Mexican Navy Ship Cuauhtémoc Brooklyn Bridge Accident Lawsuit Lawyers

Legal Representation for Injured Cadets and Families of the Deceased After Fatal Collision in New York City

Legal Help for Victims of the Cuauhtémoc Bridge Accident in New York

On May 18, 2025, the Mexican Navy training vessel Cuauhtémoc collided with the Brooklyn Bridge in a tragic and avoidable incident that left two cadets dead, several others injured, and raised serious questions of legal liability. Parker Waichman LLP, a national wrongful death and personal injury law firm based in New York City, is actively investigating this case and offering legal help to injured cadets and families of the deceased.

We represent clients nationwide and are uniquely positioned to assist the Mexican nationals harmed in this devastating accident. Victims and families may have strong claims for compensation under federal maritime law, New York negligence statutes, and international laws governing naval and commercial vessels in U.S. waters.

What Happened on May 18, 2025?

The Cuauhtémoc, a tall sailing ship operated by the Mexican Navy, was departing from the South Street Seaport in Manhattan when it collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. The ship was seen reversing at high speed under motor power, grinding under the bridge as its towering masts snapped off against the steel span. Several cadets were positioned high in the rigging when the masts collapsed, and two of them sustained fatal injuries. Nineteen others required medical treatment.

Footage shows a tugboat had assisted the Cuauhtémoc out of its berth but failed to overtake or redirect the ship before the collision. There are conflicting reports about the tugboat’s role—whether it was prematurely disengaged or unable to control the vessel against a strong current, high winds, or the vessel’s height. These details may prove critical in determining liability.

Legal Issues: Who May Be Held Responsible?

Victims and their families may file claims under multiple overlapping legal jurisdictions:

• Federal Maritime Law: Because the incident occurred on navigable waters and involved a foreign vessel, federal maritime law governs many of the liability questions. The U.S. General Maritime Law allows injured victims and families of deceased sailors to seek damages from negligent vessel owners and operators.
• Jones Act (46 U.S. Code §301): If the Mexican Navy cadets are considered “seamen” under the definition of the Jones Act, and they were injured due to negligence, they or their families may have valid claims under this federal statute.
• New York State Law: Claims may also be filed under New York’s wrongful death and personal injury statutes, particularly because the collision occurred within the boundaries of New York City. These laws allow surviving family members to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
• Negligence by Tugboat Operators: If the tugboat escort peeled away prematurely or failed to maintain control of the Cuauhtémoc in strong currents and high winds, the operator and the company that owns the tugboat may be liable for negligence. Footage confirms the tug was present, but that the ship’s path could not be corrected before impact. This raises questions about coordination, communication, and judgment under maritime pilotage obligations.

What Injured Victims and Families May Recover

Survivors of those lost in the accident and cadets who were seriously hurt may be eligible to recover:

• Medical bills and hospitalization costs
• Lost earnings or future earning capacity
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship and support
• Punitive damages (under certain circumstances)

Every claim will depend on the individual’s injury, the circumstances, and applicable law. However, with multiple layers of potential liability, victims and families should act quickly to protect their rights.

Time Is Limited to File a Claim

Under both New York and federal maritime law, wrongful death and injury claims must be filed within specific legal deadlines known as statutes of limitation. In some cases, these time limits may be as short as one or two years. If these deadlines pass without legal action being filed, victims and their families may permanently lose their right to pursue compensation.

It is critical to contact a qualified law firm as soon as possible. Prompt legal action allows attorneys to:

• Secure and preserve vital evidence such as video footage, vessel logs, and maintenance records
• Identify and notify all responsible parties
• Coordinate expert evaluations of the mechanical systems and conditions involved
• Prevent tampering or loss of witness statements and documentation

The sooner you act, the stronger your case may be. Delaying legal consultation can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary challenges.

Parker Waichman LLP Is Investigating This Case Now

Our wrongful death and personal injury law firm is actively gathering evidence and reviewing liability under both state and federal laws. We are located in New York City and offer bilingual representation to assist families from Mexico and around the world. We are reviewing potential claims against:

• The Mexican Navy (depending on sovereign immunity waivers)
• Tugboat companies and their operators
• U.S.-based agencies responsible for port coordination, if applicable
• Other entities whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the disaster

Free Case Review and No Fees Unless We Win

Our firm handles all wrongful death and injury claims on a contingency-fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we secure financial compensation for your injuries or loss. We understand how difficult these circumstances are and are here to help victims pursue justice. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you. Call us at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for a confidential consultation.

¡Consulta Gratuita Disponible!

Si usted o un ser querido resultó herido o perdió la vida en el accidente del barco Cuauhtémoc en el Puente de Brooklyn, comuníquese con nuestros abogados hoy mismo. Parker Waichman LLP ofrece representación legal en los 50 estados y contamos con abogados que hablan español. Llame al 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) para una revisión gratuita de su caso.