A stele and flowers laid in memory of the victims are placed in the area where the Germanwings jetliner crashed in Le Vernet, France on March 27, 2015. The crash has raised questions about the mental state of the co-pilot, who authorities believe deliberately sought to destroy the plane. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

(Bloomberg) — Deutsche Lufthansa AG may face unlimited liability for payments to families of victims of the Germanwings jet crashed by its suicidal co-pilot, according to lawyers.

“The liability for the victims would be uncapped,” said George Leloudas, a lecturer at Swansea University College of Law who specializes in aviation law. “From the perspective of the airline it’s difficult. There are no real defenses that you can use. It is irrational. That is why you buy insurance.”

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