Posted inLawsuits

Compensation for a Community

Two modern apartment buildings with glass balconies frame a view of a clear blue sky. The buildings face each other, creating a symmetrical composition with curved facades.
Tragedy for condo owners

As rescue and emergency workers continue to search for survivors in the rubble of the pancaked Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, the building’s condo association has received notice of a $5 million class action lawsuit related to the collapse. Filed by Brad Sohn Law Firm, the claim alleges that the condo association failed to address pertinent safety measures and neglected to act quickly to repair the structural issues that were previously identified. The lawsuit also focuses on the probability that if the condo association maintained ordinary care of the building, then the loss of life and property might have been prevented.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Bedrock Burden Ends

A vibrant village scene with houses featuring colorful roofs in red, yellow, green, and blue. A small stone building with a red roof is in the foreground, and a tranquil stream runs alongside. Misty green mountains rise in the background.
Colorful house crisis

In a town 25 miles south of San Francisco, CA, a home sits as a page out of history. The Hillsborough homeowner, Florence Fang, has settled a lawsuit that was initiated in 2019. Following the issuance of three “stop-work” orders, the town of Hillsborough filed a claim against Fang, alleging that she needed work permits to continue the construction of various Flintstones memorabilia and statues on her property. In response to the lawsuit, Fang filed a counterclaim that accused the town of engaging in discriminatory demands and practices. Although both parties reach a friendly and agreeable resolution in April 2021, a gag order prevented the release of the information pertaining to the case details.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Housing Hostility

Luxurious pool area at sunset with a modern house in the background. The scene includes a hot tub with a fire feature, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, reflecting a serene and upscale outdoor living space.
Discrimination dispute

A Boca Raton, FL community of 700 affluent homes is the location of one of the more recent legal disputes involving alleged discrimination. One of the residents, who identifies as Christian, claims that she has been the subject of religious discrimination within a community that is primarily Jewish. Known as Seven Bridges, the homes are maintained by an HOA. Those living there may enjoy access to tennis courts, a pool, and a clubhouse. The Christian resident, whom is the plaintiff in the case, said she was denied access to these amenities for 330 days following a spat with one of her Jewish neighbors. The plaintiff was also subjected to a $5,000 fine for her part in the dispute. For what she identifies as a hostile housing environment, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the HOA for neglecting to resolve the matter.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Home Improvement Mishap

An empty, dilapidated room with peeling wallpaper and a worn-out floor. Two doors are visible, one slightly ajar. The ceiling shows signs of water damage, and debris is scattered across the floor. Light filters in through a window on the left.
Renovation dispute

When renovating your home, it is imperative to hire competent contractors that will do the job right the first time.  A Springfield couple performed their due diligence in hiring Home Depot to completely reconstruct their new home.  The renovation would include a new kitchen and bathroom, and new flooring and windows. Home Depot subcontracted the job to B. Lombardi & Sons of Cedar Grove, Verona and Roseland.  The couple is now suing both parties for incomplete work and violations of the Consumer Fraud Act and the Home Improvement Practices Act.  In addition, the couple claims the contractors used poor quality building materials and breached their contracts.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Suing Over Septic

A miniature house model with a gray roof and red walls sits on a wooden table. Next to it are a set of keys on a keychain, suggesting themes of real estate, home ownership, or property investment.
Homeowner’s nightmare

Updating and repairing a house comes with the job of being a homeowner.  While some homes undergo massive remodels, others are subject to minor aesthetic alterations.  Replacing the existing septic system or hot water heater are not exciting projects, but they may be necessary to keep up with building codes or the basic functioning of the home.  Donald Woods is one such homeowner who was required by the town of Southampton, NY to update his home due to an apparent permit that was not acquired in the mid-1960’s when the second story to the home was built.  Woods purchased the home in 2003.  In order to bring the home up to code, Woods was instructed to install a new and improved septic system that would reduced nitrogen contribution.

2 minutes