Baltimore Bridge Wreck: 6 Months Later, Claims Mount

By: Linda Chiem

Michael McKenna discussed the extensive damages stemming from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in a Law360 article. He noted the potential for claims from cargo carriers and shippers over detention and demurrage fees incurred during the port shutdown, stating, “There’s just this amazing flow of damages that occurs when something like this happens, [so the question is] how far can you chase it up that trail and still have it be proximately caused by the negligence of the shipowner.” Mike highlighted the complexity of tracing liability in such a widespread maritime disaster.

A court deadline to challenge liability limits over Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse shows an intense legal battle brewing as the U.S. government, Maryland and private plaintiffs sharpen their claims for damages against the owner and manager of the cargo ship that slammed into the bridge six months ago.

Days after the Singapore-flagged container ship Dali slammed into one of the Key Bridge’s support columns, triggering a collapse that killed six construction workers and cut off access to the Port of Baltimore, the ship’s owner and manager promptly petitioned a Maryland federal court to limit their liability from the March 26 wreck. While the port reopened in June, the disaster raised immediate questions about U.S. supply chain vulnerabilities, vessel operating standards and bridge and port infrastructure resiliency and security.