suing titanic

Study for law students...

The case involves true facts of the Titanic's maiden voyage which resulted in over 1500 fatalities.

In order for the plaintiff to prevail in this case, all elements of negligence must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence. The defense counsel should raise defenses such as Hans contributory negligence, superseding cause that breaks the causal connection between White Star's negligent acts and Hans' death and assumption of the risk. The law applied in this case has some of the aspects of the law of New York during the year of 1912, which is much more pro-company than is today's law. For example contributory negligence is no longer an absolute bar to plaintiff recovering. Most states now use some form of comparative negligence so that negligence by the plaintiff reduces the amount that the plaintiff can recover rather than barring all coverages as happens with contributory negligence.

For older students, you may want to discuss, the consequences for society if the jury decides not follow the law as set forth by the judge.

Teacher's Guide to Jensen v. White Star Lines

Teacher's Guide - AKO Titanic Trial



RMS Titanic before departing Southampton, England. Photo taken Good Friday 5 April 1912

I want to sue the company who was owning Titanic. Can I still do it or is it too late now??