The Baltimore Bridge Collapse and How a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Helps Victims

• May 6, 2024
• Catastrophic Injury

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after being struck by the container ship Dali. Six construction workers who were performing roadway maintenance on the bridge were killed. According to reports, the ship lost power before the collision, leaving it without propulsion or steering as it drifted into a support pier.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, including reported electrical failures aboard the vessel. No final conclusions regarding fault or legal responsibility have been made.

When catastrophic accidents cause death or life-changing injuries, victims and their families may have legal rights under state law, federal maritime law, or other applicable laws. A catastrophic injury attorney can help identify potentially responsible parties and seek compensation if negligence is found.

Families may contact Crain Brogdon, LLP in Dallas for a free consultation to discuss their legal options.

Key Takeaways About Catastrophic Injury Attorney Services in Major Disasters

• Large-scale infrastructure failures often involve multiple liable parties, including vessel owners, operators, maintenance companies, and government entities.
• Federal investigations like those conducted by the NTSB provide valuable evidence for civil claims but may take months or years to complete.
• Wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims arising from maritime incidents follow different legal frameworks than typical personal injury cases.
• Families of victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of support, and pain and suffering depending on applicable laws.
• Filing deadlines vary based on whether state law, federal maritime law, or other statutes govern the claim.

NTSB Investigation Findings on the Key Bridge Collapse

According to preliminary findings and testimony released as part of the NTSB’s ongoing investigation, investigators have identified a possible electrical failure that may have contributed to the vessel’s loss of power.

Investigators reported that a wire-label band interfered with the connection of a signal wire, preventing it from fully seating in its terminal. When vibration loosened the connection, the Dali experienced its first electrical blackout while departing Baltimore Harbor shortly after midnight.

The NTSB is also reviewing several additional factors that may have contributed to the incident, including:

• A flushing pump that supplies fuel to the ship’s generators failed to restart automatically after the initial blackout
• The pump required a manual restart, delaying efforts to restore power
• A second blackout occurred due to insufficient fuel pressure
• The vessel drifted toward the bridge without propulsion or steering
• Thermal scanners that could have detected the loose connection were not used during routine maintenance

Investigators have stated that these combined issues may have prevented the crew from restoring power before the collision occurred.

Bridge Vulnerability and Warning System Failures

According to NTSB analysis presented during the investigation, the bridge’s vulnerability to vessel impact was significantly higher than modern safety thresholds. State officials had received warnings about inadequate pier protection as early as 2006 but failed to take meaningful action. Investigators have suggested that earlier notification could have provided additional time for workers to attempt to reach safety, though the exact window remains uncertain.

During public remarks and preliminary hearings related to the investigation, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has stated that the tragedy may have been preventable, based on issues identified thus far. The investigation resulted in 17 new safety recommendations to federal agencies, state transportation authorities, and maritime organizations.

Understanding Liability When a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Investigates Maritime Disasters

Determining who bears responsibility for catastrophic maritime incidents requires examining multiple potential defendants. The Key Bridge collapse illustrates how liability in maritime disasters may extend across vessel owners, operators, maintenance contractors, and government entities responsible for infrastructure safety.

Potential sources of liability in maritime disasters include the following parties and their respective duties:

• Vessel owners who bear responsibility for maintaining seaworthy ships with properly functioning equipment
• Ship operators and management companies responsible for crew training and maintenance protocols
• Manufacturers of defective components that fail during normal operation
• Classification societies that certify that vessels meet safety standards
• Government entities that own and maintain bridges or other infrastructure

Each defendant may carry different insurance policies with varying coverage limits. A catastrophic injury attorney identifies all potential sources of compensation and pursues claims strategically to maximize recovery for victims and their families.

Maritime Law Considerations in Bridge Collapse and Vessel Accident Cases

Maritime incidents like the Key Bridge collapse involve specialized legal frameworks that differ significantly from typical personal injury claims. Several federal statutes may apply depending on where the accident occurred, who the victims were, and what caused the harm.

The Jones Act protects seamen injured due to employer negligence and provides wrongful death remedies for their families. The Death on the High Seas Act covers fatal accidents occurring more than three nautical miles from shore. 

General maritime law applies to various situations not covered by specific statutes. State personal injury and wrongful death laws may govern claims by non-maritime workers like the construction crew on the Key Bridge.

Filing Deadlines and Statute of Limitations for Maritime Claims

Filing deadlines vary based on which law applies to your claim. The Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act both provide three-year statutes of limitations from the date of injury or death. 

State law deadlines differ by jurisdiction. Texas personal injury claims generally require filing within two years under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003.

Missing these deadlines typically bars recovery entirely, regardless of how strong the underlying case may be. Consulting with a catastrophic injury attorney promptly helps protect your right to pursue compensation.

