The Escondido house where George Jakubec allegedly stockpiled explosives is now a pile of ashes. Jakubec was renting the home. However, the home’s owner is unlikely to get any compensation for the loss.
If a government entity decides to build a freeway where your house sits, it can take your home. But, you must be paid for the loss under eminent domain laws. The same rules don’t apply to the home filled with explosives the Sheriff’s department burned down in Escondido, according to Mitchell L. Lathrop.
“Normally when you have police action like this the government is not liable,” said Lathrop, who specializes in insurance issues.
The other most likely source of compensation would be the homeowner’s insurance. But Lathrop said that’s another likely dead end.
“As a general rule, under property insurance there will be exclusions for any damage caused by governmental action.”
Similar homes for sale in the area are listed on Trulia.com for between $250,000 and $300,000
The homeowner’s option of last resort might be to file a claim with the California Victim’s Compensation and Government Claims Board, according to Lathrop. The board hears claims for damages caused by the release of hazardous materials.
