Tag Archive for: #1LawyerInThe2Business

The Andrew’s Story: Midwest City Sewer Backup Case Ends in $540,000 Verdict

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Midwest City, Oklahoma:

After purchasing their home in 2021, our clients began experiencing something no family should have to deal with — repeated sewage backups into the place they were supposed to feel safest.

The backups were caused by a defective municipal sewer line owned and operated by the City of Midwest City. Evidence also showed that the property had experienced sewage backups even before our clients purchased the home.

When our clients sought accountability, the City argued that their private sewer connection was illegal because historical permitting records could not be located. Our clients maintained that the sewage was coming from the City’s sewer main and that they should not be the ones left dealing with the damage and disruption it caused.

The trial court initially ruled in favor of the City of Midwest City.

But our clients did not give up.

Jim Buxton and Spencer Habletzuel continued fighting on their behalf, successfully appealing that decision and giving the homeowners the opportunity to finally present their case to a jury.

As Buxton explained after the verdict, “These homeowners didn’t cause the problem, but they were the ones forced to live with the consequences. They deserved better.”

For years, our clients lived with more than just property damage. They lived with the uncertainty of wondering whether sewage could come backing up into their home again.

“A home is supposed to be a place where people feel safe and comfortable,” Buxton said. “Nobody should have to live with the fear that sewage may come backing up into their home again.”

After years of litigation and a successful appeal, our clients finally had their day in court.

On October 8, 2026, an Oklahoma jury returned a $540,000 verdict against the City of Midwest City in favor of our clients.

For this family, the verdict represented much more than a dollar amount. After being denied, challenged, and forced to keep fighting, they were finally heard.

They stood their ground, told their story, and won.

We are proud to have stood beside them throughout that fight.

Click Here To: Read the full $540,000 Midwest City jury verdict press release

Also you can read more about the case filings and proceedings here: 

https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=oklahoma&number=CJ-2023-3324&cmid=4205435

Has your home been flooded by sewage? Are you seeking answers and justice? Contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today!

Office: (405) 604-5577
Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

 

Jessica’s Story: Jessica Stephenson VS City of Oklahoma City, Pro Residential Services Inc, and Meadow Park Apartments

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:

On the morning of August 6, 2022, Jessica Stephenson noticed sewage backing up into her apartment.  She immediately contacted the property management office, and they said they would send someone to inspect the problem. No one ever arrived.

The following day, August 7, Jessica tried again. The management office appeared to be closed, and her calls to the emergency maintenance line went unanswered while sewage was actively flooding her home.

By August 8, the situation had become significantly worse. Sewage was flowing through Jessica’s apartment and out of her front door. An inspector finally arrived to inspect the apartment, but the inspector did not repair the problem. For about three days, Jessica faced ongoing sewage intrusion and damage to her property. She endured the serious disruption of raw sewage inside her home, while trying to find answers.

Jessica continued advocating for herself and seeking help. When she could not obtain meaningful relief from Meadow Park Apartments, she contacted the Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers. 

Jim Buxton and his team at Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers pursued claims on Jessica’s behalf against the City of Oklahoma City, Pro Residential Services, Inc., and Meadow Park Apartments. The case proceeded through the legal system for about a year. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers worked hard to fight for Jessica and hold the responsible parties accountable for the damage.

Ultimately, the Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers were able to secure a financial settlement for Jessica, helping her recover compensation for the property she lost and the serious disruption, stress, and inconvenience caused by the sewage backup.

If your home or business has experienced a sewer backup in Oklahoma, you may have legal rights under Oklahoma law. Don’t assume the City has the final word. An experienced Oklahoma sewer backup attorney at Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers can investigate your claim and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, we are committed to helping families across Oklahoma recover after devastating sewer backups. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these events can take, and we work to pursue compensation for the clients we represent.

Want to learn more about Jessica’s case?

Click here: https://www.oscn.net/dockets/GetCaseInformation.aspx?db=oklahoma&number=CJ-2023-2298&cmid=4188864

No family should have to endure sewer backups while searching for answers! If your home has been flooded by the negligence and failing infrastructure of the city, Jim Buxton of Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help you. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is committed to helping families all across Oklahoma get the justice they deserve!

Has your home been flooded by sewage? Are you seeking answers and justice? Contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today!

