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Families of workers killed in Baltimore bridge collapse sue freight ship owner, operator

The families of the 6 workers who passed away in the March collapse of the Francis Scott Secret Bridge in Baltimore submitted claims on Friday against the owner and operator of the cargo ship that struck the bridge.

The claims submitted in Maryland federal court by the households of Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Miguel Angel Luna, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval and Jose Mynor Lopez look for unspecified damages from the signed up owner of the ship, Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, and its supervisor, Synergy Marine Group, declaring they negligently allowed the ship to depart Baltimore when they knew it was afflicted by mechanical issues.

Julio Cervantes Suarez, another worker who survived the bridge's collapse, submitted a separate suit on Friday versus the companies, also seeking unspecified damages for his injuries. Cervantes was in his truck when it fell into the river from the bridge, according to his claim.

Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for the companies, said in a. statement that the filing of the claim was prepared for ahead of. a September due date however decreased to discuss its benefits.

We do anticipate our day in court to set the record. straight, Wilson said.

Craig Sico, among the lawyers representing Maynor Yasir. Suazo Sandoval, stated the lawsuits were filed as part of a. collaborated effort between the victims' households.

It's our belief that the team of the Dali might predict. this incident happening, Sico informed Reuters in an interview.

The U.S. Department of Justice submitted a suit on Wednesday. versus the companies over the catastrophe, implicating the business. of wilfully disregarding or mishandling mechanical problems on the. ship. The department's claim looks for at least $100 million it. says the federal government spent in responding to the disaster and. clearing the wreck of the Dali ship and bridge particles from the. Port of Baltimore so the waterway could reopen in June.

In the morning of March 26, the container ship lost. power and crashed into a support pylon, sending out the bridge into. the Patapsco River and eliminating 6 individuals who were working on. the span at the time of the crash.

Grace Ocean and Synergy submitted a petition on April 1 in. Maryland federal court to restrict their liability from the crash. to the present value of the ship and its freight, which they. estimated to be simply over $43 million, according to the. petition. Claimants have till Sept. 24 to come forward.

The company that used the employees who died in the. collapse, Brawner Builders, likewise sued Grace Ocean and Synergy on. Wednesday, looking for an undefined amount in damages for the deaths. of its employees and loss of building cars and devices. on the bridge.

(source: Reuters)