I sold my house and it closed on April 19th. We moved on April 20th. We moved a fridge and the water main was completely turned off. There w...

Question

I sold my house and it closed on April 19th. We moved on April 20th. We moved a fridge and the water main was completely turned off. There was no water to the house. The buyer came in on April 20th, and turned the water on and did not make sure the water to the ice maker line was turned off. Water leaked through the floor to the ceiling below. Now they want me to pay for the damage. We did everything the right way, and the movers witnessed the water being turned off and there was absolutely no water damage when we left the home. Am I liable for the damage they caused if they already closed on the home the day before? I feel terrible that they have to contend with water damage, but I know positively I did not cause any damage.

Thank you

Answer

This is s matter of fact. If they can convince a judge that you were negligent, or overt in the cause for the water damages (leaving the ice maker valve on could be), you can be found liable. But, if you can show that you weren't negligent, or that they added to their loss, by not checking for running water, when the main was turned on, you could escape liability.

Good luck