My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their loved ones, and the survivors of the collapsed Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida. As search and rescue efforts continue, I kindly ask all my readers to think and send positive thoughts for all affected. I have already had some readers ask for my thoughts on the collapse. Honestly, I have nothing but sincere sorrow in my heart for the human tragedy that has befallen our fellow humans.
I was a bit shocked at how fast the first lawsuit was filed. The search and rescue effort was not even completed, yet, there were some people more concerned with the legal consequences of this tragedy than the efforts needed to rescue any potential survivors. I realize that justice needs to be sought but surely a bit more time could have passed before this community needs to use its resources to defend itself in court.
As for the structural integrity of the building and who was responsible for the collapse, this will take minds far more experienced than mine. I have heard about engineering reports and delayed or deferred maintenance but until there are solid facts, anything else is speculation. In the meantime, there are relief efforts underway and many of the survivors are now without homes. I ask any readers who are able to consider contributing to the charity of their choice to assist these poor souls. If you are a prayerful person, this is an excellent time to pray for all those killed, missing, and their loved ones. It is a dark day in the condominium industry and a stark wake-up call to any association that defers maintenance for whatever reason. No cost savings is worth the cost of lost human life.
Extremely well said Bob, thank you for this.
At this time our thoughts and prayers should be focused on so many affected by this terribly sad tragedy. As you point out, anything else at this time is just speculation.
-Doug
I don’t agree with that perspective. People who are already retaining an attorney, or join a class action, have suffered terrible losses, injury, financial, and more, and it is better to secure an attorney/firm who will protect your interest sooner than later. People who lived through the event, but have had life-changing losses, whether death of their loved ones, or owners who lost their entire home, etc., are not being thoughtless or selfish about those who perished. There are immediate issues about bills that may come due, letters that may need to be sent, hospital bills, it can be overwhelming and daunting to face this alone and unprotected.