The Family of a Man Who Drowned in a Flash Flood Settles With a California City for $2.5 Million

On June 17, 2021, The Wallace Firm, alongside Jacoby & Meyers, Ivie McNeill Wyatt Purcell & Diggs, and Engleman Law, agreed to a $2.5 Million Dollar Settlement against the City of Victorville on behalf of Michael Williams’ family.

On February 17, 2017, Michael Williams was driving in a residential neighborhood in the City of Victorville, California, and was unexpectedly swept away by floodwaters. He was trapped in his car as the floodwaters and debris submerged his vehicle, and he suffered a horrific death caused by drowning.

It was found that the city was aware of the dangerous conditions in the neighborhood but failed to barricade the area. It was also discovered that the city neglected to perform maintenance activities in this area after implementing “Storm Duty” one day prior to Michael’s death. The area where the incident occurred was known to have a history of flash flooding.