That would be true only if that was the contemporary building code requirement in 2008 during construction. If the builders built to code (and can prove it) and a neighboring construction causes damage to a prior-existing structure, the "a priori" assumption is that the new construction is at fault.
Who wins? I don't know but the lawyers will submit a lot of billable hours! If the civic transit construction loses, then probably the taxpayers of SanFran, then of the county, then the state and finally everyone who pays taxes in the country!
“That would be true only if that was the contemporary building code requirement in 2008 during construction.”
Sorry, but it’s irresponsible to build a highrise or skyscraper that isn’t resting on bedrock, no matter what the building code says. The courts can play out the legal drama, but it’s the builders’ fault if their shoddy construction is shoddy.