The collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida has been a devastating and heartbreaking event for families and the entire community. At Ferraro Law, our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster. We understand that in the aftermath of a catastrophe like this, survivors, family members, and concerned residents have many questions: How did this happen? Who may be responsible? What can survivors do to protect their legal rights?
Below, we’ve compiled important details about the Surfside condo collapse, the legal resources available to those affected, and the support our law firm is providing to assist with investigations, claims, and the pursuit of justice.
Overview of the Surfside Condo Collapse
Overview of the Surfside Condo Collapse
The devastating collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021, shook the nation. This tragedy not only claimed lives but also left survivors and families grappling with profound loss, displacement, and unanswered questions about structural safety and accountability.
What Happened at Champlain Towers South?
- On June 24, 2021, a significant portion of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Florida collapsed.
- Over half of the building’s units were affected, leaving many residents unaccounted for in the immediate aftermath.
- Subsequent rescue efforts, investigations, and legal inquiries have revealed potential structural failures, possible code violations, and warning signs regarding building integrity.
Tragic Consequences
- Many individuals lost their lives or suffered serious injuries.
- Survivors and family members face not only the devastation of losing loved ones but also displacement from their homes, loss of personal belongings, and profound emotional trauma.
- The collapse has prompted increased scrutiny of inspection protocols and building maintenance requirements in high-rise and condo structures throughout Florida.
40 Years of Fierce Representation
40 Years of Fierce Representation
At Ferraro Law, we bring over four decades of dedicated experience to building collapse and premises liability claims, serving clients throughout Florida and across the nation. Our extensive background includes investigating structural failures, identifying the causes of collapses, and holding responsible parties accountable. From navigating complex insurance disputes to pursuing fair compensation, our condo collapse attorneys are committed to striving for survivors and their families to be heard and their rights are protected. We stand by our clients every step of the way, offering both legal advocacy and compassionate support during these challenging times.
How We Can Help You
How We Can Help You
Experience in Building Collapse Litigation
At Ferraro Law, we have decades of experience handling building collapse and premises liability claims across Florida and nationwide. From investigating structural collapses to taking on powerful insurance companies, our condo collapse attorneys aim to ensure survivors and their families have a voice in the legal system.
Resources & Investigative Support
We collaborate with experts in engineering, construction, and code compliance to pinpoint responsible parties and the root cause of a building collapse. Our team reviews prior inspection reports, building maintenance documents, and any evidence indicating code violations or poorly performed repairs.
Compassionate Client Advocacy
We recognize the emotional upheaval and stress you face. That’s why we maintain open communication, offering updates and empathy every step of the way. Our client-centric approach means we prioritize your comfort and well-being, seeking not just financial compensation but also a sense of closure and accountability.
Contingency Fee Representation
We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we secure a successful outcome for you. This approach eases financial stress, allowing you to focus on what matters most—whether that’s seeking justice, rebuilding your life, or honoring a loved one’s memory.
Charitable Support & Ongoing Relief Efforts
In the immediate aftermath of the Surfside condo collapse, Ferraro Law—alongside many other community members—contributed funds and resources to help those displaced and grieving. There are multiple ways to give back to the Surfside community and assist with ongoing relief efforts, such as:
- Donating to organizations that provide emergency shelter, meals, and counseling services.
- Volunteering with local nonprofits or faith-based groups coordinating food drives and housing support.
- Offering financial donations or in-kind contributions to help surviving families rebuild their lives.
Who May Be Held Liable?
Who May Be Held Liable?
In any condo collapse or building collapse case, determining liability can be complex.
Potential responsible parties may include:
Condo Association or Board
If they failed to address known structural issues or neglected vital repairs.
Engineers & Inspectors
If past inspections failed to identify critical building integrity problems or misrepresented findings.
Contractors & Construction Firms
If defective building materials or negligence during construction contributed to structural failure.
Manufacturers & Suppliers
If materials used to build or repair the condominium were substandard or defective.
Establishing who may be at fault often requires a deep investigation—reviewing safety inspections, building codes, engineering reports, and contributing factors to the structural failure.
Legal Rights and Compensation After a Condo Collapse
Legal Rights and Compensation After a Condo Collapse
For individuals impacted by the Surfside tragedy—whether as a victim who suffered injuries, a family member who lost a loved one, or a homeowner displaced by the collapse—there may be legal recourse through personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Potential damages can include:
Medical Bills & Future Care
Covering surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling.
