The survivors and families of six men killed in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore have reached settlements in their federal civil lawsuits against the owner and operator of the container ship involved in the incident. The Dali cargo ship collided with the bridge in March 2024, causing the structure to collapse while a construction crew was performing pothole repairs.

Attorneys announced the confidential settlements on Thursday, a few days before a civil trial was scheduled to begin in U.S. District Court under Judge James K. Bredar. The agreements resolve the wrongful death claims brought by the families of Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, José Maynor López, Miguel Luna, Carlos Daniel Hernández Estrella, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, and Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, all members of the construction crew who died in the collapse. Julio Cervantes, a survivor who sustained injuries in the fall into the Patapsco River, also settled his personal injury lawsuit.

Chris Stewart, who represents five of the eight crew members, described the resolution as “bittersweet,” noting the families’ ongoing grief and the loss of their loved ones’ future. “We worked tirelessly for these families on this incredibly complex case and are thankful that this matter has been resolved,” Stewart said.

While these settlements conclude some claims, other lawsuits remain pending. Separate legal actions brought by Damon Davis, the construction crew inspector; the city of Baltimore; and various businesses and cargo stakeholders continue to advance. These cases, also overseen by Judge Bredar, are set for a month-long trial beginning June 1.

The defendants, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Group—owner and operator of the Dali—have argued in court that their financial liability should be capped, asserting they were not negligent in the crash. Plaintiffs, however, contend there should be no limit, claiming the companies were aware the ship was unsafe and unseaworthy but allowed it to sail regardless.

The companies have previously paid more than their requested liability cap of $43.6 million, including settlements of $2.25 billion to the state of Maryland, $350 million to the state insurance company, and $100 million to the Justice Department’s civil division.

Separately, Synergy Marine Group and the Dali’s technical supervisor, Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, face criminal indictments. The U.S. government alleges violations of environmental and maritime laws, citing failures to maintain critical systems and the use of improper fuel pumps that contributed to the ship’s loss of steering power and the subsequent collision. Prosecutors claim the company knowingly continued unsafe practices despite awareness of the risks.

Synergy Marine has denied the allegations and requested a delay in the civil liability proceedings until the criminal case concludes. Judge Bredar rejected this request in May, just days before the settlements with the victims’ families were announced.

Ama Frimpong, an attorney at We Are CASA, an immigrant rights organization supporting the victims, emphasized the enduring impact of the tragedy. “The families of the six essential workers who lost their lives continue to carry profound grief and trauma,” Frimpong said. “While it is very important that some legal claims have been resolved, the pain these families have endured remains. Their focus will continue to be on rebuilding their lives, healing from trauma, supporting one another, and honoring the memory of their loved ones after a tragedy that forever changed their lives.”