FEATURED VERDICT: Solar Company Hit with $6.5 Million Verdict in Premises Liability Case

Premises Liability

Chris Ambuul, et al. v. Baywa R.E. EPC LLC, et al. (San Diego Super Ct. No. 37-2017-00046602-CU-PO-NC): On November 15, 2022 a jury entered a verdict of $6.55 million against defendant Baywa R.E. EPC LLC in a premises liability case. Plaintiffs owned land adjacent across the way from a solar project installed by Baywa which changed the topography of the land by the removal of trees and plants from the area where the panels were installed, causing water to be diverted onto the plaintiffs’ property. Plaintiffs alleged that the intrusion of water caused damage to their property and constituted trespass and negligent flooding. Defendant argued that they made attempts to mitigate the damage caused by the solar panels on numerous occasions after being notified of the problem in 2016. Plaintiffs were represented by McKenzie Scott PC.