Home / Crime and Justice / Homeowner Sues City Over Flood Damage
Homeowner Sues City Over Flood Damage
9 Dec
Summary
- Homeowner's lawsuit over 2023 storm damage trial begins.
- Family evacuated after creek erosion threatened home foundation.
- Homeowner lost property due to erosion, now seeks damages.
A homeowner's legal battle against the city of Atascadero over catastrophic storm damage from 2023 has reached the trial stage. Aaron Spiller filed suit after his family was forced to evacuate their home due to severe erosion along Graves Creek. Heavy rains and debris caused the creek to divert, significantly undermining the property's foundation.
The city maintains it lacked sufficient notice of the hazard, while Spiller's legal team argues the city neglected its duty to maintain the creek, especially after an emergency proclamation warned of potential dangers. The homeowner has not been able to return to the property since March 2023 and has since foreclosed on it.
The trial centers on the city's alleged failure to act on warnings and Spiller's claims for emotional distress and the loss of his home. The outcome will determine liability for the extensive damages, estimated to be close to $900,000 for repairs, far exceeding the property's value.
