Legal Definitions - lateral support

Lateral support is a legal principle that states that a landowner has the right to keep their soil in its natural position without it being disturbed by any excavation or construction work done on the neighboring land. If an adjoining landowner excavates on their land and removes the natural support of their neighbor's soil, causing it to collapse, they are responsible for the damage caused.

• If a mining company digs a pit mine up to the edge of their property boundary, causing the land on the adjacent property to cave into the pit, the mining company is liable for the damage caused.
• If a construction company digs a foundation for a building on their land, and the excavation causes the neighboring land to collapse, the construction company is responsible for the damage caused.

These examples illustrate how the principle of lateral support works. If a landowner's excavation or construction work causes damage to their neighbor's land, they are responsible for the damage caused. This principle ensures that landowners are responsible for the impact of their actions on their neighbors and encourages them to take necessary precautions to prevent damage to neighboring properties.