Lawsuits filed against FIU Bridge design team, citing negligence

Taken on Thursday, March 15 minutes after bridge collapse. Photo courtesy of Rachel Miks

Martina Bretous/Editor-in-Chief

Following the pedestrian bridge collapse that killed six people on Thursday, March 15, two parties are suing the design team involved in the construction of the bridge.

Romantic partners Alberto Arias, 53, and Osvaldo González, 57, were killed when their white Chevy truck was crushed under the rubble when the bridge collapsed. Attorney Yesenia Collazo held a press conference on Tuesday, March 20, to announce she would be filing a wrongful death lawsuit following the burial of Arias and González, according to Miami Herald.

Hours before the collapse, a stress test was conducted on the bridge. However, no blockades were placed to prevent pedestrians and vehicles from accessing the bridge while the test was being conducted. To Collazo, that’s a key factor in their decision to file the lawsuit.

A civil lawsuit was also filed by Marquise Rashaad Hepburn, a cyclist who was injured by a car swerving to avoid rubble during the collapse.

Hepburn is suing for damages in excess of $15,000 against FIGG Engineering Group, Munilla Construction Management, Bolton Perez & Associates and Louis Berger for failure to place the appropriate safety measures during the stress test hours before the bridge collapsed and not recognizing the “imminent danger” posed by cracks on the bridge, according to Miami Herald.

There have been conflicting reports on what caused the bridge to collapse – Senator Marco Rubio said it was the tightening of suspension cables on the bridge while Mayor Carlos Jimenez said it was a stress test however the National Transportation Safety Board has not yet released any findings on their investigation.

 

 

About the Author

Martina Bretous
Afro- Caribbean. Communication Arts Major. Cat lover. TV Junkie.

Be the first to comment on "Lawsuits filed against FIU Bridge design team, citing negligence"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*