The class-action suit, which seeks over $5 million, aims to compensate the victims who lost their homes and loved ones.
What We Know:
- The Brad Sohn Law Firm electronically filed the lawsuit Thursday evening at 11:29 p.m., less than 24 hours after the collapse occurred. The main plaintiff, Manuel Drezner, and other owners of Surfside’s Champlain Towers South condo complex believe the association failed to “secure and safeguard” their lives and properties.
- According to the defendant’s attorney, Ken Direktor, and other sources, the association knew the building had structural damages. However, they chose not to implement repairs; as a result, “one of the most breathtakingly frightening tragedies in the history of South Florida followed.” The complaint also states that the collapse would not have occurred if the association exercised regular care, safety measures, and oversight.
- Brad Sohn declared that the firm and its plaintiffs feel a lawsuit is necessary to force “all parties” to preserve any documents pertaining to the building. It will also ensure an investigation on the tragedy begins soon.
First lawsuit filed following… by Amanda Rojas
- On Thursday, Surfside Mayor Charles Burkett confirmed Champlain Towers South began its 40-year recertification process by implementing work on the roof. In addition, the building awaited a concrete restoration project. Surfside Town Commissioner Eliana Salzhauer told the media that she learned a building inspector examined the Towers the day before the collapse.
- More lawsuits already follow this one. A survivor of the collapse, Steve Rosenthal, followed Drezner’s footsteps and also sued the association. Rosenthal’s lawsuit features a similar complaint, citing that the association needed to know something major happened to the building’s structure. His attorney, Bob McKee, will prevent another tragedy like this from ensuing.
Lawsuit filed by Steve Rose… by Amanda Rojas
- Recent news confirmed the residents’ suspicions. During the weekend, it was revealed that an engineer warned Champlain Towers officials of “major structural damage” in 2018. Despite this, the association did not take sufficient measures to fix the apartment complex fully.
As of Monday, 150 people remain unaccounted for, while the death toll went up to 11 after Thursday’s event. Search teams in Miami continue to search through debris to find survivors.
