Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman approved the multimillion-dollar settlement after hearing the emotional testimony that made him cry many times. “Everyone in this case is a victim, there is no doubt about it,” Hanzman said before giving his final approval. “Please know that this court does not in any way reduce your pain and suffering and the trauma you have suffered … we have 98 people who have lost their lives, and this case must have perspective.” The heirs of the 98 victims were classified as unlawful deaths during the hearing, and the surviving condominium owners were referred to as economic class. Champlain Towers South Condominium lawyers also participated in the settlement. The court based its decision on the fact that the settlement was “fair, reasonable and sufficient”, but due to some concerns, the judge announced two terms that you add to the agreement. “Number one, this settlement will depend on the closure of real estate for at least $ 120 million,” Hanzman said. “And until that happens, not a penny will be distributed to the owners of the condominium.” “Number two, I’re not going to deduct insurance,” he said, adding that he would deduct $ 750,000 from the top “which the court will use to partially compensate the lawyer … and the previous costs of maintaining that property to date. ” In a statement after the testimony, Hanzman acknowledged that the law and the judiciary would not be able to “alleviate the pain and suffering of these people.” Hanzman also praised the settlement and the lawyers, who he said worked hard to establish him, saying the court did not want to “let the perfect be the enemy of the good”.
The tragedy has affected communities in many countries
The victims of the collapse of the Champlain Towers South were from all over the world and grief touched members of a close-knit Jewish community and families from Argentina, Paraguay and Colombia. At the time, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava described the collapse as “the largest hurricane-related emergency response in the history of our state.” Crews worked for weeks to recover, combing debris and debris, while families and loved ones of the victims waited for information. Concrete in the pool and underground garage has been the focus as engineers and government officials are investigating the cause of the collapse, CNN reported.
