Villanova University was in the midst of a significant construction project on its campus near Philadelphia when a severe rainstorm caused catastrophic flooding at Mendel Hall, a science building housing multiple laboratories and sensitive equipment. The flood resulted in catastrophic damages.
The construction project involved replacing underground utility lines, along with hardscaping and landscaping improvements on the west side of campus. Villanova retained Hunter Roberts Construction Group, LLC (“Hunter Roberts”) as the general contractor. Hunter Roberts, in turn, hired several subcontractors to perform the work.
During construction, Hunter Roberts and its subcontractors excavated steam pipe trenches uphill from Mendel Hall. These trenches terminated near a basement window well at the building. At the same time, grading and excavation activities rendered the existing storm sewer system inoperable. When a heavy rainstorm moved through campus, stormwater that would normally have entered the sewer system instead flowed into the open trenches. The water traveled downhill, pooled at the window well, and ultimately caused the window to fail. A surge of water then entered the building, causing extensive damage.
Stutman Law’s client insured Villanova University. Shortly after the loss, the firm conducted a detailed investigation into the flooding. That investigation included an analysis of stormwater management conditions, the physical causes of the flood, and the contracts governing the construction project.
The firm determined that Hunter Roberts had expressly agreed to protect University property, prevent ponding and flooding at the worksite, and reroute surface water runoff away from excavated areas as necessary. Despite these contractual obligations, Hunter Roberts failed to take reasonable steps to protect the site before the storm occurred.
Stutman Law filed suit against Hunter Roberts, asserting claims for negligence and breach of contract. Hunter Roberts subsequently joined the project architect, engineer, and several subcontractors as additional defendants. The parties engaged in extensive written discovery, and numerous witnesses were deposed. Stutman Law also retained engineering and meteorology experts, who prepared a detailed report explaining how Hunter Roberts’ conduct violated its contractual duties and directly caused the flooding.
After two mediations, Stutman Law obtained a $630,000 pre-trial settlement in 2025, securing a favorable resolution for its client.