Massive sinkhole swallows California construction site — know your options if a ‘shoring failure' impacts you
The 25-foot hole appeared in late May near Thompson Boulevard and East Front Street at a construction site for a new apartment complex. While it initially looked like a natural sinkhole, city officials later said it was caused by a "shoring failure" — when a part of the support system buckles under nearby weight.
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An Instagram post by the community group Ventura Forward suggested that a combination of infrastructure overload and aggressive water pumping may have caused the damage.
'A water well was discovered during construction and the digging didn't stop,' the Instagram post read. 'Massive amounts of water have been pumped off location since construction started weeks ago.'
Photos and aerial footage from the scene showed two pickup trucks on fractured pavement, both sinking into the hole. Another vehicle appeared to teeter on the edge, and a nearby storage unit was at risk as a fence warped under the stress.
No injuries were reported, and officials say nearby homes are not in immediate danger. Still, the incident has left residents on edge.
'They didn't shore up the foundation, and they dug a hole and it collapsed. Dumb,' Ventura resident Woody Maxwell told KTLA. 'Considering the stuff they can fix, I'm sure they can fix this. It's just going to cost time and money.'
The adjacent property has been red-tagged, which means it's unsafe and uninhabitable until further notice.
"City staff are working closely with construction engineers to evaluate the situation and determine appropriate repairs and potential temporary measures to prevent further damage,' city officials said in a statement. 'There is no current threat to life safety, and the City is committed to keeping as many businesses open and operational as possible during this time."
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In California, if your vehicle or property is damaged by a construction-related failure, such as an improperly supported foundation, you may be able to take legal action or file an insurance claim. Here's what to consider:
If a contractor ignored building codes, skipped safety protocols or caused preventable damage, you may have grounds for a negligence lawsuit. Under California law, property owners can seek compensation for:
Property damage
Loss of use
Repair or replacement costs
Diminished property value
To succeed, you'll need to show the contractor had a duty of care, breached that duty and caused the damage. A construction defect attorney can help gather evidence and file a claim.
If you have homeowners or commercial property insurance, your policy may cover damage from ground movement. But some policies exclude damage from earth movement or man-made excavation collapse. Check the fine print.
Auto insurance may cover parked vehicle damage, depending on whether you have comprehensive coverage. If the construction company is found liable, your insurer may seek reimbursement through a process called subrogation.
Filing an insurance claim is usually faster than taking legal action, but a lawsuit might recover more, especially for uncovered losses.
Insurance is a good first step for fast recovery, especially if you need immediate repairs. Legal action might be necessary if your insurer denies the claim, the damages exceed your coverage or you want to hold someone accountable.
Whichever route you take, document everything:
Take photos of the damage
Gather witness statements
Save repair estimates and receipts
Request red-tag documentation from the city
Being thorough helps strengthen both insurance claims and legal cases.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
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