Can I Sue a City for a Sewer Backup?
If a city has failed to properly maintain its sewer system and caused a backup into your home, you may be entitled to sue the city for damages!
As a homeowner in Oklahoma, you have the right to expect that your property will be protected from harm caused by the actions of your local government’s negligence. This includes the responsibility of the city to maintain its sewer system to prevent backups that can cause significant damage to your home and belongings.
Under Oklahoma law, cities and other government entities are generally immune from lawsuits for their actions unless the government has waived that immunity. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and one of them involves “proprietary functions” of the government. A proprietary function is one that is performed by a government entity in the same manner as a private business or individual would perform it. In the case of a city sewer backup, maintenance and operation of the sewer system is a proprietary function of the city. Therefore, if the city has negligently failed to maintain the sewer system, and that negligence has caused a sewer backup into your home, you may be able to sue the city for damages.
It is important to note that there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits against government entities, so it is important to act quickly if you believe you have a claim.
If you have experienced a sewer backup in your home caused by the negligence of your city’s sewer system maintenance, contact the Buxton Law Group so we can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. At Buxton Law Group, we are committed to helping homeowners in Oklahoma hold their local governments accountable for their actions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options!
