Baltimore Bridge Collapse Timeline
Justice Department Settles Bridge Collapse Case
Note: After watching the video, please read the article “Justice Department Settles Bridge Collapse Case” included in Teaching Tip 2 of this newsletter before answering the following discussion questions.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the role of the U.S. Department of Justice in this disaster?
The U.S. Department of Justice is a federal executive department of the U.S. government tasked with the enforcement of federal law and administration of justice in the United States. The department is headed by the U.S. attorney general, who reports directly to the U.S. president and is a member of the president’s Cabinet.
In this case, the U.S. Department of Justice’s role in this disaster is to seek appropriate compensation for the American people for the loss of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and associated damages, including the costs of reconstruction.
2. In your reasoned opinion, are the terms of the settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice, Grace Ocean Private Limited, and Synergy Marine Private Limited “fitting and appropriate?” Why or why not?
This is an opinion question, so student responses will likely vary.
As indicated in Teaching Tip 2 (“Justice Department Settles Bridge Collapse Case”) of this newsletter, the $102 million settlement between the U.S. Department of Justic, Grace Ocean Private Limited, and Synergy Marine Privat Limited will cover the costs of the monthslong effort to clear the wreckage — about 50,000 tons of steel, concrete and asphalt — from the water so that the Port of Baltimore can reopen. However, it does not cover the cost of reconstruction.
In your author’s opinion, the settlement amount should have included the cost of reconstruction. The cost of reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key bridge is a consequential damage resulting from the defendants’ negligence.
3. Does the settlement agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice, Grace Ocean Private Limited, and Synergy Marine Private Limited end all litigation related to this disaster? Why or why not?
The subject settlement agreement does not end all litigation related to this disaster. As indicated in Teaching Tip 2 (“Justice Department Settles Bridge Collapse Case”) of this newsletter, the city of Baltimore has filed its own claims against the two companies, and the families of three of the victims have also said they intend to sue.
