Kabateck LLP Managing Partner Shant Karnikian appeared on Fox 11 Los Angeles with anchor Marla Tellez to discuss what hundreds of West Hollywood residents and businesses need to know after the water main break and resulting flooding caused widespread property damage.
Because the ruptured pipe belongs to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Shant explained that the city is likely on the hook under a doctrine called inverse condemnation. Under the California Constitution, when a public utility damages private property, the governmental entity can be held liable, even without proof of fault.
On the insurance side, most standard homeowners policies exclude flooding, groundwater intrusion, and sewage backups, which means many affected residents may see their claims denied. Shant recommended anyone who receives a denial letter have both the letter and their policy reviewed by an attorney. Commercial policies may fare better through business interruption coverage, and auto insurance typically covers vehicles. That is a significant point given the 150 to 200 cars the West Hollywood mayor reported damaged or destroyed.
Shant also stressed the importance of documentation, including photos, videos, and receipts for every displacement cost. He flagged a critical deadline: anyone pursuing a claim against the city or DWP must file a government tort claim within six months of the incident. Miss it, and the claim is barred.
Kabateck LLP has represented clients in major property damage and insurance disputes across California.