Elizabethton Family Needs Help After Flood Damage

Hello!

On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, a water main that is owned by First Utility District in Elizabethton, TN burst and entirely flooded the downstairs of our home with more than two feet of muddy water.

It took the water company almost 30 minutes to arrive after I called them to tell them my house was flooding. Once they arrived, it took another 20 minutes (approximately) to figure out how to shut the water off.  Then, they had to drive to another area (assuming in Stoney Creek) to get a backhoe to dig to the water main. They worked for a couple hours to repair (or replace) the water main line. 

The employees told us they would be back to pump the water out of our house. They never did this as they apparently glanced into our garage and determined (without entering the house) that pumping was not necessary.  It certainly was as beyond the garage was still very much flooded. 

 Everything was destroyed including our washer and dryer, work computer, furniture, exercise equipment, clothing, video games, all holiday decor, keepsakes, two gas powered mowers and an electric mower (all three brand new!), a bed, two television sets, all of my sons clothing and shoes, computer hardware and speakers, books, four cell phones, and also, so much structural damage to walls, doors, and flooring. Our HVAC unit did not work at all for a full week after the flood. Temperatures were in the 20s at night and it was extremely cold in our house. 

The water company employees that came out to repair their water main on the night of the flood clearly stated that my damaged home and our personal property loss would be taken care of and for me not to worry. 

This was repeated several times by an employee and a supervisor that were in scene. The water company operations manager came to our house and he also told me that all of the damage were their fault because  my home flooded due to their water main bursting and their water rushing into our house. He walked through our house snd measured rooms and took note of the damage. 

I cannot possibly even begin to make repairs or replace anything at all.

The water company operations manager has told me that he thinks I need to come to the water company board meeting and talk to his bosses (the commissioners) to try to get them to pay for the damages. He also said their lawyer was supposed to ask their insurance company to reconsider the claim as they denied it immediately without inspecting anything or even speaking to the water company.

On Tuesday, November 23, 2022, attorney Joshua Hardin advised the First Utility Water District board of directors to not pay for any of the damage as that would be them admitting it was their fault. Their operations manager, supervisor, and an employee all three stated to myself and my family that the damage was definitely their fault. 

This flood, and the utter destruction caused by the flooding water, is in no way my fault. The water main is not even on my property at all.

I am seeking legal advice on this matter. 

All of our downstairs walls need replaced. My son needs a bed, dresser, clothing and shoes, and so much more. My work computer was destroyed. All of the kids Christmas presents were destroyed. I have already purchased a new washer and dryer. I literally cannot afford the repair work or to replace any of our belongings at all. 

If you can help at all, we greatly appreciate any help at all.