the city's fault? can we get $,if we are having to fix our water drainage system because the city didnt?

Question

fix the main drainage and the backup is causing our basement to flood and also we have about 2 feet of water surruounding our house.....

its costing us $6000 to fix, yet it was the city's fault we have to fix it in the first place. is there anytihng in Ohio law that would be appealing to us?

Answer 1

Fighting with government can take a lot of time and money - and end up with little to show for your efforts.

I worked for state gov in Virginia for 31 years. If you ask in the right way, you may get some HELP$$. If you just threaten and pi55 some people off, they will just smile and tell you to go ahead and sue - knowing the cost of suing the government will be so much - you will drop the issue.

1st thing would be to contact whoever represents your area in the city. Send them photos, tell them about the problem, and ask for their help in getting the city to fix the problem they caused.

If #1, doesn't work - then you have 3 choices:
A - sue (probably cost more than you would get)

B - just go ahead and pay for the repairs (remember the old saying: You can't fight city hall!)

C - check with your local tv stations. One of them, probably has a "ON YOUR SIDE" feature where they help (for free) citizens with problems. They would love to have a problem that can be shown on tv (all the water standing around). Send them photos. Tell them which politician you contacted. (It helps if you keep a diary.)

If #1, doesn't work - from my personal experience - I would suggest trying the tv station. If that doesn't work out, you'll probably just have to live with paying for the repairs.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You will have to prove it's the city's fault. Remember, your responsibility for backups starts at the curb stop and the water lines running into your home. If possible, talk to the mayor and/or council members and prove it to them. They should pay for all of it. If not, hire a lawyer.

There are probably tree roots causing the water to back up.

Answer 3

You would have to prove that it is the city's fault to get them to pay up. If it is indeed thier fault, they are likely liable for damages.