Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Lawsuit Overview

Following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to a collision with the cargo ship MV Dali, lawsuits were investigated against Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine for wrongful death, personal injury, and economic damages.

The collapse not only resulted in casualties and extensive property damage but also had a profound impact on local businesses, employment, environmental and international shipping channels.

Who qualified for a Baltimore bridge collapse lawsuit?

Individuals sought justice and financial restitution in the wake of the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse for damages, including;

• Fatalities: Families and dependents of individuals who tragically lost their lives due to the collapse may compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
• Injuries: Individuals who sustained injuries as a direct result of the bridge collapse. This encompasses a wide range of injury types, from minor to severe, and includes both physical and psychological harm.
• Business Owners: Those whose businesses were adversely affected, whether through physical damage to premises, interruption to business operations, or significant downturns in revenue due to the bridge collapse.
• Employees: Individuals who have experienced job loss or reduced income as a consequence of businesses closing or scaling back operations in the aftermath of the collapse.
• Property Damage: Owners of property, including vehicles and real estate, that was damaged or destroyed because of the bridge collapse.
• Disrupted Commuters: Daily commuters who have faced long-term disruptions, increased travel costs, or other inconveniences that have impacted their personal or professional lives.
• Environmental Impact: Parties who have suffered due to environmental damage caused by the collapse, including local residents and conservation groups.

Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse

In the early hours of March 26, just before 1:30 AM, the 980 foot Singaporean container ship named MV Dali leaving the Port of Baltimore for Sri Lanka struck a major support pillar of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Dundalk, Maryland.

Almost instantly upon impact, the center 1.6 mile long stretch of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River, resulting in a mass casualty event.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Fatalities

When the bridge collapsed, eight construction workers who were actively repairing potholes on the structure fell into the water. Of these eight, two were successfully rescued and survived the incident.

Despite extensive search and rescue operations by divers and local authorities, four of the workers are believed to have died, as their bodies are believed to be trapped underneath of the collapsed bridge. The bodies of two other workers were retrieved in late March, confirming their deaths, bringing the number of presumed dead to six, with two survivors among the group of eight.

What Caused the Cargo Ship to hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge?

According to a preliminary findings by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), data from the Dali’s voyage data recorder indicates that around 1:25 a.m. the Captain of the pilot of the 248 million pound vessel began to receive multiple alarm signals as the MV Dali lost Power navigating through the Patapsco River.

At approximately 1:27am the pilot issued a Mayday call over VHF radio reporting that the vessel had lost all power as it was approaching the Key Bridge at approximately 8 miles per hour. Despite attempts by the pilot to drop anchor and adjust the rudders to avoid the collision, the fully loaded cargo ship struck the bridge, causing its collapse.

The NTSB reported the local MDTA officers quickly responded to the initial Mayday call over radio, and immediately shut down all lanes of traffic just moments before the bridges collapse.

Who is Responsible for the Baltimore Key Bridge Collapse?

The MV Dali cargo ship that crashed in to the Francis Scott Key Bridge is owned by Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Limited, and managed by Synergy Marine PTE Ltd.

These companies are expected to be held responsible and face extensive liabilities, encompassing claims for personal injuries, property damage, and disruptions to business operations.

However, in incidents such as bridge collapses, there is a strong possibility that several entities could bear a portion of the fault for the collapse, such as:

• The cargo ship’s owners for potentially negligent navigation or failure to adhere to maritime safety regulations.
• The cargo ship’s manager or crew, for their direct roles in the navigation and control of the ship leading up to the collision.
• Port authorities, if inadequate guidance or navigational support was provided to the ship.
• The bridge’s maintenance and inspection teams, if negligence in regular safety checks and maintenance contributed to the extent of the collapse.
• Engineers and contractors involved in the bridge’s last inspection, repair, or maintenance, especially if their actions failed to address vulnerabilities that the collision exploited.
• Government agencies responsible for maritime and transportation safety, if lapses in regulatory oversight or enforcement contributed to the incident.

MV Dali Owners File Motion to Limit Liability

With billions of dollars in damages estimated for the Key Bridge collapse and economic damages from a myriad of sources, Grace Ocean Private Limited, the ship owner, and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd., the ship’s management company, filed a petition to limit liability in Maryland federal court on April 1, 2024, attempting to limit the companies liability to just under $44 million.

The petition claims the owners and management company are not responsible for the crash, and even if they are found to be liable, that liability should be limited to $43.6 million. That includes the value of the ship, at about $42,500,000, and the value of the cargo, which they approximate was about $1,170,000.

The filing was made under the provisions of an 1851 law that limits liability to the remaining value of a vessel after an accident or incident occurs. It was put in place at a time when crossing oceans was a much more dangerous endeavor, with shipping losses common enough that if companies were held liable for the full damages of such incidents, many would have gone out of business.

Can You File a Baltimore Key Bridge Lawsuit?

Lawsuits were previously considered against Grace Ocean, the ship’s owning entity, which faced potential liability in the hundreds of millions of dollars following the collapse of the Baltimore Key Bridge.

Synergy Marine, the vessel’s management company, also faced potential exposure to wrongful death claims and economic loss lawsuits filed by impacted individuals and businesses.

The collapse caused widespread disruption, not only destroying the bridge but also impacting local employment, shipping operations, and nearby enterprises.

Baltimore Bridge Collapse Personal Injury Claims

Under Maryland law, individuals who suffered physical injuries as a result of the bridge collapse had the option to pursue personal injury claims against the responsible parties for:

• Other out-of-pocket costs related to the injuries
• Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care
• Lost wages during recovery
• Future loss of earning potential
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress