In Baltimore, another lawsuit has been filed against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE, the owners and operators of the Dali ship. This lawsuit was brought forth by Karen Austin and Charles Austin Jr., who own American Publishing LLC. The lawsuit claims that their business has been directly impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The bridge is strategically important to local businesses, which relied on it for transportation of goods. The collapse of the bridge has had a significant impact on the Austins’ business, causing their income to decline by 84% in April 2024 compared to the previous year. The lawsuit emphasizes this impact and seeks to have it declared as a class action, allowing other businesses affected by the bridge collapse to join in the legal action.
Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE have denied all allegations and have requested that the court cap the damages that can be awarded in the case. However, this request has been met with opposition from those affected by the bridge collapse. The lawsuit highlights the interconnected nature of local commerce and infrastructure, underscoring the impact that this event has had on businesses in the area.
Karen Austin stated, “The Francis Scott Key Bridge was crucial to our business operations. Without it, we were unable to transport goods efficiently and effectively. This led to a significant decline in our income.” She added that she hoped that this lawsuit would help other businesses affected by the collapse receive justice.
This latest development comes after a series of investigations into the cause of the bridge collapse. It remains unclear what led to its failure, but many are calling for greater oversight and accountability in infrastructure management.
Overall, this lawsuit highlights how critical infrastructure can have a significant impact on local businesses and economies. It serves as a reminder that even small disruptions can have far-reaching consequences that may take years or even decades to recover from.