The Long Road to Recovery for Key Bridge Collapse Victims

The human toll of the Key Bridge collapse extends far beyond the six workers who lost their lives that night. Families lost fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers, while survivors continue to face physical and emotional injuries that may never fully heal. The Baltimore community lost a vital transportation link that carried over 34,000 vehicles daily, including hazardous materials trucks prohibited from using underwater tunnels.

Maryland officials now estimate that rebuilding the bridge may cost between $4.3 and $5.2 billion, with completion not expected until late 2030. Federal authorities have announced a settlement reportedly totaling approximately $102 million with entities connected to the vessel, relating to response and cleanup costs. Civil litigation on behalf of victims and their families continues separately.

Infrastructure Safety Lessons from the Baltimore Bridge Disaster

The Key Bridge collapse revealed systemic vulnerabilities in how America protects major infrastructure from vessel strikes. The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations calling for vulnerability assessments of bridges crossing navigable waterways and implementation of protective countermeasures where risks exceed acceptable thresholds.

The investigation also highlighted gaps in emergency warning systems. Construction workers on the bridge received no notification of the impending collision despite traffic being stopped at both ends. 

The NTSB recommended that bridge owners evaluate and implement motorist warning systems capable of immediately alerting anyone on a bridge when threats are identified. These findings carry implications for infrastructure safety nationwide, including Texas bridges spanning the Gulf Coast, Houston Ship Channel, and other navigable waterways.

How a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Handles Complex Disaster Cases

Major disasters like the Key Bridge collapse create legal situations far more complicated than typical accident claims. Multiple parties across different jurisdictions may share liability. Federal and state agencies conduct parallel investigations. Insurance companies representing corporate defendants employ teams of attorneys to minimize payouts. Families grieving the loss of loved ones face these challenges while trying to understand their legal rights.

Crain Brogdon, LLP has represented catastrophic injury victims throughout Texas for more than two decades, recovering over $355 million for clients harmed by negligence. Our attorneys handle cases involving construction accidents, workplace disasters, and incidents causing severe or fatal injuries.

What Our Catastrophic Injury Attorney Team Provides

When disaster strikes, our legal team acts quickly to protect your interests. We preserve evidence before it is lost, identify all potentially responsible parties, and work with investigators and technical experts to build a strong case. We handle communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel so you can focus on recovery or grieving.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront attorney fees. You pay fees only if we recover compensation on your behalf, and case expenses may be deducted as allowed by law and your agreement.

FAQ for Catastrophic Injury Attorney

What makes an injury catastrophic under the law?

Catastrophic injuries typically involve permanent disability, disfigurement, or conditions requiring extensive long-term medical care. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, severe burns, amputations, and multiple organ damage. These injuries fundamentally change the victim’s ability to work, care for themselves, and enjoy daily activities.

How long do families have to file wrongful death claims after a disaster?

Filing deadlines depend on which laws apply to the specific situation. Federal maritime claims under the Jones Act and Death on the High Seas Act allow three years from the date of death. Texas wrongful death claims generally require filing within two years. Other states have different deadlines. Consulting an attorney promptly protects your right to pursue compensation.

Who may be held liable for injuries caused by infrastructure failures?

Liability may extend to multiple parties including government entities responsible for infrastructure maintenance, construction companies, equipment manufacturers, vessel owners and operators, and others whose negligence contributed to the disaster. Identifying all liable parties requires thorough investigation and often benefits from the findings of federal safety investigations.

What compensation may families recover in wrongful death cases?

Surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, loss of services and household contributions, and in many jurisdictions, loss of companionship and guidance. The specific damages available depend on the laws governing the claim.

How do federal investigations affect civil lawsuits?

Federal investigations by agencies like the NTSB provide valuable evidence for civil claims, including witness interviews, technical analysis, and findings about cause and contributing factors. However, civil cases proceed separately and may involve different legal standards. Investigation findings may support but do not automatically determine liability in civil litigation.

Take Action by Contacting a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

Disasters like the Key Bridge collapse remind us how quickly life changes when safety systems fail. Families facing catastrophic losses need advocates who understand complex litigation involving multiple defendants, federal regulations, and competing legal frameworks. The path to accountability begins with understanding your rights and the options available under the law.

Crain Brogdon, LLP fights for catastrophic injury victims and families throughout Texas who have suffered devastating losses due to negligence. Our catastrophic injury attorneys bring the resources, determination, and experience needed to pursue fair compensation against corporate defendants and their insurers. 

Contact our Dallas office for a free consultation to discuss how we may help with your catastrophic injury or wrongful death claim.

Attorney Quentin Brogdon

Quentin Brogdon has over thirty years of experience and expertise in the field of personal injury trial law. He is board certified in both personal injury trial law and civil trial advocacy. Quentin has received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating. This rating reflects an attorney’s ethics and abilities according to reviews from fellow attorneys. [ Attorney Bio ]