Deadline for Flood Damage Lawsuits Against the State Approaches

Piles of household debris line Valley Drive in Midland, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Tammy Webber)

It’s been nearly six months since the mid-Michigan flood and victims should be aware of two looming deadlines to file lawsuits against the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Hundreds of residents have been impacted by these state agencies’ failure to properly regulate and supervise the Edenville and Sanford dams resulting in catastrophic flooding, and if they don’t file the necessary paperwork, they could receive no compensation due to the statute of limitations. Notice of Claim must be filed against EGLE and the DNR in the Court of Claims by Thursday, November 19. This document must be signed and notarized by the impacted home or business owner. Failure to file a notarized document will result in the individual being forever barred from filing a lawsuit against these state agencies.

A Proof of Claim must be filed by Monday, November 30 in bankruptcy court. If the homeowner or business owner has an attorney, they do not have to sign this document. However, failure to file the Proof of Claim by the deadline will prevent them from receiving any money from the debtors.