Lawsuit Filed Against Dali Ship Owners Following Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Impacts Local Businesses

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has resulted in a lawsuit filed against the owners and operators of the Dali ship, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE. The lawsuit was filed by Karen Austin and Charles Austin Jr., who own American Publishing LLC, claiming that their business was directly impacted by the bridge’s collapse.

The lawsuit highlights the strategic importance of the Francis Scott Key Bridge to local businesses, which relied on it for transportation of goods. The collapse has significantly affected the Austins’ business, causing their income to decline by 84% in April 2024 compared to the previous year.

Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE have denied all allegations and have requested that the court cap damages that can be awarded in the case. However, the Austins are seeking to have this lawsuit declared as a class action, allowing other businesses affected by the bridge collapse to join in legal action.

This lawsuit underscores the interconnected nature of local commerce and infrastructure, highlighting how a single event can have a ripple effect throughout an entire community. It also emphasizes how important it is for businesses to be prepared for unexpected disruptions and to plan accordingly.