A summer trial is likely for lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages from the collapse of a Florida beachfront condominium that killed 98 people, a judge said Wednesday.
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In this June 25, 2021 file photo, rescue personnel work at the remains of the Champlain Towers South condo building in Surfside, Fla. A summer trial is likely for lawsuits seeking millions of dollars in damages from the collapse of a Florida beachfront condominium that killed 98 people, a judge said Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. |
Hanzman said he would probably set a firm summer trial date in January. It's also possible the case could be settled before a trial is held.
A mediator is working to figure out how to allocate lawsuit damages, insurance proceeds and land sale money between wrongful death victims and those who lost only property. The land where the condo once stood could sell for $120 million or more once all bids have been received.
“We have been working
nonstop to resolve these issues,” said Judd Rosen, a lawyer
for one group of victims.
“Nothing would make the court happier," Hanzman said.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the collapse are
ongoing and will be augmented by work of experts hired to
collect evidence for lawsuits.
The lead investigating agency, the National Institute for
Standards and Technology, recently estimated its probe could
take as long as two years.