Skanska Ordered to Pay $92,000 After Evidence Disappeared

A federal judge in Florida has ordered multinational construction firm Skanska to pay more than $92,000 after the court found that the company had destroyed potential evidence after 23 barges broke loose during a hurricane and damaged a bridge and other property.

Skanska, one of the largest companies in the world, which is largely self-insured, has asked that the penalties be reduced, the Associated Press reported.

The company is the target of multiple lawsuits after 23 of its construction barges came loose from their moorings when Hurricane Sally hit the Pensacola area in September 2020. Skanska was building a new bridge across Pensacola Bay, and the loose barges heavily damaged the bridge, causing it to close for months. Business owners and commuters are seeking damages.

The company has previously said it took all reasonable steps to secure its equipment but said the storm’s power was unforeseeable and extreme.

U.S. Magistrate Hope Cannon made the order last week, noting that the fine will help cover legal fees and costs stemming from the loss or destruction of cell phone data pertinent to the case.