Additional Coverage:
- Ship owner in Baltimore bridge collapse seeks to blame others as liability case takes shape (newsbreak.com)
Baltimore Bridge Collapse Liability Case
The owners and operators of the ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore are attempting to deflect blame for the deadly collapse.
Attorneys for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine argue that Maryland officials failed to protect the bridge and that the shipbuilder installed faulty electrical equipment.
Lawyers for victims and government entities say the focus should remain on the companies’ alleged negligence.
Grace Ocean and Synergy have filed a petition to limit their liability, while nearly 50 other entities have filed claims against them.
A judge overseeing the case is considering the scope of the litigation and the possibility of a settlement.
The discovery process will involve numerous depositions and a bench trial.
Grace Ocean and Synergy recently agreed to pay $102 million to cover cleanup costs, but they deny any wrongdoing.
Federal investigators have found evidence of electrical failures and “jury-rigging” on the ship before the crash.
The collapse caused the deaths of six workers, snarled shipping traffic, and disrupted businesses in the area.