488.474. Utility right of access, wrongful action--recovery of costs. - Missouri Statutes

Utility right of access, wrongful action--recovery of costs.

488.474. 1. If, at the hearing on the delivery of access to the utilitymeter under section 393.557, RSMo, the court specifically finds, on the basisof the record at such hearing, that the utility company willfully andwrongfully instituted an action under sections 393.550 to 393.565, RSMo, theutility customer in default may be entitled to any damages which might beincurred by such utility customer in default as a direct result of suchactions by the utility company, together with reasonable attorney fees.

2. Costs may be taxed in the discretion of the court pursuant to section393.561, RSMo, and the court shall direct which party is obligated to pay thesheriff's expenses referred to in section 393.559, RSMo.

(L. 2000 S.B. 1002 Revision)