Office: (405) 604-5577
Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

Express Grocery VS City of Oklahoma

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:

On November 30, 2023, what should have been routine sewer maintenance turned into a major disruption for four Oklahoma City small businesses.

A City of Oklahoma City maintenance crew was working on sewer lines near 6221 W. Wilshire Blvd., where four businesses are located: Liquor USA, owned by Mai Cao; Dallas Fan Cutz OKC, LLC, owned by Brian Leftridge; Fantastic Rise, LLC, owned by Toshida Moss; and Express Grocery, LLC, owned by Tony Nguyen.

As the City worked to clear an obstruction in the sewer main, all four businesses began flooding with raw sewage. The sewage continued to flow for approximately two to three hours, exposing the businesses to serious health hazards and causing significant property damage.

Because of the sewage contamination and lingering odor, each business was forced to close for approximately two days. For these small business owners, the incident meant more than property damage—it also disrupted their ability to operate their businesses and serve their customers. Our firm worked on behalf of the four business owners and successfully reached a settlement of $263,841.00 with the City of Oklahoma City that compensated each business for its damages, as well as the nuisance and disruption the owners experienced.

What began as routine sewer maintenance resulted in a serious and costly situation, but the settlement helped these four local businesses recover from their losses and move forward.

If your business has experienced a sewer backup in Oklahoma, you may have legal rights under Oklahoma law. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help. 

At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, we represent Oklahoma homeowners and businesses affected by sewer backups and raw sewage flooding. We understand how quickly these incidents can cause extensive property damage and disrupt a business’s operations.

Need Help After a Sewer Backup?

If your home or business has been damaged by a sewer backup, raw sewage flooding, or municipal sewer issue, contact Jim Buxton and Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Office: (405) 604-5577
Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

The Roberti’s Story: Roberti’s VS City of Oklahoma

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma:

On December 7, 2024, what should have been routine sewer maintenance turned into a nightmare for the Roberti family.

At approximately 9:00 a.m., Duke’s Root Control was treating the City of Oklahoma City’s sewer collection lines when raw sewage suddenly began flooding the Robertis’ home. When Jasmin Roberti saw sewage filling the hallway, she ran outside and found workers in a neighboring yard. She immediately alerted them that their work was causing sewage to flood her home and told them to stop.

By the time the work stopped, raw sewage had spread throughout a significant portion of the home, including the hallway, master bathroom, Jack and Jill bathroom, laundry room, four bedrooms, entryway, living room, and home office. Sewage also reached the roof through the backyard cleanout.

The incident left the Roberti family dealing with extensive contamination, significant property damage, and the disruption of having their home affected by raw sewage.

Our firm worked on behalf of the Roberti family and successfully reached a settlement with Duke’s Root Control and the City of Oklahoma City. We were able to recover $375,000 for the Roberti family, providing compensation to help repair and restore their home while also compensating them for the nuisance and disruption caused by the sewage flooding.

What began as a devastating situation ended with the Roberti family receiving the financial recovery they needed to move forward and begin making their home whole again.

If your home or business has experienced a sewer backup in Oklahoma, you may have legal rights under Oklahoma law. Don’t assume the City has the final word. An experienced Oklahoma sewer backup attorney can investigate your claim and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, we are committed to helping families across Oklahoma recover after devastating sewer backups. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these events can take, and we work to pursue compensation for the clients we represent.

Need Help After a Sewer Backup?

The Roberti’s

Want to learn more about this case? Click the link here:

GetCaseInformation.aspx

If your home or business has been damaged by a sewer backup, raw sewage flooding, or municipal sewer issue, contact Jim Buxton and Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Office: (405) 604-5577
Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

The Calvert’s Story: Calvert vs. the City of Wewoka

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Wewoka, Oklahoma:

When Terry and Debby Calvert’s home in Wewoka, Oklahoma was flooded with raw sewage, they were left dealing with much more than a plumbing problem. The sewer backup caused significant property damage, disrupted their daily lives, and created serious health hazards for their family. Even worse, this was not an isolated event—their home experienced multiple sewer backups over just a few months.

After a thorough investigation, it became clear that the flooding was caused by the City’s failure to properly operate and maintain its municipal sewer system. When a city neglects its sewer infrastructure, homeowners can suffer devastating losses through no fault of their own.

Rather than accepting the damage and the City’s response, Terry and Debby turned to Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers. Attorney Jim Buxton and our legal team investigated the cause of the sewer backups, gathered evidence of the City’s negligence, and fought to hold the municipality accountable.

