The State of Michigan passed a new law effective January
2002 regarding a resident’s right to file a claim for
property damage or health-related issues caused by a sewer
backup or storm water system overflow on their property.
Under the new law, once the city is made aware of an
overflow event resulting in property damage, the resident
will receive a Notice of Claim letter from the Division of
Public Works explaining the resident’s right to file a claim
to recover the costs associated with the property damage.
The resident will also receive a Notice of Claim form that
must be completed and returned to the Division of Public
Works within 45 days of the back up. While filing a claim
does not guarantee recovery of costs, the law requires that
a claim be made within 45 days or the resident forfeits the
right to request compensation for damages. The law also
outlines the criteria that must exist in order for damages
to be collected.
View Public Act No. 222
View Notice of Claim Letter
View Notice of Claim Form
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do not, it is available free to the public at
Adobe Systems Incorporated.
