Michigan Court Backs Emotional Damages in Home Loss Due to Oil

By | August 29, 2011

Four hundred gallons of heating oil in the basement? The Michigan appeals court says that’s distressing.

The court has upheld a $100,000 verdict for a Clinton County woman whose home had to be demolished after oil was mistakenly pumped into a pipe that no longer was connected to a tank.

High Pointe Oil claimed Beckie Price wasn’t entitled to sue for emotional distress. Her insurance company had paid $175,000 for the loss of the home in DeWitt.

But the appeals court said that Price was entitled to seek money for non-economic damages. The court noted that Price was depressed after losing her home and moving in with her parents.

The court says a home provides memories as well as shelter.

Topics Profit Loss Energy Oil Gas Michigan

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Latest Comments

  • August 31, 2011 at 9:43 am
    wudchuck says:
    well, it was a basement that cause the home to be termed 'unliveable'... but she had things from her home that were salvageable and could move to her new home. at least they ... read more
  • August 30, 2011 at 9:10 am
    Jester says:
    This is absurd. What if the place burned down or was destroyed by a tornado? She wouldn't have had time to remove her personal items like she did in this case nor would she ... read more
  • August 29, 2011 at 11:51 pm
    Boonedoggle says:
    Emotional damages payable on a property loss? Sounds fair to me. Many years ago my 10 yr. old Plymouth Volare was rendered a total loss when it was hit while parked. At the ti... read more

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