Governmental Immunity for Township and Its Sewage Enforcement Officer

Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a township and its sewage enforcement officer resulting from an alleged negligent inspection and approval of a septic system. ​A current owner of a residential property in the township filed suit against the seller of the property who installed the septic system, as well as the township, claiming that the residential septic system was defective after a back-up of sewage into the residence. The defendant seller then joined as an additional defendant the sewage enforcement officer, who was determined to be an employee of the township as opposed to an independent contractor. In granting summary judgment, the court held that the township and its sewage enforcement officer were immune from liability on the basis of governmental immunity.