Since the Champlain Towers collapse in June 2021, cities, counties, states, and even the federal government are examining the rules and regulations regarding building inspections and consequences for code violations. The Champlain Towers collapse stands as one of the deadliest in the nation, with 98 people killed. Efforts to reform maintenance and inspection policies are ongoing and will undoubtedly be subject to change. However, a grand jury in Miami Dade county has taken up that issue with recommendations to improve the state of affairs.
Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney In Florida
Your rights and interests matter, regardless of the size of your personal injury case. In many personal injury cases, opposing counsel will engage in tactics to reduce or completely deny your recovery. In these cases, it is important to hire a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney will recognize the tactics and navigate them to help you receive the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Koberlein Law Offices are familiar with personal injury cases and the tactics that come along with them. Koberlein Law Offices will use their extensive personal injury knowledge and experience to work for you. To learn more or to schedule an initial case consultation, call us or visit us at our website, www.klo-attorneys.com.
Champlain Tower South Collapse
On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South collapsed, leaving 98 dead in its wake. Following the collapse, search and rescue efforts lasted for weeks. The collapse also resulted in the initiation of multiple federal and state investigations along with a host of civil lawsuits. The sudden collapse of Champlain towers South was a substantial wake-up call. The area is no stranger to infrastructure failures that prompt swift policy change. In 1974, a building occupied by the Drug Enforcement Agency in downtown Miami collapsed, killing seven people. After that collapse, Miami-Dade revised its recertification period from 50 years to 40. However, several decades after that tragedy, disaster struck again with the Champlain collapse. As a result of this most recent collapse, the city empaneled a grand jury to assess policies relating to building recertification, inspections, and more.
Grand Jury Functions
In Miami-Dade, grand juries serve two functions: issuing indictments for first-degree murder cases and exploring public health and safety issues. In the present case, the grand jury’s primary focus has been on addressing public health issues related to buildings, especially condominiums. In this case, the grand jury’s purpose was to assess available evidence and information and to provide recommendations concerning inspections and safety regulations. In most cases, including this one, the grand jury has the power to issue criminal indictments. While the grand jury retained indictment power, the grand jury focused on policy and procedure recommendations. However, if after federal investigations have concluded the Florida state attorney’s office decides that criminal charges are warranted, those indictments may still occur.
Grand Jury Recommendations
After assessing information and reviewing current building inspection and maintenance procedures, the grand jury provided several recommendations to prevent future building collapses in the Miami-Dade area. The recommendations included:
- Painting or waterproofing building exteriors at least every ten years,
- Condo associations should be required to certify maintenance reports for components involving structural integrity of the building once a year, and
- Building maintenance should be addressed before the 40-year recertification period to minimize repair costs.
Recommendations And Reforms
The recommendations given by the grand jury are preliminary. Although the collapse occurred in June, the investigation into the causes and effects of the incident is ongoing. It may be some time before this tragedy ends. While it is unclear if the grand jury’s recommendations are considered, they serve as a sign of changes yet to come.
Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal injury cases can be hard to understand. It is vital that you receive the help and compensation you deserve after being injured. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney will help you understand your case and give you the peace of mind that someone is fighting hard to protect your interests. To learn more or schedule your free initial case consultation, contact Koberlein Law Offices toll-free at 877.556.2889 or visit us at our website.