Survivors of Hudson River air crash consider suing airline

Some of the 150 passengers whose lives were saved in the “miracle of the Hudson” last month are considering suing US Airways for the emotional distress they suffered.

Some of the 150 passengers whose lives were saved in the “miracle of the Hudson” last month are considering suing US Airways for the emotional distress they suffered.

The pilot received an ovation from both Houses of Congress on Tuesday when President Obama praised Chesley B. Sullenberger’s heroism by bringing the aircraft safely down in the river on January 15. The airline, however, appears set to receive a writ.

In apparent confirmation that America remains the most litigious society in the world, Kreindler and Kreindler, a New York law firm, says it has been contacted by passengers of Flight 1549 about claiming damages for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The airline has sent the passengers a letter of apology, a $5,000 (£3,500) cheque to assist with “immediate needs”, reimbursement for their tickets and a promise to be upgraded to first class on flights until March 10.

Tess Sosa, who escaped with her husband and two small children, told the New York Post that US Airways were seeking to “exonerate themselves as much as they can” by offering passengers “a small token”.

Others, however, insist they are just grateful to be alive. One, Dave Sanderson, said the airline had “treated me like gold since the incident”.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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