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A city hired Ridge Blasting to remove bedrock for a sewer tunnel beneath a residential block. Ridge obtained permits, used experienced workers, warned neighbors, placed vibration monitors, and followed industry standards. Even so, the blasts sent shock waves through nearby soil, cracking the foundations of three homes and shattering several windows. No worker acted carelessly.
Ridge argues that it cannot be liable without negligence because the work was lawful, useful, and carefully performed. The homeowners argue that blasting in a residential block is abnormally dangerous and that their property damage is exactly the risk that makes blasting subject to strict liability.
Analyze the homeowners' strict-liability claims against Ridge. Address Ridge's strongest defenses.