A judge approved a $106m settlement on Thursday that ends a years-long legal battle over the deadly 2019 collapse of a Hard Rock Hotel that was under construction in New Orleans. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
The 18-story hotel project partially collapsed in October 2019, killing three people and damaging nearby property. A grand jury ultimately decided against indicting anyone in the deadly collapse, but lawsuits were filed, including one brought by the city of New Orleans in August 2020 naming the building owners, their partners and contractors.
The various lawsuits were consolidated into one case that includes a total of 490 plaintiffs, including injured workers and businesses affected by the collapse, against 21 defendants, according to Mark Glago, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs. The case has been pending for more than six years, Glago noted.
The combined $106m settlement was approved by Orleans parish civil district court judge Kern Reese on Thursday, according to Glago and Court records.
“This will be an honor to, you know, these claimants that have been through so much,” Glago said of the settlement. “We are very, very happy with this $106m.”
The settlement funds will eventually be distributed by a special master.
Details of the legal process
The collapse occurred on October 12, 2019, and rescue efforts lasted several weeks. Workers and nearby residents were evacuated. City authorities conducted several safety inspections of the building.
Plaintiffs and defendants
Plaintiffs include injured workers, businesses affected by the collapse, and the city administration. Defendants include building owners, their partners, and contractors.
Significance of the settlement
This settlement is a significant event in construction safety in New Orleans. It may contribute to strengthening accountability and safety standards in the construction industry.
Expert opinion
Experts in construction safety view this settlement as a warning to construction companies. They emphasize the need for strict adherence to safety measures during construction.
Conclusion
With the approval of the $106m settlement, the legal battle over the Hard Rock Hotel collapse in New Orleans has ended. It is expected to bring some relief to the families of the victims and those affected.