When lightning destroys his fishing boat, former lawyer Steve Myers submits a claim with his insurance company – a claim that is denied since the destruction was due to an “Act of God”. Infuriated, Steve decides to file a claim against God, naming God’s representatives (local religious officials) as respondents in his lawsuit. God’s representatives, and their insurance companies, are faced with the choice of either compensating Steve for his loss or denying God’s existence. What results is a hilarious tale of an underdog who takes on the insurance industry and the Churches.

Although the Billy Connolly movie The Man Who Sued God is not based on a true story, it brings up important issues and very realistic frustrations of people who have suffered physical and financial damages that have no apparent source of recovery.

Many people assume that when damage is caused by an Act of God, such as a storm, hurricane or flood, that it is impossible to recover compensation from anyone.  This is not true.  In many cases, there is some underlying negligence that can be identified through careful inspection and research, such as:

  • Substandard workmanship.  The manufacturer of poor quality materials and the person or company that engaged in bad construction may be liable when property, such as a house or a boat, is destroyed by a typical storm — while other properties sustain little or no damage.
  • Inadequate grounds maintenance. Where a badly maintained area floods, or where rotted tree branches fall on people or personal property, the owner may be liable under the theory of premises liability.
  • Negligent supervision. For example, in 2008 four Iowa boy scouts were killed by a Tornado when their supervisors failed to evacuate their camp despite the weather alerts.

If you suffer from injury or damage due to an Act of God, don’t overlook the possibility that you can still recover compensation from a negligent party.  Although we may not help you sue your Church, Synagogue or Mosque, we may be able to find someone else who is responsible.  Contact us today for a consultation.