Homeowners sue elevation company blaming pile-driving activities for home damage

GRETNA – A home elevation company is being sued by property owners for damages they claim were caused to their home when pile driving was taking place at their next door neighbor’s property.

James V. Carisella and Dianne Carisella filed suit against Crescent Foundations LLC, American Empire Surplus Lines Insurance Company and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Nov. 19.

The Carisellas assert that they own a home located at 521 Iona St. in Metairie and that Crescent Foundations was conducting a home elevation at the home located next door at 525 Iona St. The plaintiffs claim that pile-driving activities the defendants undertook caused significant property damage to their home in the form of cracks to the home’s walls and doors and a window. The Carisellas allege that although they notified  Crescent Foundations and American Empire Surplus Lines Insurance Company of the damage during the work their concerns were ignored.

The defendant is accused of property damage and violating state law.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought by the plaintiffs.

The Carisellas are represented by Lance C. McCardle of New Orleans-based Fishman Haygood Phelps Walmsley Willis & Swanson LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 744-447.