AT&T property claims for damages

Hi @vogel77,

You will find information on how to address your concern in this thread. 

ATTU-verseCare

An AT&T technician broke a television of mine during installation of the service. The television is a little over a year old and was $2,117.88 at time of purchase. I contacted AT&T and filed a claim for the damage. The AT&T manager came to my residence and validated the claim. I was transferred to Sedgwick Claims Management Services to finalize the compensation for the claim. AT&T had me fill out paperwork that included proof of purchase and also stated that if the current television was not able to be located for purchase as a replacement, then I was to provide links to an equivalent television. I provided proof of purchase in the account of $2,117.88 and since Sony does not make my current model any longer I provided links to the equivalent television of the same make, size, monetary value, and model series number with the only difference being the year of manufacturing.

Sedgwick came back with an offer of only $1,200 based on a used television price they found on Amazon. I refused this offer stating I would have to go out and pay around $900 out of pocket for an equivalent replacement television. I informed the Sedgwick representative that this was unacceptable and I would only take the monetary value that I paid for the television or a replacement television of either the exact same model that I currently own or the equivalent television I previously sent over. The individual came back and said that this only benefits me and they would not be doing any type of replacement as my current model could not be located. I informed them that I would be contacting my legal team, Consumer Protection Agency and the Michigan Public Service Commission. I have contacted all 3 as of today and am waiting to hear back from each.

I would like to avoid this situation and either get a check of the value that I paid for the TV, a replacement of the exact model, or an equivalent replacement that I previously sent over. Please let me know if you can help.

On or about January 23rd, 2017, an AT&T contractor setup and conducted directional boring next to my home/driveway.  As they began boring, the contractor hit an underground water pipe that connects my house with West Knox Utility District’s (WKUD) water supply.  WKUD contacted me about the water pipe breakage the day it occurred and WKUD’s crew repaired the broken pipe.  The AT&T contractor came back to my property to repair the yard which included dirt work, grass seed and straw coverage (pictures are available).

However, since that time one of the sidewalk sections that run parallel with the direction of the underground work has collapsed several inches (photos availabe). The photos clearly show heavy equipment tire marks as well as evidence that someone tried to clean the sidewalk. 

This damaged sidewalk section creates an unsafe hazard for those in my neighborhood and my family. I have a two year old son and we enjoy walking our neighborhood.  After reaching out to AT&T representatives to explain the issues with the sidewalk and driveway, I was finally issued a claim number xxxxxxxxx by Jacqueline G  from AT&T on May 24th, 2017.  I was then contacted by email from Denise B  of Sedwick Claims Management Services, Inc. on May 30th, 2017 requesting additional information and issued another claim number xxxxxxxxxxxxx.

After receiving this email/request from Ms. B , I then contacted Doug A , Water Superintendent with WKUD and asked him to investigate the damages. Mr. A  posted a “Sidewalk Closed” sign and agreed that the collapsed sidewalk and concrete damage to my driveway created a safety hazard.  Mr. A  then contacted representatives from Knox County.  Mr. A  stated that during his onsite meetings with Knox County and respective engineers, they all agreed that AT&T underground boring was responsible for the damages.  In addition, I contacted 811.com on June 8th, 2017 requesting utilities to be marked in this same area.  I have photos showing the blue markings which designates water lines and the orange markings designate AT&T lines.  The orange markings were done by an AT&T employee who was responding to my 811.com request.

In the email that I received from Ms. Denise B  (Sedgwick), the letter stated that I had 45 days to provide the requested documentation to Sedgwick for their review.  A few days after receiving this email from Sedgwick, I received a letter from AT&T's subcontractor,   dated May 30th denying my claim ... the same date that I received the email from Sedgwick requesting my documentation.  I continued to put together all of the required documentation that was requested by Sedwick and submitted my documentation on July 7th, 2017.   I then waited for a response from Ms. B  at Sedwick.  On July 27th, 2017, I contact Ms. B to followup on the staus of my claim.  She stated that the claim had been closed upon receiving the subcontractors denial of damages on June 2nd, 2017.  I asked her how this claim could be closed prior to receiving my documentation and she didn't have a response. 

At this point I would like to elevate this issue to an executive within AT&T to show how ridiculous this claims process is.  [Edited to comply with Guidelines] I would hope that AT&T would avoid a lawsuit by simply looking at this damage claim objectively instead of brushing it off.  [edited for privacy – please do not post personal information]

Did you pursue AT&T in small claims court?  If so, how did you serve them?  I'm ready to move toward small claims action, but I need to know who to serve ... address, AT&T attorney, etc.

See Sec. 11 of Terms of Service for Dispute Resolution.

I'm not an AT&T customer.

So far I'm going on 9 months without resolution, despite their clear, written acceptance of my claim.  ATT drilled through my sewer pipe to install a fiber optic cable for the neighborhood.  No issues - they accepted that they did.  Sedgwick wrote and told me they will reimburse me only for the plumber who fixed the pipe. I agreed.    Ok - why am I still waiting?  After 8 months, they sent me a Release which included my agreement that I would indemnify and hold them harmless for anything whatsoever related to the damage.  Theoretically, if their contractor sued them for not getting paid because he drilled through my pipe - I'm on the hook for their damages.  Absolutely ridiculous!  Also wanted me to sign a confidentiality provision - for a $2500.00 claim!  They won't even pay me for the landscaper I had to hire to clean up after them.  Never have I experienced worse treatment.  Can't wait to ditch all my services with them....