Help a Veteran Mike Overcome Legal Hurdles

A Veteran and Minnesota Home inspector of 22 years needs help for legal fees.

I’m currently being sued for $50,000+ in a multiparty lawsuit, 5 of us. Legal fees are getting crazy because of this. As of now $30,000 and climbing fast. While business is basically nonexistent since Covid and very hard to pursue other means of income while this is going on.

A little background on what took place and what is currently taking place. 2021 I did an inspection. 2022 work was done on the deck, shortly after, July 3rd a girls leg fell through a deck board that was left short of a joist (because of the work that had been done on the deck). An Architect company (Rimkus) was called out to the property as an Expert and determined the following:

( SECTION IIConclusions:

1. The detached deck board was caused by wood rot (decay fungi) that rotted the

top of the beam. The detachment of the deck board was exacerbated by not being

properly supported by a joist at the north end and corroded fasteners at the south

end.

Basically, Rimkus, the Architect firm stated that fasteners are suppose to hold a deck board from teetering when in fact that is the job of the joist or beam, (you are only allowed 1” of overhang of a deck board from a joist), this deck board was only spanning 2 joist and missed the 3rd joist by about 1.5” and was overhanging the middle joist a good 15”. The fasteners job is simply to keep the board set so it doesn’t shift from its current location. As to the wood rot, that was concealed by the deck board covering it and played no role in the teetering and wasn’t observable until the deck board teetered exposing it.

Well, now the fun part, I did have insurance in 2021 when the inspection took place, I did have insurance in 2022 when the accident took place, however in 2023 when I was filed the paperwork, I no longer had insurance. My website and email were hacked and my insurance provider kept send my renewal to my old address, (long story on that as well), I found out the hard way you need tail coverage in this business. So, I’m not covered.

A few years ago, a fellow inspector from down south had his legs mulled by a couple dogs during an inspection and a GoFundMe was setup, I donated an inspection fee to him. Now I’m hoping for a little help in this time of great need as I’m going through this after 22 years in business. At almost 60 years of age, I’m exhausting my resources fast. I have held out as long as I can hoping this nightmare would come to an end but am finding out fast that the legal system doesn’t work that way and my hands are tied. Any help is much appreciated.

P.S. I was told by 2 different lawyers, as long as this is 100% factual, I could do this.

Thanks so much for any support,

Mike