Opinion ID: 2304474
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Storm Damage

Text: In its complaint, Old Europe contends that in the weeks prior to the February 2003 storm, La Belle Epoque negligently and recklessly created a huge pile of debris outside the building that Old Europe and La Belle Epoque occupied. On behalf of Old Europe, Sanchez-Tintenier also contends that she issued complaints, about the accumulated debris, to Michael Management, Double H Family's leasing agent; however, Double H Family and La Belle Epoque failed to cause the debris to be removed prior to the flood. It is alleged that when Kensington was hit with substantial snowfall and rain, melted snow and surface water accumulated among the debris, entered the building through the second floor and then poured into the antiques store. According to Old Europe, [t]he area of the property that caused the damage was in the exterior part of the property, where tenant La Belle Epoque had placed garbage and debris outside its upstairs unit. Sanchez-Tintenier described the water infiltration as a flood, where the water was going around the walls like Niagara Falls, and the ceiling too. Water accumulated up to about 20 to 25 centimeters in the store. According to Sanchez-Tintenier, she suffered more than $300,000.00 in damages to her inventory and was forced ... to close as a result of the flood. In addition, Sanchez-Tintenier contends that she suffered cardiac problems relating to the stress of dealing with the aftermath of the flood.