Plaquemines Parish couple claim water main repair caused damage to home

NEW ORLEANS  - A Plaquemines Parish couple has filed a lawsuit claiming that during repairs to the Parish’s water main their home was damaged.

Donna and Rick Harrison filed suit against Severn Trent Environmental Services Inc. and AXA Insurance Co. on Oct. 31 in Plaquemines Parish District Court. The defendants removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Dec. 3.

The Harrison’s residence is located on the corner lot of Thousand Oaks Circle and Demandre Street in Plaquemines Parish. Within the past 15 years, there have been four eruptions of the Parish’s water main, which is located underground at the left front corner of the Harrison’s property, the suit claims.

According to the lawsuit, each time the water main erupts, the property becomes flooded, overflowing the curb and ponding in the street in front of the property.

Most recently, in October 2011, the water main erupted and the repairs were performed over the course of four months by the defendant, the suit claims.

The Harrisons allege that the defendant was negligent and performed improper workmanship by excavating in a manner which undermined the foundation of the petitioners’ residence causing vibrational and structural stress to their home, failed to properly perform the repair work, improper use of machinery and equipment too close to their residence, and failed to be aware of the potential damage to surrounding residences resulting from the street repair work.

The plaintiffs are requesting an award of damages for property damage, mental anguish, inconvenience, emotional distress, interest, and court costs.

Harrison is represented by Robert W. Grant of Grant & Barrow in Gretna. A jury trial is requested.

Case No. 2:12-cv-02876