Homeowner wins small claims case against PSEG

A Baldwin woman who says her home appliances were destroyed by a power surge has won her small claims case against PSEG Long Island, and now her neighbors are looking to follow suit.

Marian Goldstein, 83, says back in October 2017 a nor'easter caused a power outage at her home, and PSEG came to fix it. But when the power was turned back on, she says there was a major surge and it burned and destroyed over $7,000 worth of appliances throughout her home. 

"Power went back on, and it went on with a bang," Goldstein recalls. "In the house, the lights began to flicker, and then they got extra bright and then they went out."

Goldstein says she filed a claim with PSEG, but it was denied— so she took the utility to small claims court.

After winning her case Friday, Goldstein is set to be awarded $5,000 for the damages. PSEG has 30 days to appeal the decision.

In a statement, PSEG said it does not agree with the decision and would consider its options.

Goldstein says other neighbors are also planning to sue PSEG for the same issue.

One of those neighbors is Robin Sciortino. She says the surge caused about $4,000 in damage to her home.

"They said commercial grade voltage came into the house instead of what normally comes in to a home," she says. "I sent a letter to them saying can we reach some sort of settlement without having to go to court? And I'll wait and see what they say. If not, I'm going to file a suit as well."