Navigating the M/V DALI Claims Process: Your Last Chance for Filing by November 15!
The US recently settled its civil case against the owner and operator of the M/V Dali, which collided into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March.
The Justice Department (DOJ) announced that Singapore firms Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine will pay nearly $102 million to settle the claim for costs related to damage to the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The settlement covers the resources the U.S. government spent responding to the disaster and clearing the wreck of the M/V DALI and bridge debris from the Port of Baltimore so the waterway could reopen in June.
The state of Maryland, which estimates that it will cost $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion to rebuild the bridge and anticipates completion by fall 2028, also has separately filed claims against the companies for the cost of the bridge, cleanup efforts, environmental claims, and other costs.
The shipping companies also face additional claims from the families of those killed, workers affected by the port shutdown, Baltimore City and County, insurance companies, and the affected businesses.
However, the final days to file claims related to the M/V DALI incident are quickly approaching— it’s crucial for our clients and other potential claimants to understand the urgency and process of securing compensation. 
The shipping industry is a complex network, and incidents like the M/V DALI Key Bridge collision cause significant delays, financial losses, and other impacts for all those involved. Here are the critical facts for those who still want to file a claim.
Background on the M/V DALI Incident
The M/V DALI incident disrupted many businesses and supply chains, as well as taking the lives of six construction workers. This also left nearly 4,700 cargo containers in limbo and , creating economic and logistical ripples throughout the industry. Over 180 of these containers needed to be removed. Due to the damages and the delays, many businesses have suffered direct financial harm as a result of the interruption in cargo transit.
RM Metals Claims and Representation
RM Metals is a construction materials wholesaler affected by the M/V DALI incident. This business represents a significant portion of the impacted cargo containers on the vessel, filing claims for damages and delays to 101 of them. Here at Herd Law firm, we represent and guide clients like these through the claims process, gathering all necessary documentation and positioning them for potential compensation.
With hundreds of containers affected, the need for fast and thorough action is clear. We understand the complexities of these cases and work diligently to ensure every claim we represent has the best chance for resolution.
Important Deadlines for Cargo Claims
The final date for filing all claims related to the M/V DALI is November 22. However, in order to gather and prepare all necessary documentation, it is critical that all documents are received no later than November 15. This represents our hard deadline to allow adequate time for processing, and any delay beyond this could result in missed opportunities for compensation.
Interested in Filing a Cargo Claim?
While RM Metals has been primarily representing specific containers impacted by this incident, we are considering representing additional cargo claims if they meet certain criteria. If your cargo was aboard the M/V DALI and you’re facing losses, now is the time to reach out! Time is of the essence—failure to file by November 15 means that claims cannot be processed before the final court-imposed filing deadline.
With the thousands of containers aboard the M/V DALI and RM Metals representing a significant percentage of those damaged, we are particularly equipped as maritime lawyers to advocate for cargo claims. Don’t delay if you think you might have a claim. Contact us at 713-955-3699 or at www.herdlawfirm.com today to secure your rights before it’s too late!
11/8/2024
Image Credit: BBC, Marine Traffic, USACE Baltimore
