Hurricane Sandy:Legal Questions Most Often Asked By Disaster Victims

 
The following series of short questions and answers put together by the SC Bar Association. Please ask a lawyer in your state for specific advice concerning your circumstances:
 
GENERAL CONCERNS for the the types of advice they may be asked to give.  
1. Q. A. If a healthy tree falls across a property line, due to an act of God, who is liable for damages? Liability ends at the property line. The owner of the property on which the tree was growing is responsible for damages and removal on his property, and the owner of the property onto which thetree fell is responsible for damages and removal of the tree on his property. (Note: This does not take into consideration negligence if the owner knew that the tree was diseased, dead, etc.)  
2. Q. A. What if my neighbor sues me because the tree fell on his property and damage resulted? Although it may not be universally true, most insurance companies will defend such an action.
  
3. Q. How long does an insurance adjuster have to make contact with the property owner after the property owner  
A. has given notice of loss? Consult your policy. There is no specific statutory requirement.  
4. Q. A. How long does an insurance company have to pay a claim after notice of loss? Consult your policy.
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