Wrongful Death
Champlain Towers South Collapse: $1.2 Billion Judgment & Justice for Victims’ Families
In one of the most consequential building collapse cases in U.S. history, Podhurst Orseck served as the plaintiffs’ counsel in the Champlain Towers South litigation, representing approximately 39 of the 98 victims individually as well as the entire class of those killed. The firm was instrumental in securing a historic $1.2 billion settlement in under a year—an unprecedented outcome given the dozens of defendants, complex engineering evidence, and hundreds of survivors and families involved.
"No one in our profession ever hopes to work on a case born from such deep and needless tragedy. But when we are called to serve in moments like this, to represent those affected by unimaginable loss, the duty could not be more urgent or sacred. And the calling changes the fabric of who we are," said Lea Bucciero, partner at Podhurst Orseck.The firm’s advocacy extended beyond the courtroom, helping accelerate legislative reforms now mandating earlier and recurring structural inspections to protect residents statewide. For their leadership and dedication, partners Lea P. Bucciero and Ricardo M. Martinez-Cid were honored with the American Association for Justice’s prestigious Steven J. Sharp Public Service Award in 2025. Accepting on behalf of the plaintiffs’ counsel team, Bucciero dedicated the award to the 98 lives lost, underscoring the profession’s highest calling: to serve with integrity, empathy, and unwavering commitment in the face of unimaginable loss.
"Our work as attorneys on this case does not undo the harm. It cannot rebuild what has been lost, but it can honor it. It can say: “Your life mattered. Your story mattered, and you will not be forgotten," said Bucciero.