The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

US Airways has wasted no time in getting compensation for the 150 passengers who survived a crash landing in the Hudson River on January 15. The company has already mailed checks for $5000 to all the passengers. According to US Airways, the checks are to reimburse passengers for their tickets and ensure that passengers can quickly replace lost items without major inconvenience. This is above the amount that the airlines are liable for--$3300, according to US Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations--and comes much quicker and with less evasion than one typically encounters from a corporation liable in this type of incident. US Airways has an insurance claims specialist contacting passengers to tell them they'll be reimbursed for expenses or losses above $5000. In addition, many passengers report that the airline has treated them "like gold," since the incident, calling those who suffered minor injuries to be sure they are okay.

Should we be suspicious of the exceptional generosity of US Airways? One should always be suspicious of early settlements following any accident, especially those offered by corporations following commercial truck accidents, bus accidents, or aviation accidents.US Airways is probably counting, at least, on a high level of good will. There seems to be nothing in the letter accompanying the check that represents a release of further rights, but the hope is probably that by coming out right away with checks that are worth more than most people's baggage, they can reduce the already limited number of passengers who are likely to file lawsuits.

However, it is unlikely to prevent all lawsuits. A number of passengers have contacted lawyers either in New York or in their home states about the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Some have talked about emotional distress, saying that flying is becoming more and more difficult as a result of trauma.

If you have suffered injury or emotional distress as a result of either this or any other aviation incident, you deserve full compensation. To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, choose a law firm with the resources, skill, and experience to take on large corporations, like The Cochran Firm. Schedule an aviation accident lawsuit consultation with a local branch of The Cochran Firm to set the nationwide organization in motion to win your case.