Victims and residents who lost everything in the Surfside, Fla. condo collapse will be compensated for their losses at least $150 million, a judge announced Wednesday.
That minimum payment, WINK News reported, comes from the 12-story buildings insurance policies and the appraisal amount for the estimated sale of the land where the condo sat, said Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Michael Hanzman.
“The court’s concern has always been the victims here,” Judge Hanzman said, noting that visitors and renters -- not just condo owners -- were also in mind. “Their rights will be protected.”
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Investigators collected some of the collapsed condo rubble to be safeguarded and preserved as evidence for future lawsuits. Many of the suits filed against the Champlain Towers are being consolidated into a class action.
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The building collapsed last month, years after experts warned of structural issues. At least 97 people died.
Former residents disagree on what should happen to the land. Some want the condominium building rebuilt. Others say it should become a memorial for the victims.
“I personally would never set foot in a building. That’s a gravesite,” said Raysa Rodriguez, a condo owner from the ninth floor. “I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of everyone who perished.”
The judge stressed the importance of doling out the compensation thoroughly and expeditiously, so people can get back to their lives.
“I have no doubt, no stone will be left unturned,” said Judge Hanzman, adding, “This is not a case where we have time to let grass grow underneath it.”
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