Judge dismisses most economic claims in Baltimore bridge collapse case

A federal judge has dismissed the majority of remaining economic damage claims against the owner and manager of the Dali, the cargo ship involved in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

U.S. District Senior Judge James K. Bredar ruled that Baltimore city and county, along with several private entities and insurers, are precluded from recovering economic losses resulting from the bridge's physical damage. Citing a 1927 Supreme Court precedent, the judge found that claimants must have a proprietary interest in the damaged property to recover such losses.

Under this ruling, the city may still pursue claims regarding alleged damage to a 72-inch water main, and the county may attempt to prove a proprietary interest in damaged shorelines and waterways. Additionally, four claims regarding cargo damage are permitted to proceed. The ruling does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. or Synergy Marine Group.