I'll be interested to learn the final lawsuit cost?
In the UK currently the going rate for the death of a white male above average income earner, married with 2 kids is between £5 and £8million GBP. Then there is all the collateral damage costs and legal costs.
Something like this:
5 dead: £20-£25million.
Written off AS350: £2million repairs?
Rescue services charges: £2million.
Lawyers: £5million?
Looking at: £25 (ish) million, minimum perhaps? (GBP).
First they go for the pilot and his/her estate.
2nd: The company selling the tickets.
Both of which will of course become bankrupt if their insurance is below this figure!
In the UK the coroner decides on statute law (death/injury of persons/damage to property) and exactly how much should be awarded and against whom. Technically - it could be limitless.......
In addition, the law could decide to prosecute, which brings a whole load of headaches for the defendant.
From a british perspective I would see (assuming they are found guilty of negligence):
Owner of company - sued for millions.
Pilot sued for millions.
Company going into administration.
Possible bankruptcies.
Possible criminal charges.
Possible law suit against regulators.
Possible law suit against operating base where these flights launched from.