A huge power surge destroyed all my electrical appliances. Who is to blame?

Question

At around 11:30PM on January 23rd, 2007 as I was typing on my PC the lights began to flicker and my computer began turning on and off. The lights then became extremely bright followed by a booms outside then the lights dimmed so low it looked as if they were about to burn out. The house phone was on began to cut out and made a loud screeching sound and then...silence.

These strange events lasted for nearly 15 minutes when a knock at the front door got my attention. It was a fireman informing me to shut off my computer if I had one because of electrical problems that were occurring in the area. I immediately did so.

It was not until the morning I discovered that my two TV's, all three cordless phones, a microwave, two alarm clocks, my entire computer, VCR/DVD, DVR/Cable Box had all been destroyed due to the massive power surge they endured. After surveying each and every unit I learned that all appliances in every apartment was damaged or destroyed.

Who is to blame for this?

I might add that only one of the tenants obtained renters insurance. All other's claim, including myself, were never offered insurance at the time the contract was signed. We are all aware that having this insurance might have helped us purchase new equipment, but none of us feel that this was under our control. The apartment should have had proper grounding to prevent such an explosive power surge that destroyed thousands of dollars worth of hard-earned electrical equipment.

I have spoke with evert tenant and listed each destroyed item and I have contacted two local TV stations so that we can get our story heard and hold someone accountable for our losses.

Are there any legal actions I can take?

****JUST TO MAKE THINGS CLEAR****
Surge protectors were installed to my computer as well as the TV, VCR/DVD & DVR/Cable Box. They DID NOT protect them.

Answer 1

I got this one covered :)
This happened to my Mom...the electric company had to pay for all the appliances that were destroyed. We just took a list to the local power co. she filled out a paper and they gave her a check. As I recall it was 2 cordless phones a microwave, TV, VCR and maybe a few smaller items.

I would contact the electric company first before worrying about hiring a lawyer...you shouldn't have to.

Answer 2

I think you do have a case. I am no lawyer, and do not pretend to be one on T.V., but , this is the fault of the power company. or utilities corporation. thats the legal stuff I never understand. Seems like if the power surged, an event that can be stopped at any relay or switching station,then it is the company that bills you for safe electrical delivery to the residence. Since it is a Utility Corporation that delivers the product to the residents, then by rights they should be accountable for the safe and controlled delivery of said product.
Some government gave them the right to deliver that product, and lots of $ was and is invested in Municipal Bonds and Stocks. someone is making a profit even when it breaks.
So yes, talk to an attorney, if you can find one to take the case then maybe bet all the affected tenants to go class action for damages incurred as a result of negligence on the other parties side.
And here to for and here with in good standing with other legalese , have fun!

Answer 3

Sometimes stuff happens I guess.
Most computer vendors recommend that you use surge protectors for this very reason. And I'm sure the apartment building is properly grounded. Grounding does not prevent surges.
Obviously there were serious problems with the power supply. If there is any liability it would probably be that of the power company. But if there was an unexpected equipment failure or an auto accident that damaged the distribution system you may just be out of luck.
I'm amazed that you waited fifteen minutes before unplugging your computer.

Answer 4

For the record, it is YOUR fault for not having renters insurance. It may not have been offered when you signed your lease, but you could have purchased it on your own.
What was the cause of the power surges? If it was a weather or natural cause then the power company probably won't pay.,.....and morally shouldn't. If you spend a couple of hundred bucks on a tv then an extra 20 for a good surge protecter is a no brain decision. Most likely if you actually read the instruction with EVERY piece of electronics you mentioned they say you should have surge protectors on them. But, as is typical in todays world, people don't want to take responsibility for their own actions or lack of actions and expect someone else to pay for their mistakes.

Answer 5

Sorry to say this - but you are responsible. Power surge protectors are on the market for sometime now. Nobody ever gave you a guarantee that power voltage will be clean. For that matter there are no guarantees that you will get power, if at all..........!!

We are taking things for granted. Same goes for water supply, sewage treatment. Recently some 14 or 15 people died in northern Ontario (Canada) due to drinking water contamination and salmonella poisoning.

You talk about destroyed appliances? How about losing your near and dear ones? Which is more traumatic? Any guarantees? NOOOOOOO........

I guess you have to lump it. If you had insurance, even then, not all insurance companies are same. Some of these guys will wriggle out of their responsibilities by showing some archaic clause in their policy.

Answer 6

I doubt the building owner could be held responsible for such an occurrence.Also , the buildings owner is not required to offer renters insurance. The electric company would be the other choice, but I imagine that if you read their/ your agreement for service, that they can not be held responsible either and that they recommend the use of surge protectors.
Sorry I can't give you more encouraging words, but I do think that is how it is.I wish you luck and hope there is a way you can at least get some compensation.

Answer 7

First of all, you can buy renters insurance anywhere, anytime and can often get a deal if you bundle it with car insurance. If you don't have it, it is your fault not your landlords.

Surge protectors may help but with a large surge they usually vaporize before they do any protecting.

The only people you could go after are the power company but it doubtful that you would get anywhere.

Answer 8

honestly, I don't believe you can blame anyone, I am pretty sure the electrical company does not garantee againsnt power surges, the landlord has no liability, andI have heard of these things before. The only solution I have ever heard of is insurance. your landlords duties will vary state to state as wheter to provide information on obtaining renters insurance but probably is not required to do so, since you are not required to have it. Sorry for the bad news, but I am sure that you will have surge protectors on everything from now on. good luck

Answer 9

I would go after the power utility. They will likely try to deny any responsibility, but the fact is, their system was responsible for allowing the power surge through. Grounding in the apartment building has nothing to do with it - if the power being delivered exceeds the capacity of the supply system, there is nothing short of an industrial surge suppressor that will stop it. Good luck, don't let them walk on you.

Answer 10

It was your responsibility to get renter's insurance. It was not the responsibility of apartment complex to tell you to get it. When the fireman came to your door and told you to shut off your computer because of electrical problems, you should've unplugged everything. I assume that you're young, inexperienced living on your own and not an electrician. The fireman really should've informed you better. If you're asking who you can blame so you can have them replace your things, the power company it the easiest target. But for future reference, renter's insurance is only about $10 per month. When you don't take responsibility for you own lack of knowledge, we all pay for it.... literally.