Sacramento, CA asked in Family Law and Construction Law for California

Q: I dropped a branch on a power line branch was not heavy and the wooden pole broke, the pole was rotten old am I responsi

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Construction Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Based on the information you provided, it seems that you accidentally caused a wooden utility pole to break by dropping a branch on the power line. You mentioned that the branch was not heavy and the pole was old and rotten.

In this situation, your legal responsibility may depend on several factors:

1. Property damage: If the broken pole and power line caused any property damage, you might be held liable for the repairs.

2. Negligence: If it can be proven that you were acting negligently or recklessly when you dropped the branch, you may be held responsible for the damage.

3. Condition of the pole: If the utility company was aware of the pole's poor condition and failed to maintain or replace it, they might share some responsibility for the incident.

It's essential to document the incident, including photos of the broken pole, the branch, and any resulting damage. You should also contact the utility company to report the incident and your homeowner's insurance provider to discuss potential coverage if there are damages or legal claims.

In some cases, if the utility company determines that its equipment was at fault due to poor maintenance, they may not hold you responsible. However, it's best to consult with a legal professional to assess your specific situation and potential liability.

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