New construction next door causing flooding

[txlandlady]

First, I am located in Texas. I own a 4-plex of townhomes which sit on the north-east corner of a block. When we purchased the property it was the only building on the block. Over the course of the last 18 months someone purchased the entire south half of the block and constructed a small complex of apartments. Unfortunately, their construction has completely ruined the drainange of the area. They built up the site a lot prior to constructing any buildings. My property has flooded twice in the last nine months. It had never flooded in the 12 years prior. (And the amount of rain each of these last 2 times isn't any greater than heavy rains we'd had in the past.) And I should add that the NW corner of the block is the high point, the SE corner WAS the natural low point, so that was the direction the water would drain.

I hope this description made some sense. Just by looking at the block now even a lay person can easily see what has happened - how their construction has stopped water from draining properly. Mine isn't the only property effected.

Do I have any sort of case here? If so, how to begin? I hate the thought of suing someone, but I have to protect my investment.

Thanks in advance for any info or tips.

 

[seniorjudge]

The bad people are trespassing.

Hire a lawyer.

 

[txlandlady]

Thanks for replying.
I want to make sure I understand where the "trespassing" comes into play. ???

Thanks,
txlandlady