Couple sues water company for property damage

CHARLESTON -- A Kanawha County couple is suing West Virginia-American Water after they incurred water damage in their home.

American Water Works Service Company, Inc., was also named as a defendant in the suit.

On Dec. 13, 2009, a municipal water line owned and operated by the defendants broke and began to spill water along the roadway and into the yard of Victor Salutillo and Mae Salutillo, according to a complaint filed Dec. 6 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

The Salutillos claim as a result of the water leak, the water accumulated near the front basement walls of their home, causing flooding and damages to the interior of their home and personal belongings.

The defendants had a duty to keep their water line in a proper state of repair and failed to do so, according to the suit.

The Salutillos claim the defendants were negligent and breached their duties.

The defendants' negligence caused the Salutillos to incur property damages, according to the suit.

The Salutillos are seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. They are being represented by Shawn R. Romano.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge James C. Stucky.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 11-C-2170