[WSBARP] Damage to Property/Claims?

[Jennifer L White]

Sam,
As to the “other thoughts” request:
Time for an overnight campout in the yard to stand vigil over the pristine concrete 😊 Sounds like the neighbor is a passive aggressive sort, so if someone is there they will likely leave it alone. Have a nice marshmallow roast with a group of friends, preferably large burley ones (friends, not marshmallows).

You can sue them as a tort for the cost of the property damage, but you’re going to need proof it was actually them in order to get anywhere. Set up a video camera to catch them in the act (Ring cameras are cheap and easy to use). That would only provide proof for the new incident, but with the civil standard at preponderance, you may be able to pin them for the other three times.

One time when I was serving as PR for an estate that had real property with a failed septic, we had to have it re-done in order to sell. The county required us to put in an elaborate and expensive system with two huge tanks. The contractor wanted an exorbitant price for someone to stand by and watch the new tanks fill up with water for a test – using a garden hose. I volunteered (no cost to the estate) and my husband and dog came along for a hot date on a Friday night. We packed a picnic dinner and hung out for hours. The dog had the best time running through the dirt piles from all of the open ditches in the new drain field. Good times!

Jennifer L. White, Esq.
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D6AEA5.094D0E10]

jen at appletreelaw.com<mailto:jen at appletreelaw.com>
PO Box 11037
Yakima, WA 98909
509.225.9813

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Samuel M. Meyler
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2020 4:48 PM
To: wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com
Subject: [WSBARP] Damage to Property/Claims?

Listmates,

I’m looking for some input on a new one for me.  Contractor (Client) is hired to repair a sewer line.  Client is required to excavate the sidewalk/right-of-way to complete the work and then restore it pursuant to the permit and plans.  The section of sidewalk that needs to be restored directly abuts the driveway of a neighbor’s property.

Neighbor of Owner that hired Client is unhappy about the Client making construction noise and working so close to their driveway and has (get this!) gone out and caused damage to the wet concrete in the right-of-way three times.  The contractor does the restorative work…concrete is drying…neighbor goes out and messes with the wet concrete so it no longer meets specifications.

The Contractor is obligated to restore the sidewalk/right-of-way in accordance with the City’s rules and specifications and the neighbor is interfering.  What causes of action can the Contractor assert?  Any other thoughts?  Thanks.

Sam


Samuel M. Meyler
Meyler Legal, PLLC
1700 Westlake Ave. N., Ste. 200
Seattle, Washington 98109
Tel:  206.876.7770
Fax:  206.876.7771
Email:  samuel at meylerlegal.com<mailto:samuel at meylerlegal.com>

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