The deadly collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March has led to a sprawling liability case involving the owner and manager of the container ship Dali. Attorneys for Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Group are seeking to deflect responsibility by arguing that Maryland state officials should have better protected the bridge against ship strikes and that the shipbuilder installed faulty electrical equipment. However, claimants, including families of the construction workers killed in the collapse, argue that the focus should remain on the companies’ alleged negligence.
The case, which could become the most expensive marine casualty case in history, involves nearly 50 entities filing opposing claims. Judge James Bredar aims to deliver the case to a settlement, but it may take years. William Bennett, an attorney for Grace Ocean, wants to assign significant liability to state officials, citing decades of records showing their failure to protect the bridge.
Grace Ocean and Synergy recently agreed to pay over $102 million in cleanup costs but deny responsibility. The complaint from the Justice Department outlined a series of failures on the ship that led to the collapse. FBI agents are conducting a criminal investigation.
The collapse has had significant impacts on commercial shipping, commute times, and employment in the area. The federal case is expected to be followed by additional lawsuits in Maryland state courts.
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