Sellers Improperly Disconnected Fridge And Our New Home Was Flooded

Location: Arkansas

Rough Timeline of events to the best of my knowledge:

Sunday- final walk through. Sellers were still moving out and fridge was connected

Monday 8:00am- realitor swung by to see if the sellers had moved out. Movers were still grabbing things. But she saw the utilities there turning off utilities. She called us and we called the city and asked for them to be restored.

Monday 9:30-10:00- final closing on the house at the title company.

Monday 10:30 - our realitor picked up the keys from the house. Movers we’re loading up the final items. We were working all day so she dropped the keys off to us after.

Monday -unknown time- utilities came out and restored water and electricity.

Monday - 3:30 - we walked in the front door hearing water spewing and the kitchen flooded. I ran outside to shut the water main off. Looked under the kitchen sink to find the fridge water valve was left 100% open. The damage is extensive.

The fridge has been disconnected without turning off the isolation valve or capping the water line. When the city restored water (most certainly after closing) the line was left wide open.

We have filed a claim and are trying to understand who disconnected the fridge- the sellers or the moving company. We are hoping the moving company because it is the largest moving company in the country. But they are saying they didn’t disconnect anything. The seller is blaming the utility company but we all know that doesn’t have legs which is making me believe the seller did it.

The damage happened when it was our house but the act of negligence happened prior to signing.

We are insured and will see how that goes on Monday. But we had to file a claim on day one with our insurance company which sucks. I would think they would take care of us, but im not sure I’ll be left “in good hands” after seeing some really bad reviews of this company during the claims process.

I know the insurance company could go fight the seller or moving companies insurance but say its only $20k and insurance doesn’t fight the fight or even denys out claim. it’s definitely not fair for us to hold the bag. Its our first home and we are devastated.