Miami, Florida Building Collapse Lawyers

A National Law Firm for Injured People

Cities along the southeastern coast of Florida are home to a variety of oceanside properties with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The rich history, cultural diversity, and lively entertainment have contributed to the popularity, development, and growth of the area. 

Florida building collapse lawyers

These same positives also contribute to an increase in property values as reflected by the recent real estate listings of The Champlain Towers South Condos in Surfside. Located a block north of Miami Beach city limits, the listed units ranged from $600,000 to $699,000. Unbeknownst to residents of these 1981 circa south Florida condominiums, however, their building was on the verge of collapse.

Deemed an oddity of biblical proportions by Peter Dyga, president and CEO of a Florida chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, the catastrophic partial collapse of The Champlain Towers South Condo complex resulted in more than 70 of the 130 building units destroyed or damaged, one confirmed death, 35 people trapped, 100 people unaccounted for, and found survivors being rushed to local hospitals for treatment of life-changing injuries. 

With founding partner Glen Lerner a resident of Miami along with South Florida resident and attorney, Jeff Cahill, this case has extra meaning to our firm to fight for the community in which we live. Our team is prepared to fiercely advocate for justice for those who were emotionally and psychologically traumatized, catastrophically injured, and who lost their loved ones after the partial collapse of the The Champlain Towers South Condo building

Please contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today if you or a loved one were a victim of this Florida building collapse accident that is possibly linked to major construction defects. We know that nothing makes up for the loss of a loved one, limb, or the security of a loving home environment. That is why we are prepared to fight for justice and hold the negligent parties accountable for such life-altering destruction. Please call us today at 888-999-2222 for a free, no obligation consultation to learn more about your legal rights from our Florida construction defect lawyer.


What Causes Buildings to Collapse?

Miami construction defect lawyer

Florida building collapses can be the result of a variety of reasons. Age, defective construction materials and design, as well as poor building maintenance are all potential causes that are typically investigated to determine negligence and fault.  

In regards to The Champlain Towers South Condo, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett was quoted to say that the building is not as old as many in the surrounding area, however, there had been construction work on the building’s roof over the last 30 days. A relative of a 30 year unit owner noted that leaks were a chronic problem in the building that led to a nagging worry for her.  

Surfside commissioner Eliana Salzhauer also stated that the building was undergoing inspection for its 40-year recertification at the time of the disaster, which typically takes one year to complete.


Who Is Liable in a Building Collapse Accident?

Determining the negligent and liable parties after a building collapse can be a complex process. Many combined variables may contribute to a construction defect that results in a building becoming structurally unsound.

These entities range from:

  • Property owners 
  • Original developers of the building
  • Persons who reviewed and approved the original building plans
  • Building inspectors
  • Material suppliers
  • Contractors and construction crew

Furthermore, sifting through all the accident documentation and investigations takes time, potentially years depending on the age of a collapsed building.

Evacuated injured and accident survivors may find this lengthy time period stressful because of piling medical expenses, lost wages resulting from lengthy recoveries, emotional trauma and loss, catastrophic injuries, or worst case scenario—wrongful death of a parent, child, spouse, or partner.

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Compensation for Florida Construction Defect Victims 

Once negligence and fault has been determined, a Florida construction defect lawyer can file a claim on behalf of an injury victim and/or any survivors. Factors that an attorney considers when determining a dollar amount after a catastrophic construction accident may include: severity and degree of personal injuries, age and health of the deceased or injured, life expectancy, past wage history and earning capacity, as well as age and income of heirs. 

Some examples of design negligence lawsuit settlement awarded after the 1981 Hyatt Hotel walkway collapse include:

  • A $600,000 settlement to a widow with four children whose 51-year-old husband was killed in the walkway collapse. 
  • Immediate payments of $1,000 to all class members who elected to receive that one-time payment in exchange for a full release of their claims. 

Contact a Construction Defect Lawyer in Miami, Florida   

If you or a family member suffered a serious injury or loss of life after a Florida building collapse or construction defect, our 24/7 personal injury lawyer Florida and legal team are available day or night. Call us at 888-999-2222, submit your details through a convenient online form, or connect with a LiveChat representative now. We are here to listen and offer help when you need it most!