Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, Governor Dan McKee, and the outside legal team of Max Wistow and Jonathan Savage announced the filing of a lawsuit against 13 companies that have provided design, construction, and inspection services related to the Washington Bridge. The lawsuit aims to hold these companies accountable for the near-miss catastrophic closure of the bridge and seeks to recover resources required for rebuilding and compensating the State.
As detailed in the complaint filed in Providence County Superior Court, it is alleged that these companies failed to timely and adequately identify worsening structural issues, leading to the sudden closure of the Washington Bridge. The complaint asserts multiple failures over several years to address problems with the bridge or recommend adequate remedial measures.
The State's claims include breach of contract, fiduciary duty, and negligence against AECOM Technical Services, Inc.; Aetna Bridge Company; Aries Support Services, Inc.; Barletta Heavy Division, Inc.; Barletta/Aetna I-195 Washington Bridge North Phase 2 JV; Collins Engineers, Inc.; Commonwealth Engineers Consultants, Inc.; Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc.; Michael Baker International, Inc.; Prime AE Group, Inc.; Steere Engineering, Inc.; Transystems Corporation; and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
“The emergency closure of the Washington Bridge and subsequent mitigation efforts have strained our state,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “In the nearly nine months since the abrupt closure, our economy has borne an immense cost. Today’s lawsuit seeks to hold accountable those responsible and recover as much as possible for the State.”
Governor Dan McKee added: “As promised, the State is pursuing accountability from all responsible parties who we assert have contributed to this situation with the Washington Bridge. I am pleased that Attorney General Neronha and Attorneys Max Wistow and Jon Savage have delivered a strong case.”
The law firms Wistow, Sheehan & Loveley P.C., and Savage Law Partners LLP are engaged in investigating and litigating these claims under Attorney General Neronha's direction along with his team members Deputy Civil Chief Sarah Rice and Consumer Protection Chief Stephen Provazza.