A group of Miami area homeowners who sued Walt Disney World after Hurricane Andrew crushed their homes will try their cases en masse under a novel agreement proposed by Dade Circuit Judge Gerald Wetherington.
Lawyers in the case say the unusual arrangement-back-to-back abbreviated trials with no right of appeal-represents a smart way to settle most of the remaining cases involving the development, known as Country Walk.
“It will literally be over in one week, for everybody,” said lawyer David Bianchi, who represents five of the homeowners.
Homeowners will have 30 minutes to present their case. Disney will have 30 minutes to present its defense in each case. Wetherington’s decision will be final.
“Everyone has agreed, no appeal, period. So it’s very novel,” said Tom Meeks, a lawyer who represents 10 homeowners.
“It’s quick. Hopefully it’s fair. And it brings closure to these cases.”
About 30 homeowners who chose not to settle their claims as part of a larger class action lawsuit are eligible to participate.
Homeowners accused Disney and its former subsidiary, Arvida, of selling homes that were poorly built and thus more vulnerable to Andrew’s winds.
Arvida/JMB Partners reached a similar agreement with homeowners. The mini-trials are scheduled to begin June 19.
