Judge approves $106m settlement over deadly 2019 Hard Rock Hotel collapse

A New Orleans civil district court judge has approved a $106 million settlement, concluding a protracted legal fight stemming from the deadly 2019 collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel construction project.

The 18-story hotel structure partially imploded in October 2019, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and causing significant damage to surrounding properties. Although a grand jury declined to indict anyone directly for the collapse, numerous lawsuits were filed. These were consolidated into a single case involving 490 plaintiffs, comprising injured workers and businesses impacted by the disaster, who sued 21 defendants.

“

This will be an honor to, you know, these claimants that have been through so much.

Orleans parish civil district court judge Kern Reese gave his approval to the settlement on Thursday. Mark Glago, co-lead counsel for the plaintiffs, highlighted the significance of the resolution for the claimants who have endured a lengthy ordeal. "We are very, very happy with this $106m," Glago stated, emphasizing the relief the settlement brings.

The funds from the settlement will be managed and distributed by a special master, bringing a measure of closure to the victims and affected parties after more than six years of legal battles. The case, initiated by the city of New Orleans in August 2020, has finally reached a resolution.

“

We are very, very happy with this $106m.