Legal experts are weighing in on the likelihood of winning a big judgment in a lawsuit filed against the owner of the Titan submersible, which was involved in a fatal disaster in June 2023. The family of French explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, who died in the incident, filed a civil lawsuit seeking over $50 million in damages against submersible owner OceanGate. While the estate may receive some compensation, experts believe it could be difficult to secure the full amount, especially as OceanGate has ceased operations since the incident. The passengers on board the Titan, who voluntarily chose to embark on the experimental mission to the Titanic wreck site, also bear some responsibility, according to personal injury lawyer John Perlstein.
The lawsuit was filed in King County, Washington, where OceanGate was based, and is centered on the emotional and mental anguish experienced by the crew onboard the submersible as it imploded. Attorneys for Nargeolet’s estate are emphasizing the suffering endured by the passengers, who were allegedly aware of their impending demise as the sub sunk. However, legal experts such as Richard Daynard caution that proving the extent of emotional distress and mental pain may pose a challenge in court. While negligence could potentially be established, there is no guarantee of a substantial monetary award, as settlements would likely be limited given the circumstances of the case.
The tragic incident involving the Titan resulted in the deaths of five individuals, including OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, Nargeolet, British adventurer Hamish Harding, and members of a Pakistani family. The submersible imploded during its final dive, leading to a high-profile search and rescue operation that ultimately located the wreckage near the Titanic site. With OceanGate facing legal action from Nargeolet’s estate, some lawyers like Ted Spaulding view the lawsuit as a last resort for seeking accountability and redress. Given the limited assets of the company and the absence of viable alternative defendants, the prospects of obtaining significant compensation remain uncertain.
The loss of Nargeolet, a renowned explorer with extensive experience diving to the Titanic site, was deeply felt within the undersea exploration community worldwide. As investigations into the circumstances of the Titan’s implosion continue, the U.S. Coast Guard has initiated a comprehensive inquiry to determine the causes and contributing factors that led to the tragic event. A public hearing scheduled for September is expected to shed more light on the technical aspects and operational protocols related to the submersible disaster. Amidst lingering questions about liability and accountability, the legal battle over the Titan submersible incident underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in seeking justice for the victims and their families.
