Install tech drilled a hole in the side of the house to run wires on a Monday. It hit the power line and took out our A/C. After 3 days of over 88 degrees in the house, they put us up in a hotel, patched the electrical (2 Day project) and then a short time later the A/C dropped out again. (Weakened components -per repair man) Can we sue for 3 nights living in extreme heat and 6 days of over 88 degrees in the house. We had an electrician that said it would take over $5000 to repair the electric, their electrician cost $300. We live in Texas and August temps run over 100 most days. Can we get something for "pain and suffering?" if so what would be considered reasonable?

No, you may sue for the actual damages to fix the issue. Why would you not have had a new wire ran to replace the damaged one, the next day. ( that is what anyone would have normally done)

Next 5000 does not really sound like any relistic figure to just re-run one main wire.

Install tech drilled a hole in the side of the house to run wires on a Monday. It hit the power line and took out our A/C. After 3 days of over 88 degrees in the house, they put us up in a hotel, patched the electrical (2 Day project) and then a short time later the A/C dropped out again. (Weakened components -per repair man) Can we sue for 3 nights living in extreme heat and 6 days of over 88 degrees in the house. We had an electrician that said it would take over $5000 to repair the electric, their electrician cost $300. We live in Texas and August temps run over 100 most days. Can we get something for "pain and suffering?" if so what would be considered reasonable?


I must be missing something here. Why didn't the old, broken line just get pulled and a new line installed?

Some Small Claims Courts allow pain and suffering. Others do not. You would have to check.

No question you are "out" your out of pocket expenses (if you have any). I think "why not run a new line" would have to be answered before anyone can determine why the repair took so long.

I'm sympathetic (very sympathetic, in fact) but I don't know that there's a lawsuit here.

Is it possible that the AC was damaged during all of this? Now that is certainly grounds for a claim.

My other thought is - have you approached the satellite company and told them you would like to be compensated? They should have insurance. My concern here would be whether the installers work for the company or are independents. I'm in NY and that's a big issue. You sign a contract with the satellite company, thinking you will deal with them. Instead, someone who can walk and chew gum at the same time does the installation.

I had an experience with a roof leak following an installation, and it took me considerable time and energy (company argued that the installer was an independent with his own insurance) but I did get reimbursed.

So I would start by contacting the company.