I would think that somebody has coverage for the damage. If they owner has insurance then the insurance carrier should pay and restore then subbrogate it to the County.
I think both can sue. The defendant has to make sure it doesn’t pay twice.
I agree with you. Seems like the amount is such that the county should pay, not drag it out at much greater expense.
Most insurance contracts have an out for the carrier based on “force majeure” and that was evident in spades on this deal. The government used unlawful force, initiated at command’s discretion, so the government has to pay.