Class-action lawsuit claims City-Parish’s negligence worsened neighborhood’s 2016 flood damage
The lawsuit has been filed under lead plaintiff
The group alleges that while the 2016 flood was historic and an act of God, the damage to homes in their neighborhood was the result of negligence.
The flood left more than four feet of standing water in Applegate's home on
If those valves had been reopened as they were supposed to be after the public works crew was finished, he claims, the impact of the flooding in his neighborhood would not have been so great.
"Our problem was we had homeowners insurance, but because this was an act of God homeowners didn't cover it," Applegate said. "Well, this wasn't an act of God, this was an act of
A spokesperson for Mayor-President
Applegate and attorney
Asante said the group is now raising funds to hire a hydrologist to determine the boundaries of the area impacted specifically by the shut-off valves, and to provide expert opinion on water flow in the area.
"Our contention is once we have our hydrologist report then we can go back to the city and say, 'Hey, step up,'" Applegate said. "Really all we're asking for the city to do is accept responsibility because then our homeowners (insurance) will cover us."
But, it may not be that simple for the renters or those who didn't have insurance. Many residents at the meeting spoke of damaged vehicles left in their front yards, uninsured husks of homes they've had to leave behind and businesses that have since closed due to the flood damage.
Applegate and Asante responded to those residents by saying it's their belief, and the intent of the lawsuit, to put the onus on the city-parish for the negligence they believe can be proven with maintenance records.
The group plans to meet again in March at a date and time yet to be determined.
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