Do I pay? Dying Tree in Neighbor's Yard

Question

My neighbor just asked me to pay for his dying tree. He says that is dying. Because a pipe broke in my yard and it got too much water. I went on vaction for 9 days and came back to a flooded yard front and back. Now its dying because of too much water. Should I pay or its not my fault. please help me.

Answer 1

tell your homeinsurance - I think he is nuts

Answer 2

bring over a rib roast and call it a day

Answer 3

There's a legal answer, and you should find out what it is in your state.  In my state, regardless of the reasons, if the tree is in your yard, YOU are responsible.  Ofcourse, since you probably don't want to offend your neighbor, I would probably chip in some money, but not all. You may want to ask someone at a nursery if 9 days of flooding would even kill a tree.  Perhaps it died for a  different reason.

Answer 4

Talk to your insurance company.

Answer 5

I would be very surprised if the tree has died from too much water.But I would ask your insurance company on this one.Depends how much you and your neighbor get on.I doubt he'd sue you.

Answer 6

First of all get in touch with your insurance company for advice.  But think of this:  If the situation were reversed how would you feel if your neighbor went away, had a broken pipe, and ruined something you valued.  Morally, you are responsible one way or another and should make amends in some way.

Answer 7

Something similar happened to me a few years ago. I had a business on the second floor of a building and my water heater leaked over the weekend. The water damaged files stored on the first floor by another tenant. I called my insurance company and they sent an adjustor out. He asked if I had done anything to the water heater to make it leak. I told him no and he said that in that case I was not responsible. As long as I hadn't done anything to cause it to leak, it was not my fault. This surprised me and my insurance company did not pay the claim. The person on the second floor had to collect from his insurance company.

As long as you did not do anything out of the ordinary to make this happen it would appear you are not liable. If you have insurance, you need to call them and have them determine what needs to be done.