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Households of employees 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 Key Bridge in Baltimore submitted claims on Friday versus the owner and operator of the cargo ship that struck the bridge.

The claims submitted in Maryland federal court by the families of Carlos Daniel Hernandez Estrella, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Miguel Angel Luna, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval and Jose Mynor Lopez seek unspecified damages from the registered owner of the ship, Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, and its manager, Synergy Marine Group, declaring they negligently permitted the ship to depart Baltimore when they understood it was afflicted by mechanical problems.

Julio Cervantes Suarez, another employee who endured the bridge's collapse, submitted a separate claim on Friday against the companies, likewise seeking unspecified damages for his injuries. Cervantes remained in his truck when it fell into the river from the bridge, according to his lawsuit.

Darrell Wilson, a representative for the business, said in a. declaration that the filing of the claim was anticipated ahead of. a September due date however declined to discuss its benefits.

We do eagerly anticipate our day in court to set the record. directly, Wilson stated.

Craig Sico, one of the attorneys representing Maynor Yasir. Suazo Sandoval's family, said the lawsuits were submitted as part of. a collaborated effort in between the victims' families.

It's our belief that the crew of the Dali could foresee. this event taking place, Sico told Reuters in an interview.

The U.S. Department of Justice submitted a suit on Wednesday. against the companies over the catastrophe, accusing the companies. of wilfully neglecting or mishandling mechanical problems on the. ship. The department's claim looks for at least $100 million it. says the government invested in reacting to the catastrophe and. clearing the wreck of the Dali ship and bridge particles from the. Port of Baltimore so the waterway could resume 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 killing six people 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 limit their liability from the crash. to today value of the ship and its freight, which they. approximated to be simply over $43 million, according to the. petition. Claimants have until Sept. 24 to come forward.

The company that utilized the workers who died in the. collapse, Brawner Builders, also sued Grace Ocean and Synergy on. Wednesday, looking for an undefined sum in damages for the deaths. of its workers and loss of building automobiles and devices. on the bridge.

Also on Friday, Ace American Insurance filed a claim. against Grace Ocean and Synergy, seeking to recoup $350 million. it stated it paid to the Maryland Transport Authority after. the bridge's collapse as part of a property insurance plan. Agents for Ace American, now called Chubb, did not. immediately respond to an ask for comment.

A spokesperson for Grace Ocean and Synergy did not. right away respond to an ask for talk about the Chubb. suit.

(source: Reuters)