Emerson v. State of Illinois, Division of Highways

This is an action to recover for water damage to the interior of claimant’s home, incurred on July 9, 1969. Claimant charges that in grading a hill to the rear of her home while constructing a right of way for an interstate highway, Respondent negligently altered the natural flow of rainwater on claimant’s property, causing water to accumulate in her back yard and flood her house.

In early 1969, respondent began construction of Interstate 64 to the rear of claimant’s property at 8904 Meyer Drive in St. Clair County, Illinois. Claimant had lived at that address since 1962, and her house had…