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

A judge has approved a $106 million settlement to conclude a lengthy legal dispute stemming from the deadly 2019 partial collapse of an 18-story Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans. The incident in October 2019 resulted in three fatalities and damage to surrounding properties. Although a grand jury chose not to indict anyone, numerous lawsuits were filed, including one by the city of New Orleans. These consolidated cases involved 490 plaintiffs, comprising injured workers and affected businesses, suing 21 defendants. The settlement, approved by Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese, will be distributed by a special master.

A judge has approved a $106 million settlement to resolve legal battles stemming from the deadly 2019 partial collapse of an 18-story Hard Rock Hotel under construction in New Orleans. The collapse on October 12, 2019, resulted in three fatalities and damage to nearby property. While a grand jury declined to indict anyone, numerous lawsuits were filed by the City of New Orleans, injured workers, and affected businesses against 21 defendants, including building owners and contractors. These consolidated lawsuits, representing 490 plaintiffs, have been pending for over six years. Orleans Parish Civil District Court Judge Kern Reese approved the settlement, which will be distributed by a special master.