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<p class="MsoNormal">Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am looking to refer a PC who purchased a home in mid-2021. The Form 17 stated that the basement had flooded 3 times during rain events and outlined 3 separate repairs performed in 2018, 2019, and 2020. PC had the side sewer inspected
and discovered severe root intrusion into the sewer line. PC had the line re-sleeved and backwater valve installed. The newly installed backwater valve was installed to code and passed inspection. Fast forward to Jan. 2022 … during a heavy rain event, the
basement flooded with 4-5’ of water and sewage. PC conservatively estimates damages in the range of $50k-$75k. There does not appear to be a claim against the seller (as the prior flood events were disclosed). HO insurance denied the claim.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After speaking with neighbors, PC learned of at least one other flood in or around 2012 caused by a backup from the City of Tacoma sewer line during a heavy rain event. The then-owner made a claim and the City is believed to have made
a payment on that claim. This is believed to be a recurring issue. PC made a public records request and is awaiting production of records. PC submitted his own claim for damages to the City of Tacoma, who sent a City Source Control Representative to investigate.
The City subsequently issued a letter denying the claim, stating that the Representative determined the stairwell drain was the source of the incoming water. The stairwell drain did not have a backwater valve, which the Representative opined would have prevented
the flood incident. PC had a licensed plumber come out to inspect and install potentially install a backwater valve to prevent future flooding. The plumber determined that the stairwell drain was not connected to the sanitary sewer system. Therefore, a
backwater valve would not have prevented the flood event and the stairwell drain was the source of the water and sewage.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">PC is looking to appeal the City’s decision. The goal is to get damages covered (and bigger picture, to stop the problem from happening again). I have to think this isn’t the first time this has happened and am looking for referrals to
a colleague (or colleagues) who have battled municipalities on claims like this. Self-referrals are welcome. All referrals will be forwarded.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thank you,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:3.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#203864">Inge A. Fordham | Attorney</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:3.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:black">Fordham Law, PLLC</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:3.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:black">3218 Sixth Avenue | Tacoma, WA 98406</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:3.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:black">Office: (253) 348-2657 | Mobile: (206) 778-3131</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:3.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:black"><a href="http://www.fordhamlegal.com"><span style="color:#0563C1">www.fordhamlegal.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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