Two Florida property owners, William B. Lawrence III and Gene P. Stienecker, have taken legal action against their neighbors, James Sturgeon and Yik Chun Wu, over significant damage caused to their homes by the neighboring property's instability. The lawsuit, represented by Beasley Allen, revolves around the problematic three-story home at 5101 Gulf Drive D in Panama City, widely known as "The Tilted House" due to its precarious condition.
The legal action follows a weather event on January 9, 2024, where the Sturgeon-Wu Property collapsed onto Lawrence and Stienecker's homes, resulting in cracks in walls, foundation damage, and other structural issues. The Bay County Building Department has deemed all affected properties uninhabitable due to ongoing risks from the unstable structure, exacerbating the situation.
Despite efforts to address the matter, progress has been hindered as the defendants demand the plaintiffs waive all liability related to the demolition work, a condition deemed unacceptable by Lawrence and Stienecker. This standoff has left the damaged and dangerous structure standing, increasing the risk and stress for the affected homeowners.
Attorney Rebecca Gilliland from Beasley Allen expressed, "Our clients have suffered significant damage to their properties due to the defendants’ negligence and failure to address the unstable and hazardous condition of their property." She added, "They deserve a resolution that prioritizes their safety and restores their properties to their pre-loss condition. We will pursue all available legal remedies to ensure our clients receive the compensation and relief they are entitled to."
The lawsuit seeks a resolution that prioritizes safety, restoration of the plaintiffs' properties, and compensation for the damage caused by the neighboring property. It underlines the broader issue of property management and neighborly responsibility in such cases.