Settlement Possible for Victim of Bridge Collapse
More than a year and a half after the cargo ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a potential settlement for one of the victims may be finalized as early as next month. Court documents obtained by WJZ indicate that attorneys representing Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, one of the six construction workers who lost their lives in the incident, are scheduled to meet on November 3 to negotiate a deal. This settlement could mark the first resolution for any of the affected families.
Legal Proceedings and Settlement Discussions
An independent legal expert expressed that the timing of the settlement discussions is not unexpected. The family of Castillo Cabrera is seeking to resolve their case before it becomes entangled in a lengthy appeals process. The bridge collapse has sparked a complex legal battle that could extend for years. Allen Black, a maritime lawyer and professor at the University of Maryland and University of Baltimore, noted, “Personal injury wrongful death claimants typically take precedence when it comes to the distribution of damages.” He emphasized that it is prudent for the estate of Mr. Cabrera to pursue a resolution now rather than wait for the broader liability issues to be settled, which could take several years.
About Dorlian Castillo Cabrera
Dorlian Castillo Cabrera, a 26-year-old native of Guatemala, resided in Dundalk at the time of the tragedy. He was among eight workers engaged in pothole repairs on the bridge when the Dali struck on March 26, 2024. According to the wrongful death claim filed by his family, Castillo Cabrera dedicated his life to hard work and supporting his parents and family.
Ongoing Legal Challenges and Liability Issues
In addition to Castillo Cabrera’s family, the relatives of two other victims have also filed wrongful death lawsuits against Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited. This includes the family of Miguel Luna, whose wife, Maria del Carmen Castellon, described her husband as a hero alongside his co-workers. “I want people to know that, for me, my husband is a hero,” she stated in Spanish.
Meanwhile, the ship’s owner and operator are attempting to limit their liability in the case. Currently, the liability fund is capped at $44 million, but if they are unable to limit their liability, they could face claims amounting to billions, including costs associated with rebuilding the bridge. Black remarked, “While it’s difficult to predict, it appears to be a challenging situation for the ship’s interests.” The judge is expected to make a decision regarding the limitation of liability next year, while a criminal investigation by the FBI and the Department of Justice remains ongoing.
