Sinkhole liability
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Sinkhole liability
A sinkhole developed naturally unrelated to any human intervention on my property, from which previously underground water emerged and flowed onto my neighbor’s property. Am I legally responsible/liable for correcting the situation e.g., diverting the water flow back onto my property?
Asked on March 29, 2019 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Your question is answered by "A sinkhole developed naturally unrelated to any human intervention on my property. . . ." You are no more liable for a sinkhole arising without your fault or action than you would be for if a gale or hurricane blew a healthy tree from your property down onto your neighbor's garage. Someone is only liable if they are at fault in some way in causing the condition or harm.
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