Massachusetts family devastated after sewage flood destroys basement and claim is denied

追加: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]I'm Michael Raimondi in Worcester. A family here says city crews wrecked their home when they were doing work on the pipes down below and sewage came back up.

[00:00:12]Smell, the look, the shock. This was the nasty mess a Worcester family had to clean up last November. They say the toilet in the basement started bubbling for a couple of days. The city was working to clear a backed-up sewer line and when crews flushed it, Acer Moran says water started pouring out of his toilet and tub. I tell him, "Hey man, you messed up the house."

[00:00:34]I'm going crazy. I'm screaming because all the work you done your dream house is gone. He claims the water rose a few inches spreading out around the basement next to the bedroom he and his wife sleep in. They had to bring in a company to clean, sanitize, and then repair all the flooring, walls, and stairs. After that, it's our home is a flop. Now, they're asking for the city's help. The family says they've spent 32 grand in a few months of time to get the basement back to normal. We lost our Christmas.

[00:01:03]We lost our vacation. We lost a lot of things and we don't ask for this. We asking just to pay for what we spent.

[00:01:12]They filed a claim sharing pictures of damage and repair receipts. After multiple steps with appeals, they were denied for a third time earlier this month. The city saying, "Quote, the city would be liable for damages sustained if it had negligently caused such damages.

[00:01:26]However, the city did nothing to contribute to this incident.

[00:01:29]Consequently, in the absence of any liability, the city cannot legally pay this claim relating to this incident."

[00:01:35]The family has lived here for 16 years and wants the city to find a way to help them out. I mean, I spent all my money in fixing the house to save it for my kids.

[00:01:44]Spend I mean, if anything is happened the house now, I don't I can't repair it. I says not fair. I'm Michael Raimondi reporting in Worcester, Massachusetts.