RODANTHE, N.C. -- While utilities try to restore power to parts of the Outer Banks, lawsuits are being filed.
Construction crews cut the electric lines supplying two barrier islands last week, crippling the local tourism in the middle of a busy season.
Tourism analysts experts believe canceled vacations and business losses will run in the millions.
Attorney Matthew Lee wants those responsible to address the losses. On Monday he sued PCL Civil Constructors, the company building the new bridge.
Lee says it's time to move from restoration of power to restitution for damages.
Lee believes PCL will eventually be held accountable.
"That is the bread and butter. These three months...June, July, and August, on the Outer Banks. And, for the locals, and even the local towns, they rely on this tax base as much as the businesses rely on the tourists," said Attorney Matthew Lee.
At Tuesday's news conference, Gov. Roy Cooper called for responsibility while needing to know what happened.
"I believe the company who's responsible for the damages should be held accountable for the damages, but we don't know everything that happened. We do not know what will be the end legal result of all of this," said Gov. Cooper.
This accident will surely mean rough waters ahead for PCL. The people who rely on tourism on the Outer Banks just hope they can weather this storm.
Tens of thousands of visitors have been evacuated from the islands since Saturday.
Officials with the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative said Tuesday that power restoration could now take between six to 10 days.