smaller component and instrument manufacturers. HLG’s team has decades of experience determining all possible sources of liability to pursue for maximum compensation.

HLG’s team includes attorneys, community representatives, experienced investigators, and in-house interpreters of Korean, Chinese, Mexican and Indonesian origin. We can effectively communicate with victims, witnesses, and opposing parties in the international community. This, combined with experience, gives us a superior advantage in international litigation.

Samples of Aviation Litigation Success

This is a partial list. For more, please see firm record.

  • Korean Airlines Flight KE 801 which crashed at Nimitz Hill in Agana, Guam. Recovery was in excess of $92 million.

  • China Airlines Flight CI 611 which disintegrated over the Straight of Taiwan. Recovery was in excess of $26 million.

  • China Air Flight CA 129 which crashed while attempting to land in Busan, Korea. Recovery was in excess of $23 million.

  • TACA Airlines Flight TA 390 which ran off the runway while attempting to land in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Recovery in excess of $1.75 million (28 victims claims still pending before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Central America).

  • Asiana Airlines Flight OZ 214 which crash landed at San Francisco International Airport in San Francisco, California. Confidential recovery.

Results in prior cases do not reflect compensation in future cases. Each accident is different, each case is unique. Whatever the circumstances, HLG will fight to win you the maximum compensation as promptly as possible.

International Aviation Attorneys

After an aviation accident, the airline carrier, the aircraft manufacturer, or insurance companies may attempt to contact the victim families immediately. This is why it is critical for victim families to seek legal counsel. The corporations and insurance companies are not on your side.

In aviation disasters, like other accidents, insurance companies may use tactics to convince you to settle for less than you deserve. You need experienced legal representatives who understand the law and are on your side.

Our attorneys are on your side. We care about you. We will fight for you. If you have been injured in an aviation accident, or you have a lost a loved one, contact Herrmann Law Group as soon as possible for a free legal consultation.


Call (206) 625-9104 to speak to an attorney or complete this form and we will contact you within 24 hours.