Midland County Dam Failure Lawsuits

Over 100 Years of Collective Experience On Your Side.

MIDLAND COUNTY DAM FAILURE LAWSUITS

FLOODING AT EDENVILLE DAM AND SANFORD DAM FORCES OVER 10,000 TO EVACUATE

In late May 2020, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Midland County, after two catastrophic dam failures forced thousands to evacuate their homes and seek higher ground. The dam failures occurred at Edenville Dam and Sanford Dam, which are owned by Boyce Hydro Power LLC: a private entity with a history of safety violations and noncompliance.

With over 10,000 Midland County residents displaced and dealing with major property damage, it is likely that many flooding victims will need to seek compensation to account for their losses. While third-party investigators are still looking into the cause of the dam failures, it is possible that Boyce Hydro Power LLC or Michigan state regulators may share some of the liability. Whatever the cause, our experienced attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC can help you navigate the process of filing a property damage lawsuit or insurance claim for flooding losses.

Contact us at (888) 211-5798 today to explore your legal options. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

A History of Regulatory Issues at Michigan’s Dams

At least 75% of the dams in Michigan are currently owned by private companies – and over the years, these companies have faced significant criticism for failing to properly maintain the dams. In 2018, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Michigan’s 2,600 dams a below-average rating, categorizing 5% as “high hazard dams” that posed a serious health and safety risk to the public.

At Edenville Dam – which collapsed on May 19th after unusually heavy rainfall – Michigan energy regulators had repeatedly warned Boyce Hydro Power LLC to comply with safety regulations, even going so far as to revoke the dam’s license to generate power in 2018. Although Boyce Hydro has accused the Michigan’s department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) of pressuring the company to artificially maintain water levels at Wixom Lake, EGLE contests this argument.

The state agency has also voiced “strong concerns” about the dam in the past. In particular, EGLE inspections have revealed that Edenville Dam did not meet the federal requirements for spillway capacity in the event of a “probable maximum flood” or PMF. As a result, when the dam was overcome by flooding, the water rushed on to Sanford Dam in a devastating domino effect.

Can I Seek Compensation for Flooding and Property Damage?

At this time, our attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC are investigating the cause of the Edenville and Sanford dam failures and representing those with property damage and personal injury claims. Both individuals and businesses may be entitled to recover their financial losses from the flood, whether through the insurance system or a lawsuit. Because some insurance policies have exclusions for flooding damage, it is important to carefully review your insurance policies with an experienced lawyer, as well as explore any other legal options that might be available to you.

You may be eligible for compensation if you’ve suffered any of the following damages:

  • Damage to homes and apartment buildings
  • Loss or destruction of personal property
  • Damage to vehicles, such as cars, boats, trucks, and motorcycles
  • Serious injuries

Grewal Law PLLC is here to help flooding victims get fair compensation after the Midland County dam failures. Contact us right away at (888) 211-5798 if you need to schedule a free consultation.

Contact Us
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
    Please make a selection.
A History Representing Victims of Sexual Abuse Grewal Law, PLLC Represented One Third of the Survivors in the MSU and Larry Nassar Lawsuits, Who Reached the $500 Million Settlement. Grewal Law is part of a legal team currently representing over 100 survivors of Robert Anderson at University of Michigan. We are pleased to announce a $490 million settlement in principle.
OVER A CENTURY OF COLLECTIVE EXPERIENCE
  • BBB
  • AVVO Rating
  • Leading Lawyers
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The Best Lawyers of America
  • Super Lawyers
  • The Nation's Top One Percent
Recovered over a billion dollars On Behalf Of Our Clients
Sexual Abuse

We represented 111 of the 333 survivors in the lawsuits against Michigan State University for sexual abuse involving the former MSU doctor, Larry Nassar.

Read More

Grewal Law has been amazingly empathetic and forward-thinking through this very emotional and trying time.

- Anonymous
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
Protecting Your Rights
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
    Please make a selection.