West HollywoodWater Main Break & SinkholeClaims Investigation
McGonigle Law is investigating claims on behalf of residents, tenants, businesses, and property owners impacted by the catastrophic Sunset Boulevard water main rupture and sinkhole.
17M+
Gallons Released
100+
Year-Old Pipeline
$0
Fee Unless We Win
Free · Confidential · No Obligation
Submit Your Claim
Tell us what happened. An attorney will follow up quickly to review your losses.
The Incident
A Catastrophic Failure Beneath Sunset Boulevard
On July 16, 2026, a catastrophic water main rupture beneath Sunset Boulevard near Holloway Drive sent millions of gallons of water rushing through West Hollywood — flooding streets, apartment buildings, businesses, parking garages, and vehicles. The rupture also created a massive sinkhole that forced the closure of Sunset Boulevard and surrounding streets while crews stabilized the area.
If your home, apartment, condominium, business, vehicle, or other property was damaged, you may be entitled to compensation. McGonigle Law is actively investigating claims against the responsible public entities on behalf of everyone impacted.
What Happened
One of the Largest Water Main Failures in Recent LA History
Public reports indicate the rupture occurred in the early morning hours of July 16, 2026, when a 36-inch LADWP water transmission main — originally installed around 1916 — failed beneath Sunset Boulevard. The break released an estimated 17 million gallons of water, making it one of the most significant water main failures Los Angeles has experienced in years.
Floodwaters quickly overwhelmed nearby streets, underground parking garages, apartment buildings, restaurants, retail businesses, and vehicles. The force of the water caused a large sinkhole to form near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Holloway Drive.
- Date
- July 16, 2026 · Early Morning
- Location
- Sunset Blvd & Holloway Dr, West Hollywood
- Pipeline
- 36-inch LADWP transmission main (c. 1916)
- Water Released
- ~17 million gallons
- Impact
- Flooding, sinkhole, road closures
The Cause
Aging Infrastructure Raises Serious Questions
City officials have publicly acknowledged the extraordinary age of the pipeline. Reports indicate the ruptured water main had been in service for more than 100 years — raising serious questions about infrastructure maintenance, inspection practices, and whether this failure could have been prevented.
“This is one of the challenges when our infrastructure is so old.”
McGonigle Law is investigating whether adequate inspection, maintenance, and replacement practices were followed — and whether affected residents and businesses are entitled to compensation from responsible public entities.
Who May Have a Claim
You May Have Legal Rights If You Experienced Any of the Following
- ✓Flood damage to your apartment, condo, or home
- ✓Damage to personal belongings
- ✓Vehicle damage
- ✓Damage to underground parking garages
- ✓Business interruption
- ✓Lost income
- ✓Property cleanup expenses
- ✓Temporary relocation costs
- ✓Water intrusion and structural damage
- ✓Other financial losses related to the flooding
Both residents and business owners may be eligible to pursue compensation depending on the circumstances of the flooding.
Business Impact
Businesses May Have Significant Losses
Numerous businesses near the Sunset Strip were forced to close following the flooding. Depending on the facts, California law may allow businesses to recover these losses through claims against responsible public entities.
Common Business Losses
- Lost revenue
- Property damage
- Equipment damage
- Inventory loss
- Cleanup expenses
- Employee disruptions
- Customer cancellations
Eligibility
Property Owners and Tenants Alike May Be Eligible
Many affected buildings are luxury apartment complexes, mixed-use developments, and commercial properties. Each claim is unique and should be evaluated individually.
Apartment Tenants
Renters displaced or with damaged belongings, ruined furniture, and lost rent value.
Condominium Owners
HOAs and unit owners facing structural and shared-space repair costs.
Commercial Tenants
Storefronts and offices unable to operate during closures.
Retail Businesses
Lost inventory, spoiled goods, and interrupted revenue on Sunset.
Property Owners
Landlords and building owners dealing with restoration and lost rent.
Vehicle Owners
Cars submerged, damaged, or destroyed in flooded streets and garages.
⚠ Time-Sensitive
Government Claims Have Strict Deadlines
Claims involving public entities — including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and other governmental agencies — often involve strict notice requirements and short filing deadlines under the California Government Claims Act.
Waiting too long could permanently affect your ability to recover.
Meet Your Attorney
Timothy D. McGonigle
Tim McGonigle is a Los Angeles trial attorney with decades of experience representing individuals, families, and businesses in mass tort, class action, and complex civil litigation against large corporate and governmental defendants.
He is personally leading McGonigle Law's investigation into the West Hollywood water main break and sinkhole — evaluating claims for residents, tenants, business owners, and property owners harmed by the July 16, 2026 rupture on Sunset Boulevard.
Why McGonigle Law
Experienced. Committed. Comprehensive.
Our attorneys understand the challenges that arise after large-scale disasters. We fight to help clients pursue the full compensation they deserve.
Mass Tort Litigation
Coordinated representation for large groups of injured plaintiffs.
Class Actions
Complex, high-stakes litigation on behalf of affected communities.
Catastrophic Property Damage
Recovery for total losses, structural harm, and displacement.
Utility Negligence
Holding LADWP and other utilities accountable for infrastructure failures.
Government Liability Claims
Navigating strict Government Claims Act deadlines and notices.
Complex Civil Litigation
Deep experience across sophisticated, multi-defendant cases.
Free Case Review
Tell Us What Happened.
Complete the form and a member of the McGonigle Law team will follow up promptly to review your losses and next steps. No cost. No obligation. Fully confidential.
- ✓Free, confidential consultation
- ✓No fee unless we recover for you
- ✓Handled by experienced mass tort attorneys
- ✓Fast response — deadlines matter
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FAQ
Answers to Common Questions
A 36-inch LADWP water transmission main installed around 1916 ruptured beneath Sunset Boulevard on July 16, 2026, releasing roughly 17 million gallons of water and creating a massive sinkhole near Holloway Drive.
Contact McGonigle Law Today
Damaged by the West Hollywood
Water Main Break?
Our attorneys are currently evaluating potential claims arising from this incident. Speak with our team for a free, confidential consultation.