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Onsite Systems + Get AlertsThe response from family members after a baby fell into an unsecured septic tank last weekend in Arizona was inevitable: They’re going to sue the property owner.
According to a USA Today video report, the mother of two-year-old Kylie Lafferty – rescued by fast-acting witnesses Jan. 11 – blames the property owner for failing to maintain the septic system and promises to face the owner of the Farmers Convenience Store in court.
“I thought she was dead. I thought they couldn’t bring her back,’’ Emily Howard told a reporter. “They should have taken more precautions about their surroundings and things that were wrong with their land; they just didn’t.’’
According to the report, a permit for the septic system was issued in 1985 and the county re-inspected it in 1999. It was not known when the tank was last inspected. The reporter cited an unnamed pumper, saying systems should be inspected every 3-5 years.
You can see the report here:
Thankfully the little girl survived the ordeal. But even so, it appears this tragedy may have been avoided if the tank was secured properly and monitored regularly. And as is so often the case, the victims will be looking to hold someone responsible and seek damages.
This tragedy is an opportunity to raise awareness that septic systems need to be inspected and maintained in a safe manner. You can’t just bury the tank and components and ignore them.