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such basis, any allowance would amount to unguided largesse.
Williams v. United States, 245 F.2d 559, 560-561 (5th Cir. 1957).
Although we believe that petitioner sustained a casualty
loss from flooding, she still has to substantiate the amount of
the losses due to the casualty.
Petitioner testified that the flood which occurred in the
Chicago area in August of 2001 resulted in her basement’s taking
on water, with the depth of this water being approximately 3 feet
in one area of the basement and approximately 13 inches in
another area of the basement. However, respondent claims that
Joseph Ferrick, respondent’s counsel, visited petitioner’s home
on the morning of November 27, 2004, and noted water damage no
higher than 4 inches above the floor.
At trial, petitioner also testified: (1) She had the water
pumped out of her basement by Mr. Davis; (2) that the walls,
carpeting, and several personal property items which were kept in
the basement were damaged or destroyed; (3) she and Mr. Davis
made a list of the damaged property as the items were removed
from the basement; and (4) that the amount of clothing damaged
was excessive because she was “decorating” the first floor of the
house and had moved most of her and her grandchild’s clothing
into the basement.
Petitioner introduced into evidence an alleged receipt from
Mr. Davis, indicating a payment of $275 for his services in
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