newuser2013
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I subleased a room from person A in a house about six months ago and prior to me moving in, person A leased the house from the homeowner and is under a leasing contract. Upon moving into the house, I was given rights to use the washer and dryer that was already installed in the house (supposedly by person A). About a month after moving in, I put my clothes in the washer and left the house to buy some stuff. I come back into the house about 20 minutes after and discovers the house is half flooded. Immediately after I go inside the house I discover the water that is covering the floor is clear and the hose that releases the water from the washer was disconnected, suggesting that the hose had somehow gotten disconnected during the rinse cycle and the rinse water had flooded the house.
At the time of the incident the homeowner's insurance had took responsibility and covered the damages of the flood. But about a month ago, person A got sued by the same homeowner's insurance company for the damages of the house. The cost of overall repairs is about forty thousand dollars. Naturally A, person A is angry but is now pointing the finger on me and has threatened to sue me for the damages because he believes I am liable for the damages. Although i admit that I mechanically caused a series of events that lead to the house being flooded, I do not believe I am responsible for the damages because 1) person A installed the washer and owns the washer, 2) I did not misuse the washer (I was just washing a regular load of laundry and did not put anything unusual in there nor did I tamper with the washer prior to using it). I believe person A had the responsibility of properly maintaining the washer and the flooding was likely the result of the hose not properly installed correctly (The hose was not taped down or secured in anyway when I started using it). My family and friends thinks this it is person A's fault but I would like some third-person unbiased opinion about this. Who do you think would win in court if I get sued?
Thanks in advance for the feedback.
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I subleased a room from person A in a house about six months ago and prior to me moving in, person A leased the house from the homeowner and is under a leasing contract. Upon moving into the house, I was given rights to use the washer and dryer that was already installed in the house (supposedly by person A). About a month after moving in, I put my clothes in the washer and left the house to buy some stuff. I come back into the house about 20 minutes after and discovers the house is half flooded. Immediately after I go inside the house I discover the water that is covering the floor is clear and the hose that releases the water from the washer was disconnected, suggesting that the hose had somehow gotten disconnected during the rinse cycle and the rinse water had flooded the house.
At the time of the incident the homeowner's insurance had took responsibility and covered the damages of the flood. But about a month ago, person A got sued by the same homeowner's insurance company for the damages of the house. The cost of overall repairs is about forty thousand dollars. Naturally A, person A is angry but is now pointing the finger on me and has threatened to sue me for the damages because he believes I am liable for the damages. Although i admit that I mechanically caused a series of events that lead to the house being flooded, I do not believe I am responsible for the damages because 1) person A installed the washer and owns the washer, 2) I did not misuse the washer (I was just washing a regular load of laundry and did not put anything unusual in there nor did I tamper with the washer prior to using it). I believe person A had the responsibility of properly maintaining the washer and the flooding was likely the result of the hose not properly installed correctly (The hose was not taped down or secured in anyway when I started using it). My family and friends thinks this it is person A's fault but I would like some third-person unbiased opinion about this. Who do you think would win in court if I get sued?
Thanks in advance for the feedback.