US Air flight crashes into Hudson River.

[Moonliner]

US Airways passengers get $5,000 each; is it enough?

Many US Airways (LCC) passengers who endured a crash landing in the Hudson River 12 days ago say they appreciate the $5,000 that the airline has offered — but some say it's not enough.
Joe Hart, a salesman from Charlotte who suffered a bloody nose and bruises, says he "would like to be made whole for the incident."

It was good for US Airways to reimburse passengers for the cost of the flight and lost luggage, but in this case I don't see why they should be on the hook for more than that.

The accident was caused by an act of God type thing and the crew from all accounts performed admirably. Yeah it sucks to be on a plane that lands in a river but I don't see how US Airways is responsible for your emotional trauma.

It's not clear from the article, perhaps Joe is just asking for the medical costs of patching up his nose but it reads like he's looking for a lottery type payday.