Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

A/C installation resulted in leaking around unit on roof which in turn resulted in damage to ceiling of home. If installer agrees to repair faulty installation, isn't he also responsible for subsequent water damage?


Asked on 3/20/12, 6:45 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Rabeh Soofi Private Law Firm

I am SO sorry this happened to you - what a mess! I suggest that you consult an attorney right away. In many contractor improvement-gone-wrong cases, the contractor tries to make things right by just fixing the poorly-installed item, rather than taking care of the collateral damage to the homeowner's property that resulted from the shoddy install. Your contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured, so it may be very worthwhile to determine whether you have a claim for property damage against him, unless it is a fly-by-night company with no assets. Let me know if you would like to discuss in a consultation (always free). Take care, Rabeh

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING MATERIAL. I am providing you with general information, not legal advice. To discuss your specific potential claims, please contact me at [email protected]. No attorney-client relationship exists between us until we agree to it in writing. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

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Answered on 3/20/12, 4:44 pm

Hmmmm. Guess Ms. Soofi doesn't know the answer. The answer is "yes" they are responsible for all the damage caused by their faulty work. Your simple solution, however, may just be to submit a claim to your home owners' insurance. His faulty work will not be covered, but all the water damage, and any other damage, to your house from his faulty work should be covered under most polices, and then the insurance company will go after the contractor for reimbursement without you having to do anything.

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Answered on 3/21/12, 12:21 pm


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