Through determined advocacy and extensive investigation, we successfully resolved the case and secured a favorable settlement for our clients. While every case is different, it is possible for cities to be held responsible when their negligence causes sewer backups, raw sewage flooding, and property damage. 

If your home or business has experienced a sewer backup in Oklahoma, you may have legal rights under Oklahoma law. Don’t assume the City has the final word. An experienced Oklahoma sewer backup attorney can investigate your claim and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, we are committed to helping families across Oklahoma recover after devastating sewer backups caused by failing municipal infrastructure. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these events take, and we fight to obtain justice for every client we represent.

Need Help After a Sewer Backup?

If your home or business has been damaged by a sewer backup, raw sewage flooding, or city negligence, contact Jim Buxton and Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Office: (405) 604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

Why Sewer Systems Fail

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Why Sewer Systems Actually Fail:

Every day, millions of gallons of wastewater flow through an underground network of sewer pipes that most of us never think about. Hidden beneath our streets, these systems quietly transport wastewater away from homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals, making modern life possible.

Because sewer systems operate out of sight, it’s easy to assume they’ll always work as intended. But like any piece of infrastructure, sewer systems age, wear down, and occasionally fail. When they do, the consequences can be significant—from sewage backups inside homes to environmental contamination and costly repairs for entire communities.

So, what actually causes a sewer system to fail?

The answer is rarely simple. In many cases, sewer failures result from a combination of aging infrastructure, environmental conditions, increasing demand, and years of wear and tear. Below are some of the most common factors that can contribute to municipal sewer system failures.

You can read more about the warning signs of a failing sewer system here: https://sewerlawyers.com/signs-your-sewer-line-is-about-to-fail-oklahoma-sewer-lawyers/

City Negligence Can Cause Sewer Backups:

While many sewer system failures result from aging infrastructure, severe weather, or other unavoidable conditions, there are circumstances in which a municipality’s negligence may contribute to a sewer backup.

Cities are generally responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing the public sewer systems under their control. When routine maintenance is neglected, known problems go unaddressed, or necessary repairs are unreasonably delayed, the risk of sewer system failures may increase. If those failures result in damage to private property, questions regarding municipal liability may arise.

Determining whether a municipality acted negligently requires a careful investigation of the specific facts surrounding the incident. Maintenance records, inspection reports, repair histories, engineering evaluations, and other evidence may all play an important role in evaluating whether a city’s actions—or failure to act—contributed to a sewer backup.

Not every sewer backup is the result of municipal negligence. However, when a homeowner believes a city’s failure to properly maintain or operate its sewer system contributed to the damage, it is important to have the circumstances of the incident thoroughly evaluated.

Aging Infrastructure:

Many sewer systems across the United States were installed decades ago, and some portions of these underground networks remain in service well beyond their intended lifespan. As pipes age, they become more vulnerable to cracking, corrosion, shifting soil, and structural deterioration. Over time, these conditions can reduce the system’s ability to transport wastewater efficiently and increase the likelihood of failures.

Tree Root Intrusion:

Tree roots naturally seek moisture, making underground sewer pipes an attractive source of water. Even small cracks or loose joints can provide enough space for roots to enter the pipe. As they continue to grow, roots can restrict wastewater flow and, in some cases, cause significant structural damage that requires extensive repairs.

Grease, Debris, and Improper Disposal:

Although municipal sewer systems are designed to carry wastewater, they are not designed to handle cooking grease, disposable wipes, paper towels, hygiene products, and other non-flushable materials. When these items accumulate inside sewer lines, they can create blockages that reduce the system’s capacity and interfere with the normal flow of wastewater.

Heavy Rainfall:

During periods of heavy rainfall, older sewer systems may experience a dramatic increase in the amount of water entering the system. Groundwater and stormwater can infiltrate aging pipes through cracks or deteriorated joints, placing additional strain on infrastructure that may already be operating near capacity. When the volume exceeds what the system can handle, sewer backups and overflows become more likely.

Population Growth:

Communities continue to grow, but sewer infrastructure doesn’t always grow with them. As more homes and businesses connect to an aging sewer system, the increased demand can place additional stress on infrastructure that was originally designed to serve a much smaller population.

Why Does This Matter?

