Seth Schimmel practices in the areas of construction and commercial litigation. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in design and construction disputes and complex commercial litigation throughout the state of Florida. In his construction practice, Seth represents engineers, architects, commercial and residential developers, owners and general contractors in a range of litigation matters which include construction defect and delay claims, professional liability and errors and omissions, warranty claims and other contractual disputes. He regularly appears in Florida’s state and federal courts and before the American Arbitration Association and is a certified mediator.
Seth also has substantial experience in drafting and negotiating construction contracts and counseling owners, developers, engineers and contractors on their administration. He has experience in both commercial and residential projects, including condominiums, office buildings, shopping malls, public facilities, power plants and highways.
Experience
- Lead counsel for one of the primary defendants, the general contractor of the neighboring property, in the In re: Champlain Towers Collapse Litigation; the class action wrongful death lawsuit arising out of the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida. Coordinated litigation and public relations strategy, including expert investigations and multi-party defense efforts that resulted in the second largest class action settlement in Florida history. Seth was among a small group of defense counsel recognized by the Court in resolving the claims and negotiating the settlement.
- Lead counsel for international engineering firm in an errors and omissions claim more than $100,000,000, relating to the design and construction of bridge foundations for a reversible lane expressway.
- Obtained summary judgment and successfully resolved all claims during appeal for an international architectural and engineering firm in class action suit brought by Orlando area homeowners in Florida State Court alleging errors and omissions relating to an environmental assessment performed by United States Army Pine Castle Jeep Bombing Range.
- Lead counsel for international engineering firm in an errors and omissions claim in excess of $100,000,000, relating to the design and construction of bridge foundations for a reversible lane expressway.
- Lead counsel for national developer of residential condominiums in Florida state courts involving construction warranty and reserve claims for several hundred units.