Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Georgia

Sattelite dish hit by lightning

I own a home that I lease to tenants in Georgia. The home has 3 sattelite dishes attached to the roof which are apparently improperly grounded. They were also not connected or in use. Lightning hit one of the dishes and destroyed 3 tv's, 2 computers,and other appliances. An electrician has verified that the dish was the point of entry. They did not have renter's insurance. Am I liable for their stuff? Should my home inspection at the time of purchase noted the improperly grounded dishes? Thanks!


Asked on 8/11/03, 1:22 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Wayne Wisong Wayne Wisong, Attorney at Law

Re: Sattelite dish hit by lightning

Yes, if you own the dishes and they were improperly grounded, you would likely be liable to the tenants for damages to their personalty unless something in the lease itself allows you to escape. However, you should check your homeowners insurance to see if it covers your potential liability. Unless your seller granted you some kind of warranty deed, you would have no recourse against them. You might have recourse against any engineer or engineering firm which gave you an inspection report on the property which did not identify the improper grounding.

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Answered on 8/11/03, 9:26 am
Dieter Zacher Law Offices of Dieter Zacher

Re: Sattelite dish hit by lightning

Interesting issue. Is there actually proof that the dishes were "improperly" grounded. If so, then probably have liability. But, this was an "act of god" which is a defense in some states. Further, if no evidence that the dishes were "improperly" grounded, then would say no liability. Please contact a local lawyer and your insurance company to defend you. Good luck and thanks for inquiring.

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Answered on 8/11/03, 2:02 pm


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