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Some Hudson Passengers Say $5K Not Enough

Airline paid up for lost belongings, but some eye trauma restitution

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 28, 2009 10:28 AM CST
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(Newser) – US Airways paid $5,000 to each passenger aboard Flight 1549 for the baggage that the NTSB needs to keep for its investigation into the crash—but not everyone is satisfied with that payout, reports USA Today. Some say their belongings were worth more than $5,000, while others want restitution for injuries.

One passenger, who came out of the incident with bumps and bruises, says he "would like to be made whole for the incident." Others have approached lawyers over their emotional trauma and newfound fear of flying. But to claim damages in court, passengers would need to prove that the airline is somehow at fault for the crash through negligence or maintenance problems.

The engine of US Airlines Flight 1549 is examined after it was retrieved from the Hudson River Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. Investigators hope it will help determine the cause of the crash.
The engine of US Airlines Flight 1549 is examined after it was retrieved from the Hudson River Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. Investigators hope it will help determine the cause of the crash.   (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
In order to receive damages from a lawsuit, victims of the Flight 1549 crash would have to prove that negligence caused the incident, or that the plane was not running properly.
In order to receive damages from a lawsuit, victims of the Flight 1549 crash would have to prove that negligence caused the incident, or that the plane was not running properly.   (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
All of the baggage on the Airbus 320 US Airways aircraft that crashed into the Hudson is being kept by the NTSB for at least several weeks so it can weigh the total contents of the plane.
All of the baggage on the Airbus 320 US Airways aircraft that crashed into the Hudson is being kept by the NTSB for at least several weeks so it can weigh the total contents of the plane.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
Mad
Jan 29, 2009 1:09 AM CST
Speak for yourself. Not everyone on the plane has their hand out for more. That fact alone proves you're wrong
Sleepy1
Jan 28, 2009 8:34 PM CST
If you were on the plane, you'd be doing the same thing. I know I would.
Guest
Jan 28, 2009 3:22 AM CST
I can't help but to think that greed is the only thing truly driving this push.

Some people now love US Airways
Science Blogs

Bill O'Reilly is pretty sure there's a cover-up here
Fox News

...But only after railing against frivolous lawsuits
injuryboard.com

US

 
US Airways • plane crash • lawsuit • Hudson River • lost baggage • Flight 1549 • Hudson crash

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