PITTSBURGH — Verizon is suing a pair of contractors after they allegedly damaged some of the telecommunications company's underground cable and other equipment.
Verizon Pennsylvania filed a complaint Sept. 17 in the Allegheny County Courts of Common Pleas against Massaro Corp. and Amelie Construction & Supply, alleging that the defendants did excavation without consent of plaintiffs.
Verizon alleges that its underground duct structure, cables and related facilities were affected.
Verizon allegedly discovered on Sept. 22 that defendants were excavating at or near North Dithridge Street and Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh. Defendants allegedly damaged plaintiff's underground equipment.
As a result, Verizon claims it has "sustained disturbance to its rights of use or servitude and actual damages" that top $85,000, according to court documents.
The plaintiff holds Massaro and Amelie Construction & Supply responsible, because the defendants allegedly failed to provide excavation notice as required by the Underground Utility Line Protection Law and failed to use due care when excavating in and around buried cables and underground facilities.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment in the amount of $85,317.74, plus additional amounts according to proof, with pre and post-judgment interest, court costs, and other relief as the court deems equitable and just.
Verizon is represented by Kathleen A. Gallagher, Russell D. Giancola and Carolyn B. McGee of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Pittsburgh.