Introduction
Dealing with a sewer backup is never a pleasant experience, but it becomes even more messy when legal issues arise out of the blue. This article aims to provide an overview of the legal dimensions of sewage backup cases across the United States, elucidating certain rights homeowners have and the potential liabilities municipalities might face.
- Homeowner’s Rights:
At times, negligence may be the reason for sewer system failures leading to property damage. In such circumstances, homeowners may have the right to seek compensation for their losses. This typically requires demonstrating that there was negligence on the part of the entity responsible for maintaining the sewer system, which often is the local municipality.
Despite the rights available, early steps should be taken like contacting insurance companies for any sewer backup and documenting damages meticulously with photographs. It’s also essential to notify the local government agency responsible for sewage maintenance immediately after an incident.
- Municipal Liability:
Municipalities often maintain the sewage systems, and they may be held accountable if their negligence led to a sewage backup. However, proving negligence can be a challenging task. Courts generally look for clear evidence that the sewage system was deficiently maintained/designed or there was a failure to repair known issues promptly.
- Role of Insurance:
Homeowners’ insurance policies often do not cover sewage backup, and specific riders must be purchased to cover such occurrences. However, the failure to offer these riders has led to numerous cases against insurance companies for inadequate coverage or not properly informing policyholders about this limitation.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, the landscape of sewage backup cases is fraught with complexity. Predominately, the burden falls upon the homeowner to both prevent and mitigate sewage backup. However, municipalities and insurance companies also share in this responsibility, stepping into the legal spotlight when things go awry.
Although this brief overview covers the current landscape of sewage backup cases, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney if you’re facing a similar issue. Laws and rulings can vary significantly by state and local jurisdiction, so expert guidance is crucial. Please note that this article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.
If you or a loved one has suffered property damage from this sewage backup cases, give us a call at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm at 888-585-5970 or brandon@mblynchfirm.com.
Date: August 11, 2023
Author: Brandon Salter and Anoop Desai
Citations
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE614
https://www.effectivecoverage.com/15549/property-damage-from-sewage-backup-legal-options-advice-and-more/
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2001-2002/billanalysis/House/htm/2001-HLA-0109-A.htm
https://www.progressive.com/answers/home-insurance-water-backup-coverage/