My question, could a power surge such as the electrical box connected to the outside ac being replaced and when the electricity is turned back on burn up the compressor? If so could there be documentation to support.

Usually a power surge will blow the fuses or other safety device before burning up a compressor. Many times the outside A/C disconnect electrical tabs will become worn or heat soaked over the years and a compressor burning up internally can cause this disconnect to become shorted.
Then when the new disconnect is installed to replace the defective one it is discovered that the compressor caused a problem with the old disconnect when the compressor went bad.

The only other item that can cause some problems is if the utility company has a fault or power surge on there lines going to your house. That can cause many problems but when that happens many other appliances in your house will also suffer damage.