Hurricane Beryl has left many in the Houston area dealing with its devastating aftermath, including Reagan Wyck, a single mother whose home was destroyed by the storm. Wyck, who purchased her first home at the age of 50, is now facing a heartbreaking reality.
“This is the first house that I’ve ever bought by myself, and I’m 50 years old,” Wyck told KHOU 11. “This is for me and my daughters. I worked really hard to get this house. To see it destroyed like that, in a matter of seconds, I can’t even describe how devastating it is.”
During the powerful storm, a large pine tree from a neighboring lot crashed through Wyck’s home. “I jumped out of the bed and hugged that wall,” Wyck said. “Literally hugged the wall, and everything came crashing down.” She is grateful to be alive and that her daughters were not home at the time of the incident.
Upon closer inspection, Wyck discovered that the tree was rotten and infested with termites. “What I would like to do is hold this guy responsible for neglecting a tree that was clearly rotten and that devastated two families’ lives,” Wyck said.
Wyck has had difficulty contacting the owner of the lot because it is owned by an LLC. “His name isn’t even on the property,” she explained.
John Black of the Daly and Black law firm stated that in Texas, if a tree from a neighbor’s lot falls into your home during a natural disaster, you are typically responsible for the damage. However, there is an exception. “In situations where you think your neighbor did something wrong or failed to do something, which we call negligence, and in those instances it may be your neighbor’s fault, at least partly,” Black explained.
To track down the person behind the LLC that owns the lot, Black recommends checking the Secretary of State’s website. This site provides the registered agent for any LLC operating in the state. “That’s the person that the company, the LLC, has designated as the person to receive notices,” Black said.
The Secretary of State’s website should have an email, phone number, or address listed. You can use this information to hopefully track down the owner and try to recover your costs.
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Wyck’s story highlights the struggle many face in the wake of natural disasters, dealing not only with the physical destruction but also with legal and bureaucratic hurdles. As she fights for accountability and to rebuild her life, her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible property management and the need for support systems for those affected by such events.
