The Liability of Crashing into a Bridge

The Consequences of Crashing into a Bridge

As time passes and more information comes to light about the Key Bridge collapse, the responsible party or parties will have to deal with consequences as victims and their families undoubtedly start suing for compensation.

The financial consequences of crashing into a bridge are going to be severe, there’s no denying it. For example, say a ship hits a bridge, hurting lots of victims. Now, let’s also say that the company that owns that ship knew about its defects and told its crew to set sail anyway. Because that level of negligence might constitute gross negligence, the jury might award the victim punitive damages.

If any party involved in the Key Bridge collapse, or any bridge collapse for that matter, acted with gross negligence, a victim with reason to bring a claim could recover punitive damages in Maryland. Since this disaster has affected so many people’s lives, juries might be more inclined to make an example out of those responsible for the Key Bridge collapse.

Once liability for this tragedy becomes clear, victims and their families can seek recovery through civil litigation. Although the financial and reputational consequences might be considerable for whoever is to blame for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, that’s nothing compared to the unthinkable trauma victims and their families are forced to experience.