The Erika trial was held before the Paris Criminal Court from February 12 to June 13, 2007. Fifteen individuals and corporations were being tried.

The trial was divided into three phases:

• February 12 to April 4: Presentation and analysis of the facts of the case. History of the Erika from its building to its sinking and the role of each party involved in the maritime transportation chain.
  
  
•  April 16 to May 16: Testimony from experts (naval architects, shipbrokers, legal scholars, engineers and admirals) called by the prosecutor, the plaintiffs and the defense. The plaintiffs (local communities, unions and associations) also testified.
  
  
• May 21 to June 13: Plaintiffs’ closing arguments, public prosecutor’s address and defense closing arguments.

A ruling was announced on January 16, 2008; consult the response of Total:  Press Release - January 16, 2008 

Total compensates Third parties and appeals a verdict:   Press Release - January 25, 2008