Can I Sue a Neighbor for Causing Damage to My Property?
Home ownership comes with a lot of maintenance and repairs but when a neighbor causes damage to your property it’s important to know what your legal options are. At The Tawwater Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys help clients recover compensation for their losses.
In an ideal world, neighbors who cause property damage would take responsibility and cover the costs for repairs. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. When property damage is extensive and your neighbor won’t cooperate, it may be necessary to pursue legal action. The attorneys of The Tawwater Law Firm guide clients through filing property damage claims in Oklahoma City, OK, and can help you in your time of need.
Common Types of Property Damage Caused by Neighbors
Property damage caused by neighbors is often an accident. Sometimes they may not even be aware damage occurred and may be apologetic once it’s brought to their attention. There are many ways a neighbor may be responsible for property damage. Some common types of property damage caused by neighbors in Oklahoma City include:
- Roof damage caused by neighbor’s fallen tree
- Home damage caused by a neighbor’s unsecured objects being thrown by a storm
- Broken windows caused by a neighbor’s children or pets
- Damage to pavement from the roots of a neighbor’s tree
- Fence damage from a neighbor’s trees, shrubs, or other plants
- Water damage from an adjacent condo or apartment
- Damage caused by construction work being done at a neighbor’s property
Try to Resolve the Problem Before Suing Your Neighbor
Most property damage caused by a neighbor is accidental. It’s often a good idea to try to resolve things with a neighbor before taking them to court and straining your relationship. Consider speaking with your neighbor, or writing them a letter, calmly and politely explaining the damage that occurred. It’s also helpful to show them the damage so that they can see what happened.
If the neighbor is willing to take responsibility for damage and subsequent repairs, they may either pay out of pocket or see if their insurance policy will cover the damage. Unfortunately, not all neighbors are willing to take responsibility for damages they caused. When they are unwilling to help, it may be necessary to take legal action.
Suing an Uncooperative Neighbor
If your neighbor has caused costly damage to your property and is uncooperative about making the necessary repairs, you may be entitled to sue your neighbor to recover compensation for damages to your property.
When considering legal action, it’s advisable to consult an attorney to navigate you through the legal process. An attorney can help gather documentation and evidence, such as witness statements, photographs, and repair estimates to support your claims.
Schedule a Consultation
If your neighbor has caused damage to your property and they refuse to work with you to resolve the issue, it’s important to speak with an attorney to discuss your legal remedies. We encourage you to schedule a consultation with the Oklahoma City attorneys of The Tawwater Law Firm to discuss your property damage claim.