Maryland files lawsuit for the Key Bridge collapse

The State of Maryland has filed a lawsuit against the owners and managers of the cargo ship that caused the collision and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the state will be seeking to recoup damages following the bridge collapse that has crippled the region. The state did not specify an amount they are seeking in damages. The lawsuit indicated “an amount to be determined at trial.”

The announcement comes nearly a week after the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it has filed a lawsuit against owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and manager, Synergy Maine Group, seeking over $100 million.

Similarly to the Justice Department’s lawsuit, Maryland argues that the ship’s electrical and mechanical systems weren’t properly maintained, ultimately causing the ship to lose power and collide with the bridge.

“This tragedy was entirely avoidable. The electrical and mechanical systems on the DALI were improperly maintained and configured in a way that violated safety regulations and norms for international shipping,” according to the Justice Department’s lawsuit.

The collision and subsequent bridge collapse halted shipping traffic, causing ports to slow or halt until the channel fully reopened in June.

The state alleges the disaster has caused “wide-ranging, multifaced, and significant harms” to Maryland and its residents. The lawsuit cited the “economic disruptions” caused by the wreckage, which they also claim resulted in the “discharge of various pollutants and hazardous materials” into the Patapsco River.

In addition, the state cites the “deterioration” of air quality resulting from increased traffic.

“These impacts will be felt disproportionately by communities already bearing increased health and economic burdens,” according to a release from the governor and attorney general.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday by the State of Maryland is asking the court to award damages to the state for the following: replacement of the bridge; all costs associated with the emergency response, including salvage, demolition and benefits paid to affected workers and businesses; lost revenues including, tolls, fees and taxes; damage to Maryland’s natural resources; all costs related to environment contamination and penalties; increased wear and tear on Maryland’s infrastructure; indemnification, damages and attorney’s fees “pursuant to the Tariff”; and other forms of economic loss flowing from the destruction of the bridge.

Brown stressed the economic impact Marylanders have had to shoulder due to the collapse, including extended commutes, traffic and worsening air quality.

“For the past six months, and into the foreseeable future, Marylanders have had and will continue to shoulder the costs and burden caused by the misconduct of Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd. We have grieved the loss of six lives and mourned alongside their families. We have endured increased traffic and altered work commutes, degrading even the quality of the air we breathe. Our state has lost valuable tax and toll revenues, and Maryland’s economy has been disrupted,” said Attorney General Anthony G. Brown.

The attorney general underscored that Marylanders “should not have to pay for the DALI owner’s and manager’s negligence and incompetence.”

“There is no question that the State has incurred a massive amount in damages as a result of the Dali’s negligence, nor is there any doubt that those damages are continuing to accrue. The full scope of damages will be the subject of expert testimony in the litigation, and the State’s investigation is ongoing,” according to the release.

The crash claimed the lives of six construction workers repairing the bridge at the time of the collapse. The victims’ families are also filing suit against the owner and manager of the Dali, holding them liable for the accident.