Legal Question in Construction Law in New Jersey
Installing a pool
While installing our new swimming pool the workers ran their truck over our sidewalk and damaged 3 blocks of concrete.
They will have to be replaced at a cost of approximately 600 dollars.
Who is responsible for the cost?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Installing a pool
It would appear likely that the contractor is responsible. I would contact the person in charge, show them the damage and indicate your desire that it be fixed. Most reputable companies who do any damage to other parts of the property during construction know that it is their responsibility and will either perform the repairs or pay for them.
However, in some instances the contract may indicate that this was anticiapted and they would not be responsible for incidental damage associated with access (i.e. a landscaping disclaimer). Also, if the sidewalk was already compromised they may not be fully responsible or will argue that the poor condition of the sidewalk was the problem and it was not due to any undue stres they put on it.
I think that for the likely price of the contract that the company will look to resolve things amicably.