Q: Septic runoff major issue. 2 properties not including mine.
Sometime this year the apartments(8unit) up the alley had a septic issue and they let their entire waste water runoff into the alley and onto my property and just pretended like it didn't happen, for 3 days. My yard still smells because of it. Furthermore the apartment one closer to mine, (10 unit) installed new driveways and now the alley runoff goes directly through the front doors and has damaged the parking spots. I believe that my ADU's foundation, which is where I stay, is damaged and getting worse. Please help
A:
In California, dealing with septic runoff and property damage caused by neighboring properties is a serious matter. First, document the damage and the runoff, including photos and any other evidence of the septic issue and the altered water flow causing damage. This documentation is crucial for any legal action or complaint you may file.
Next, contact your local health department or environmental protection agency immediately. Septic runoff is not only a nuisance but also poses significant health hazards. They can investigate and take necessary actions against the property owners responsible for the septic issue and the alteration of water flow.
You should also consider contacting a civil attorney to discuss potential legal actions for property damage and nuisance. These might include filing a lawsuit for damages caused to your property, including the ADU's foundation, and any remediation costs for the septic issue.
Furthermore, speak with your homeowners' insurance company to see if your policy covers this type of damage. They might provide guidance or assistance in dealing with the situation.
Remember, property owners are responsible for ensuring that their actions do not negatively impact neighboring properties. Taking these steps can help address the immediate health concerns and start the process of seeking remediation and compensation for damages caused by your neighbors.
A: I'm sorry for your ordeal. Because of the nature of the matter and complexity of damages - health, the structural aspects you suspect, it may not be something that attorneys would handle on a contingency basis. But a starting point could be to try to arrange a free initial consult. Good luck
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
