And I don't see how they could make a claim against surviving relatives since it wouldn't have been them that had been negligent, if any negligence was to be shown.
The claim would be against your estate, which would include any life insurance, property in your name etc etc. As many things are in joint names the net result is your relatives end up penniless and homeless anyhow. Equally, if you have survived, the claim may be directly against you.
There was a great article recently (September issue LAA mag
here ) where aviation solicitor Tim Scorer outlined some of the likely claims from injured pax. Some running to many millions. (think lifetime care for someone seriously disabled.)
Frankly it has been something troubling me as I rent GA.