The owners of several damaged barges are suing over claims that the damage was the fault of a railroad company.
Murray American River Towing Inc., Murray American Transportation, Navigators Insurance Co., the AGCS Marine Insurance Co., and Starr Indemnity and Liability Co. filed suit Oct. 22 against the Union Railroad Co. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, citing negligence.
The plaintiffs allege that on March 4, several MARTI barges waiting to be loaded with coal broke away from the Duquesne Wharf, drifted down river and either sank at the Port Perry Bridge on the Monongahela River or were damaged. The complaint states that defendants failed to secure its fleet and failed to adjust and inspect its moorings.
The plaintiff is seeking damages, plus attorney fees, penalties and costs. Dennis A. Watson and Jason R. McLean of Grogan Graffam in Pittsburgh represents the plaintiffs.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania case number 2:15-CV-01374