Consumption and Real Estate
Damage caused by sewer back-up. What should I expect in compensation?
Question : Damage caused by sewer back-up. What should I expect in compensation?
The city utilities emptied a water tower into the sanitary sewer, causing a back-up and damage to as many as 30 properties. I had water/sewage in my basement. I tore out the carpet, I want the drywall cut off and redone, and I had a lot of personal property down there that was ruioned as well (such as a saxophone and electric keyboard). I met with the utilities’ insurance adjuster and he said they would redo the basement (cut the drywall, paint, new basebaords, and carpet), but for the personal property I would only get depreciated value. Is this right? Under Minnesota law, can they really only give me depreciated value for my property that the destroyed through their negligence?
minnesota property insurance
Best answer:
Answer by smedrik
the depreciated value is the actual value of the items you lost so yes it is completely legal as they are fully compensating you for the current market value of your belongings. You can check with your insurance company to see if there is any supplemental damage insurance that can be claimed, however filing a claim may effect your premiums.
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#2 written by Staci 1 year ago
Ck with your own insurance agent… don’t accept what the city adjuster is saying as LAW. If u rent, hopefully u have renters insurance, if u own u carry homeowners policy. U can get a lawyer to give a consult, the good ones will do inital consult at no charge. Find out ur rights. Depreciated value is true of most any insurance unless ur homeowners is for actual replacement cost.
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#3 written by Maryn Bittner 1 year ago
kristin, this is a question for an attorney who’s passed the Minnesota bar.
They would certainly owe you for direct costs, but whether they owe actual value or replacement value on damaged property probably depends on the statutes on the books. You should also take a look at your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy, to see if it will make up the difference. You can also consider bringing a lawsuit against the city.
BTW, the sax probably only needs new pads and a super-thorough cleaning inside and out, including immersion, although I’d get a new mouthpiece, too. Call around and see if any local business reconditions musical instruments.
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Well, if you live in Hazle Township in Pennsylvania, you can expect up to $ 800 … that’s what several homeowners got for a similar situation last year. Good luck!!