Bridge Collapse Lawsuit: Infrastructure Disruption Leads to Decline in Business Income Seeking Class Action Status

In the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, American Publishing LLC has filed a lawsuit against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE. The lawsuit, filed by Karen Austin and Charles Austin Jr., alleges that their business was directly impacted by the bridge collapse, which has led to a significant decline in income.

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

The lawsuit emphasizes the strategic importance of infrastructure such as bridges in local businesses, particularly those involved in transportation of goods. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge has significantly affected local businesses, causing their income to decline by 84% in April 2024 compared to the previous year.

The interconnected nature of local commerce and infrastructure is underscored by this lawsuit, highlighting how disruptions such as bridge collapses can have a ripple effect on businesses and communities.