There are more questions than answers after the tragic collapse of the Champlain South Tower condo building in Surfside, Florida. While questions remain about what exactly caused the Surfside building collapse, The Ferraro Law Firm has answered common questions about how these tragic accidents often occur. We have also answered your frequently asked questions concerning your legal rights after a building collapse.

If you lost a loved one or were injured in the Champlain South Tower condo collapse, contact us for a free legal consultation. We can answer any questions you may have about your rights following this disaster.

Why Did the Champlain South Tower Collapse?

What causes buildings to collapse?

Buildings that are properly designed, constructed, and maintained should not collapse. When structures do fail, it may be caused by a weak foundation, poor quality building materials, faulty construction, corrosion, water damage, explosions and fires, or natural disasters.

How did the Surfside, Florida condos collapse?

The cause of the Champlain South Tower collapse is still being investigated. However, according to a report from 2018, the building was suffering from “major structural damage.” This included cracks in the concrete, exposed and corroded rebar, and water damage in the parking garage and pool deck.

Who is investigating the Champlain South Tower condo collapse?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating the Champlain South Tower condo collapse. Based on the results of their investigation, they will determine what changes need to be made in building codes, regulations, and laws. Previously, The National Institute of Standards and Technology investigated the collapse of the Twin Towers after 9/11, and the destruction and aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

How to Help Those Affected by the Surfside Condo Collapse

What can I do to help victims of the Surfside condo collapse?

There are numerous organizations that are on the groups helping support families, victims, and first responders. These groups include the Support Surfside Fund, South Florida Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, and the Global Empowerment Mission—each organization is currently accepting donations. Nonprofits like the United Way of Miami-Dade are also accepting volunteers.

Can I donate items to displaced residents of the Champlain Towers?

The Global Empowerment Mission is accepting donated items for displaced Champlain Tower residents. The Surfside reunification center is no longer accepting donations since they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of members of the community.

What should I do if I know someone who lived in the Champlain South Tower?

If you have a friend or loved one who lived in the Champlain South Tower and is currently missing, you should call the official reunification hotline (305-614-1819) or visit the reunification center at the Surfside Community Center (9301 Collins Avenue). These have been established through Miami-Dade County.

Your Legal Rights After the Surfside Building Collapse

Who can be held liable for a building collapse?

If a condo association, property owner, construction company, architects, engineers, or contractors committed negligence that contributed to the structure’s failure, they may be held liable for a building collapse. Negligence may involve faulty construction, failure to repair structural damage in a timely fashion, failure to conduct regular inspections and maintenance, and more.

Who can file a Champlain South Tower building collapse lawsuit?

Anyone who was injured, lost a loved one, or suffered property damage in a building collapse may be able to file a building collapse lawsuit against the negligent parties. These may include the construction company, contractors, property owners, condo associations, manufacturers, and more. A lawsuit can help recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, funeral expenses, and more.

If I was hurt in the Champlain South Tower building collapse, what are my legal rights?

If you were injured as a result of the Champlain South Tower building collapse, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties. A lawsuit may help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering, hospital bills, time off from work, and more.

Can I file a lawsuit if I lost a loved one in the Surfside condo collapse?

Yes, family members who lost a loved one in the Surfside condo collapse may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent parties. This can recover compensation for loss of support, funeral and burial expenses, past medical expenses, and more.

If I lost my apartment in the Surfside condo collapse, can I file a lawsuit?

Yes. If you suffered property damage you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties who caused the collapse. This may include construction companies, contractors, or the condo association.

Can I file a lawsuit against the Champlain South Tower condo association?

The cause of the building collapse is still being investigated, as are potentially liable parties. However, if you suffered losses as a result of the Surfside condo collapse, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Contact The Ferraro Law Firm for a free legal consultation to learn more. Our law firm has the resources to investigate all potentially liable parties, including the condo association if it is determined that their negligence may have contributed to the building collapsing.