Executive Summary: Verizon hiding behind a subcontractor they chose and not reimbursing us for their damages!
Late last year, I had Verizon Fios installed at my home in Medford, New Jersey. This spring, when I activated my sprinkler system, I was surprised to see water shooting everywhere. I called my sprinkler company (not aware that it was caused by Verizon at that time) and they quickly identified that Verizon had "plowed" through my system and done some damage. I paid the sprinkler company to repair it and submitted his invoice, along with clear photo evidence of the damage to Verizon. That Sunday (before 8 am), a Verizon technician arrived and knocked on our door -- unexpected and pretty early on a Sunday. He inspected the area and said we'd hear back. My wife followed up (when we didn't hear back) and was told that we needed to submit the irrigation company's invoice and photo evidence? (We had already done this?). But, we complied and sent it again.
To our surprise, we received a Release Waiver from a company called J. Fletcher Creamer & Sons? They were selected and subcontracted by Verizon and, as a condition of them reimbursing us, they expect us to sign a release that says if there are any other damages from their install that we have release them from any further costs?
First, we didn't pick this subcontract--Verizon did. So why would we even be put in the middle of this? Verizon should just reimburse us and then deal with the subcontractor they chose.
Second, why would we release them from any other damages they may have caused? I doubt there are other damages but seems like an over-reach on their part to seek indemnification from us?
I presented my position back to Verizon (with their subcontractor on cc) and am awaiting their response. Meanwhile, we're out a few hundred dollars through no fault of our own. Honestly, not a great experience. read more