Corroded pipe leaks lawsuit against Miramar headed for trial. Here’s the latest
A class action lawsuit against the City of Miramar is moving to the next step.
The case represents over 1,000 Miramar homeowners suing the city and its consultant, Kimley-Horn and Associates, for negligence in caring for the city’s water that they claim corroded their pipes.
On Friday, Jan. 9, members of the class action lawsuit received an email from their legal representation at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC notifying them that the case is officially going to the trial phase.
“Recent appellate proceedings have concluded, and no further review is pending. As a result, the case is proceeding in the trial court,” the law firm wrote in the email provided to the Miramar News by a recipient.
The original lawsuit was dismissed, but in May, an appeals court said the homeowners could continue to pursue their suit against the city.
The city denies all claims that water provided from 2016 to 2022 was improperly treated, causing “irreversible and costly damage” to copper water pipes in homes, their answer to the complaint states.
According to Cohen Milstein, the litigation is moving into the discovery phase, where both parties request and produce information that will be relevant to the trial.
Court documents show that as of Jan. 9, Kimley-Horn and associates have responded to all requests in the discovery process.
The discovery process can take anywhere from months to years. Pre-trial discussions during that time can lead to a settlement, but if not, the case will continue to trial.
Miramar has acknowledged the widespread pipe issues and is providing loans to homeowners replacing their piping. The Copper Pipe Pinhole Leaks program offers a loan of up to $10,000 with a 1% interest rate over five years.
