Parma residents living in the Thornton Drive neighborhood report they're dealing thousands in property damage after a power surge knocked out dozens of appliances.
Residents told News 5 they believe the damage was caused by tree trimming contractors hired by the Illuminating Company.
Lori Chase said she witnessed the contractors knock a limb into some power lines in the back of her home, hitting a transformer and triggering a power surge that affected more than a dozen homes.
Chase said so far the Illuminating Company has refused to pay for repairs to her AC unit and refrigerator.
"I saw the guys trimming the trees. It was a big puff of dirt and smoke that went whoosh," said Chase.
"I'm upset, because they told me to claim it on my homeowner's insurance, and I don't want to do that. I refuse to do that, it was their negligence, not mine."
Chase said many other residents lost multiple appliances, and have had repair crews on the scene all week.
News 5 contacted the Illuminating Company about this case, and it responded quickly, now pledging to investigate further.
The power company said residents who believe they've suffered damage due a company mistake should file a claim through its hotline,or file a claim online.
Chase and other residents believe they should be compensated outright, and not have to file an insurance claim to make repairs.
"I said if you were going to disconnect my power, you would do it within split seconds," said Chase.
"But when I'm without stuff, you don't care."
