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In the Media

Baltimore Bridge Crash $102m Payout Explained

Read Time: 1 min

Maritime attorney José Cot (New Orleans) was quoted in an October 31, 2024, article in Yahoo Finance titled “Baltimore Bridge Crash $102m Payout Explained.” In it, he discusses the payout from the Francis Scott Key Bridge accident in Baltimore, Maryland.

José Cot at law firm McGlinchey Stafford agreed the settlement was likely a “favorable” one for the DoJ, but he said it could also benefit the shipowner and operator going forward.

“Given the significant litigation costs going forward, negotiating an early settlement was in the United States’ interest to maximize its recovery… By negotiating an early settlement, the United States secures compensation and avoids the significant costs of protracted litigation,” Cot said.

Cot said the decision to settle was likely influenced by the public nature of the Dali crash, and the efficient clean-up operation by authorities.

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Insights

Alert

Maritime Products Liability Law: Understanding the Fundamentals

August 7, 2024

The United States Supreme Court first recognized products liability, including strict liability, as part of the general maritime law in East River Steamship S.S. Corp. v. Transamerica Delaval, Inc., 476 U.S. 858 (1986). The Court noted that “the general maritime law is an amalgam of traditional common-law rules, modification of those rules, and newly created rules.” Since then, numerous courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, have embraced Section 402A of the Restatement (Second) of Torts as the best expression of the law of products liability under the general maritime law.

In the Media

Old Lessons May Haunt Baltimore Bridge Tragedy

March 27, 2024

José Cot provided commentary to The Maritime Executive on potential safety and liability arguments that might arise and implications for the maritime industry overall in light of the Key Bridge allision.