Although I wrote about Article 19 of the Montreal Convention below which would have applied in your case, I should point out that in practice as a heavy traveler I mostly also rely on AmEx. AmEx has saved my bacon so many times I've lost count, in one case they basically literally saved my life by providing me a translator and guaranteeing my deposit to be treated in a hospital for 4 days while I was traveling in a foreign country one time. They've helped cover damage to rental cars, and flight cancellations, and all sorts of other things throughout the nearly 20 years I've had my card.
While knowing the law is a good thing, I honestly think for us Americans the most important thing is having a competent travel card and knowing what your coverages are and using them. AmEx is a godsend when dealing with shady airlines, rental companies, and hotels.