BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Supported by the expertise of The Lanier Law Firm and Partridge LLC in maritime law and complex litigation, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has finalized a $2.25 billion settlement with the owner and operator of the cargo ship M\/V Dali over the vessel\u2019s March 26, 2024, collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The agreement is the largest maritime law-related settlement in U.S. history, according to attorneys at the firms.<\/p>
\nThe Houston-based Lanier Law Firm<\/a> and Partridge LLC<\/a> of New Orleans were among four outside counsel retained by the state with the specialized experience to pursue the multi-faceted litigation on behalf of several agencies, including the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland Port Administration and the Maryland Department of the Environment.<\/p> \n\u201cThis was a tragedy that impacted the lives of tens of thousands of residents throughout the past two years, compounded by the fact that it was completely avoidable,\u201d says the firm\u2019s Mark Lanier<\/a>. \u201cWe were honored to work alongside the Attorney General and his team as well as Scott Partridge and our other outstanding co-counsel in reaching a settlement that reinforces the accountability of the ship\u2019s owners and operators.\u201d<\/p> \nThe process of rebuilding will cost an estimated $4-$5 billion, and a new bridge is slated to be open in 2030, according to Maryland officials. In the meantime, the bridge\u2019s absence has disrupted the lives of commuters who relied on the passageway.<\/p> \n\u201cThe collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sent shockwaves through Maryland and caused damages on a scale this State had never seen,\u201d said Attorney General Brown in announcing the resolution of the state\u2019s litigation. \u201cThis $2.25 billion settlement reflects the full measure of accountability we were able to secure from the vessel interests -- and our pursuit of justice is not finished. We will continue to press our claims against the shipbuilder whose fault helped bring this bridge down.\u201d<\/p> \nOther co-counsel included Kelley Drye & Warren LLP and Downs Ward Bender Herzog & Kintigh PA.<\/p> \nRead the Attorney General\u2019s complete announcement here<\/a>.<\/p> \nAbout Lanier Law Firm<\/b><\/p> \nThe Lanier Law Firm is an award-winning national trial firm specializing in a variety of practice areas, including asbestos exposure, pharmaceutical liability, business litigation, and product liability. As one of the most experienced asbestos litigation law firms in the world, Lanier provides mesothelioma legal services in all 50 states. With talented attorneys in Houston, New York and Los Angeles, the firm has won more than $20 billion for clients since its founding in 1990. Learn more about the firm<\/a>.<\/p>