Nothing illustrates the tragic consequences of building decay more than the June 24, 2021, collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, which claimed the lives of nearly 100 residents. The event raises questions about the building inspection process not only in Florida but around the country. What caused this calamity? Who is responsible? How many other buildings are in similar condition? Any compensation for the loss of life, injuries, and property damage will likely be astronomical. Where will any financial awards come from?
Experienced construction law attorney Judah Lifschitz of Shapiro, Lifschitz & Schram spoke with me about the near- and long-term impacts of the Surfside condo collapse and how it has reverberated around the country. Judah has extensive experience in construction matters, including power and energy construction representing clients in engineering, procurement and construction contracts and disputes. He represents governmental and private owners, regional, national and international contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, design professionals, sureties and insurance companies in disputes, trials, ADR proceedings and negotiations. Judah won one of the largest liquidated damages awards in the history of the construction industry. Education: George Washington University, J.D.; Yeshiva University, B.A., magna cum laude.
This podcast is the audio companion to the Journal on Emerging Issues in Litigation, a collaborative project between HB Litigation Conferences and the Fastcase legal research family, which includes Full Court Press, Law Street Media, Docket Alarm and, most recently, Judicata. If you have comments or wish to participate in one our projects, or want to tell me how insightful and informative Judah is, please drop me a note at Editor@LitigationConferences.com.
Thanks to Judah for speaking with me about this important topic. I was especially proud that I pronounced his name correctly on the first try, though he assured me that I could in no way do more damage to it than those who have come before me. (Clearly he doesn’t know me well.)
Tom Hagy
(pronounced HEY-ghee, for the record