Echoes of the Key Bridge Collapse: Local Businesses Sue for Losses in Class Action Lawsuit

In the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, another lawsuit has been filed against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine PTE. This time, the plaintiffs are Karen Austin and Charles Austin Jr., who own American Publishing LLC. The lawsuit claims that their business was directly impacted by the collapse, which has significantly affected their income.

The collapse of the bridge has highlighted the strategic importance of local businesses to transportation. According to the lawsuit, many businesses relied on the bridge for transporting goods, and its collapse caused a decline in income for some local businesses. The Austins’ business saw an 84% decline in income in April 2024 compared to the previous year.

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

This lawsuit underscores the interconnected nature of local commerce and infrastructure. It highlights how one incident can have far-reaching consequences for businesses in a specific area. The bridge collapse has had a significant impact on many local businesses, emphasizing how important it is for infrastructure to be reliable and safe.

Overall, this case serves as a reminder of how critical it is for businesses to plan ahead and prepare for unforeseen events such as natural disasters or infrastructure failures.