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Simple English definitions for legal terms
lateral support
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A quick definition of lateral support:
Term: Lateral Support
Definition: Lateral support is a rule that says if you own land, you have the right to keep your soil in its natural position without it falling away because of your neighbor's digging or building. If your neighbor's excavation causes your land to cave in, they are responsible for the damage. For example, if a mining company digs a pit mine next to your property and your land falls into the pit, the mining company has to pay for the damage. If you're worried about your land being damaged by your neighbor's digging or building, you can ask a court to stop them from doing it.
A more thorough explanation:
Lateral support is a legal principle that states that a landowner has the right to keep their soil in its natural position without it being disturbed by any excavation or construction work done on the neighboring land. If an adjoining landowner excavates on their land and removes the natural support of their neighbor's soil, causing it to collapse, they are responsible for the damage caused.
- If a mining company digs a pit mine up to the edge of their property boundary, causing the land on the adjacent property to cave into the pit, the mining company is liable for the damage caused.
- If a construction company digs a foundation for a building on their land, and the excavation causes the neighboring land to collapse, the construction company is responsible for the damage caused.
These examples illustrate how the principle of lateral support works. If a landowner's excavation or construction work causes damage to their neighbor's land, they are responsible for the damage caused. This principle ensures that landowners are responsible for the impact of their actions on their neighbors and encourages them to take necessary precautions to prevent damage to neighboring properties.