In wrongful death cases (in California and beyond), one person’s negligence contributes to another person’s death. A wrongful death lawsuit attempts to make the defendant take responsibility for the tragedy they caused. A Los Angeles wrongful death attorney will work tirelessly to recover compensation for the family members left behind following the loss of a loved one.
In this article, our wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles will examine breaking wrongful death cases in the United States and the lessons we can learn to prevent future incidents.
What Was the Titan Submersible Lawsuit?
In June 2023, the Titan submersible, operated by OceanGate, imploded during an excursion to the Titanic wreck site, resulting in the tragic deaths of all five passengers aboard. After the bodies were found, the family of one of the victims filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against OceanGate and other parties involved.
The lawsuit accuses OceanGate of gross negligence, claiming that the diving company and its associates disregarded warnings from deep-sea experts and engineers about the Titan’s safety. This is an ongoing investigation, with a public hearing scheduled for September 2024.
Lessons We Can Learn
- Proper safety certifications. OceanGate allegedly decided to self-certify the Titan rather than undergo third-party safety checks. This choice was considered negligent by the victims’ families, potentially forming the basis for a wrongful death lawsuit.
- Duty of care. Companies offering high-risk experiences are responsible for ensuring reasonable safety standards. Failing to test materials and ignoring expert warning signs put the victims’ safety at risk from the start.
- Gross negligence. If the victim’s family proves gross negligence, it could override the liability waivers that the passengers signed.
Companies that offer risky experiences to customers must prioritize safety measures. Failure to do so can result in liability for personal injury cases or wrongful death cases.
What Lawsuit Was Brought Against Disney?
In October 2023, a doctor tragically passed away from an allergic reaction after dining at a Disney World restaurant. Her husband filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, alleging negligence.
The lawsuit claims that the restaurant failed to provide accurate ingredient information despite being informed multiple times of the victim’s allergies. It further argues that the restaurant breached its duty of care and accuses the wait staff of negligence.
Lessons We Can Learn
- Accurate information. Restaurants are obligated to provide accurate and legitimate information to their customers, especially when dealing with known allergies. Providing inaccurate or misleading information can result in liability.
- Legal and ethical duties. Hospitality companies must follow strict safety and services standards, not only to avoid legal issues but more importantly, to protect the safety and well-being of their customers.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Wrongful Death Attorney
If you lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, our experienced and specialized wrongful death lawyers in Los Angeles can help.
John J. Perlstein, one of the best wrongful death attorneys in Los Angeles, has over 25 years of experience securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for victims’ families.
Reach us at (213) 583-5786. Or, fill out the form on our website to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles wrongful death lawyer.