Attorneys launch class action investigation connected to Dockside evacuation

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Over a month after residents in the Dockside condominiums and townhomes were promptly evacuated from their homes, attorneys announced Tuesday they are launching a class action investigation into the matter on behalf of evacuated owners.

Attorneys for Anastopoulo Law Firm and J. Davis Law, P.C. will hold a press conference Wednesday morning to share initial results from their ongoing investigation into the evacuation and whether there was tortious conduct or legal wrongdoings.

The briefing will take place on the North East Corner of Gadsdenboro Park on Concord Street at 11:15 a.m.

A class action investigation is the first step towards a class action suit where attorneys gather evidence and information.

Amid the ongoing investigation, the attorneys have launched a website for individuals to submit information relating to the evacuation at www.DocksideLawsuit.com.

“What we know at this point is that the owners of these units are not getting many answers, and when your entire life is inside of a building you cannot enter, not getting answers is not an option.  That is why we have been retained to seek those answers, and we will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of what happened at Dockside,” said Roy T. Willey, IV.

Residents were told to evacuate the condo tower and surrounding townhomes on Feb. 27 after the City of Charleston informed the Dockside Board of Directors that residents had to leave due to safety concerns.

Officials cited concrete slabs that they described as “significantly overstressed” as the reason for the evacuation order, saying, “the structure has insufficient capacity to continue to be safely occupied until substantial structural strengthening is implemented.”

At the time of the vacate order, the building’s 112 units were between 60-70% occupied.

Residents described a hasty exit, during which they were asked to leave large items like furniture until a later date. In late March, former occupants were informed that starting Apr. 14, they could return to move out their bigger belongings.