Judge Delays Trial Over Key Bridge Collapse Amid Settlements","description":"U.S. District Judge postpones civil trial concerning Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse after late‑stage settlements resolve most claims.","summary":"In a bid to avoid a courtroom showdown, Judge James Bredar postponed the opening of the civil trial over the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. Following a surge of settlements that settled most remaining claims—including those of six construction workers who died when the container ship Dali collided with the bridge—Bredar opted to reassess the possibility of further settlements and potentially conclude the case without a trial.","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_Front.JPG","text":"<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">In a move that could halt the civil litigation over the tragic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, U.S. District Judge James Bredar postponed the trial that was set to begin on Monday.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Bredar, appointed by President Barack Obama, expressed frustration that a flurry of settlements had cleared most of the remaining claims, including the families of the six construction workers who died when the container ship Dali lost power and collided with the bridge on March 26, 2024.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">With virtually all economic claims settled—including those of businesses and the city of Baltimore—the judge said the unresolved parties had no desire to proceed with the trial this week and opted to consider further settlements that might finally resolve the case without a courtroom showdown.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">\"It’s not directed at just one side or another. It takes two to tango,\" Bredar told the court. \"I’m frustrated on behalf of the public and the court.\"</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Earlier in the month, Bredar had denied a request to delay the trial following the filing of criminal charges against the Dali’s operators. The indictment targets the ship’s operator and technical superintendent for conspiracy, misconduct and other charges.</p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 16px 0;\">Less than two weeks ago, Maryland and the companies involved reached a $2.25 billion settlement that resolved civil claims. Despite the settlement, Bredar is now giving the parties room to pursue additional agreements that could bring the litigation to an end.</p>\n<img src=\"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_Front.JPG\" alt=\"Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge\" style=\"width:100%; height:auto; margin:24px 0;\"/>