Pain and Suffering
Recognizing emotional trauma, grief, and the toll of losing one’s home or family member.
Property Damage
Addressing lost valuables, housing displacement, or repair/replacement costs.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, if gross negligence or egregious misconduct can be proven.
Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death claim may apply if negligence, such as ignored safety warnings or code violations, contributed to the tragedy, offering families a path to justice and compensation.
Meet Our building collapse Attorneys
Meet Our building collapse Attorneys
Learn More About Our Team
At Ferraro Law, our compassionate and dedicated legal team brings decades of experience in handling complex litigation, including catastrophic structural failures. Jim L. Ferraro, Ignacio J. Segurola, and Jose L. Becerra are deeply committed to providing empathetic support and skilled representation to families and survivors facing the profound challenges of this tragedy.
James L. Ferraro Sr.
For over 40 years, Jim has led high-impact cases against major corporations in asbestos, environmental, and injury litigation—securing billions of dollars and meaningful outcomes for people facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
Ignacio J. Segurola
Ignacio brings over 20 years of trial experience in serious injury and wrongful death cases, including medical malpractice and catastrophic crashes. A longtime advocate in South Florida courts and communities, he’s known for his sharp litigation style and results-driven approach.
Jose L. Becerra
Jose focuses on personal injury and product liability litigation, including asbestos, toxic torts, and talcum powder claims. Known for his trial skill and meticulous case workup, he’s helped secure more than $85 million in verdicts for clients across Florida and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How can I find more information on Surfside relief efforts?
We maintain an updated Surfside Condo Collapse Resources list on our website, where you can learn about donations, volunteer opportunities, and additional legal guidance.
02.
Is it too late to file a claim if I was affected by the Champlain Towers collapse?
Statutes of limitations vary, and the timeline may be extended based on ongoing investigations. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
03.
Do I have to live in Florida to hire Ferraro Law?
No, we handle building collapse and personal injury cases nationwide, collaborating with local counsel as needed for your jurisdiction.
04.
How do I know who’s liable for my injuries or property damage?
Liability in condo collapse cases can be complex. Our attorneys work with engineering and safety experts to analyze the chain of events and potential negligence that led to the collapse.
05.
What if I lost a loved one in the Surfside tragedy?
You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim to seek damages for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of your loss. Our team can review your situation and guide you forward.
have more questions?
glossary of key terms
glossary of key terms
Building Collapse
The sudden failure of a structure, often caused by defective materials, construction errors, or poor maintenance.
Defective Building Materials
Low-quality or improperly manufactured materials used during construction that lead to structural instability or collapse.
Code Violations
Non-compliance with established building codes and safety regulations, frequently resulting in unsafe and hazardous structures.
Construction Negligence
Mistakes, omissions, or shortcuts during construction that compromise the safety and stability of a building.
Structural Engineers
Professionals who assess and analyze buildings for flaws in design, material integrity, or other factors that may cause a collapse.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation awarded for physical discomfort and emotional distress endured by survivors or affected families of a building collapse.
Wrongful Death
A legal action filed by the family of a person who died as a result of a building collapse, seeking financial and emotional damages.
Property Damage
Loss of personal possessions or costs related to repairing or rebuilding a structure after a collapse.
Contingency Fee
A legal payment structure where attorneys only receive payment if the client secures compensation, removing upfront costs.
Statute of Limitations
The legally mandated time period within which a building collapse claim must be filed, which varies by jurisdiction.
Expert Witnesses
Specialists, such as engineers or architects, who provide professional insights into the causes of a collapse or safety violations.
Wrongful Death Claim
A lawsuit brought by the surviving family of a person killed in a building collapse, seeking financial restitution and accountability.
What's Next?
what’s next?
If you or someone you care about was affected by the Surfside condo collapse, Ferraro Law is here to provide legal resources, compassionate counsel, and unwavering support. We’ll guide you through complex proceedings, help identify responsible parties, and fight to secure the full compensation needed to move forward after such a devastating event
Choose Fierce Representation. Choose Ferraro Law. We stand ready to investigate, hold at fault parties accountable, and ensure your voice is heard during this difficult time. Let us champion your rights so you can focus on healing and finding renewed stability in the wake of tragedy.
attorney referral program
attorney referral program
Ferraro Law is nationally renowned for achieving significant settlements in complex personal injury cases. Firms across the country refer clients to Ferraro Law, recognizing our commitment to exceptional service, groundbreaking results, and readiness to tackle cases others find too risky or costly.