A properly functioning sewer system is one of the most important pieces of public infrastructure in any community. Although these systems often go unnoticed, they play a vital role in protecting public health, preserving the environment, and safely transporting wastewater every day.

Understanding why sewer systems fail provides valuable insight into the challenges municipalities face and helps homeowners better understand the complex infrastructure operating beneath their communities.

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

What Is Municipal Liability? Know The Laws

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What Is Municipal Liability?

When a municipal sewer system fails in Oklahoma, homeowners can suffer devastating property damage, costly repairs, and major disruptions to daily life. Many people ask the same question after a sewer backup: Can the city be held responsible?

The answer depends on the doctrine of municipal liability.

Municipal liability is the legal principle under which a city, town, or other governmental entity may be held legally responsible for injuries or property damage resulting from its negligence. While municipalities are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of public infrastructure—including sanitary sewer systems—they are not automatically liable every time a sewer backup occurs. Rather, liability depends upon the specific facts of the incident and the application of Oklahoma law.

Common Examples Of Municipal Liability:

  • Sewer backups caused by blocked city sewer mains
  • Broken municipal sewer lines
  • Failure to maintain lift stations
  • Repeated sewer overflows after prior complaints
  • Negligent inspection or maintenance
  • Flooding caused by municipal infrastructure failures

Understanding Municipal Liability

Municipalities have a duty to exercise reasonable care in the operation and maintenance of public infrastructure under their control. When that duty is breached, and the breach directly results in property damage, a municipality may be subject to liability under applicable state law.

In the context of sewer backup litigation, claims often involve allegations that a municipality failed to properly inspect, maintain, repair, or operate components of its sanitary sewer system. Determining whether those failures occurred requires a careful factual and legal analysis.

Establishing Municipal Liability

Not every sewer backup gives rise to a claim against a municipality. Establishing municipal liability generally requires evidence demonstrating that the governmental entity’s conduct—or failure to act—contributed to the sewer backup and the resulting damages.

Depending on the circumstances, that analysis may involve reviewing:

  • Municipal maintenance and inspection records
  • Sewer system repair history
  • Engineering reports and expert evaluations
  • Photographs and documentation of the damage
  • Witness statements and other relevant evidence

Because sewer backup claims frequently involve both complex infrastructure issues and governmental liability laws, a thorough investigation is often essential to determining the cause of the loss.

Read More About Suing Your City For A Backup Here: https://sewerlawyers.com/can-i-sue-a-city-for-a-sewer-backup-2/

Why Claims Against Municipalities Are Different

Claims involving governmental entities differ significantly from ordinary negligence claims against private individuals or businesses. Oklahoma law establishes specific procedures, notice requirements, and statutory deadlines that may apply before a claim can proceed.

Failure to comply with these legal requirements may affect a homeowner’s ability to pursue compensation, making it important to seek legal guidance promptly after discovering a sewer backup.

Experienced Representation Matters

Municipal sewer backup cases often require more than simply documenting property damage. They frequently involve analyzing public records, evaluating the operation of municipal sewer infrastructure, consulting with engineering experts, and navigating the legal framework governing claims against governmental entities.

At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, our attorneys have extensive experience representing homeowners whose properties have been damaged by municipal sewer failures throughout Oklahoma. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to helping our clients evaluate their legal rights and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under the law.

If your home has been damaged by a municipal sewer backup, don’t wait to understand your rights. Oklahoma Law places strict deadlines on claims against cities and towns. Contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today for a free consultation and let our experienced attorneys evaluate your case.

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

Frequently Asked Questions: Protect Yourself

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A sewer backup can happen unexpectedly, leaving homeowners with many frequently asked questions, like these:

Can I stay in My Home After a Sewer Backup?

Staying in your home after a sewer backup depends on the extent of the damage. If raw sewage has entered your physical home, it’s often the safest option to leave the affected areas if you are able too. Raw sewage is a Category 3 Biohazard, it is very hazardous, toxic, and unsafe to be around, so please take precautions to stay safe and have the affected areas professionally cleaned and and deemed safe before re-entering.

Should I Call My Insurance Company or the City First?

If you believe the backup was indeed caused by your city’s sewage system, then notify both your insurance company (if you have one) and the city where the flood happened as soon as possible. Immediately then, contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers to talk to one of our highly trained professionals about your situation. By reporting the incident and contacting professionals early, you are able to protect yourself, your family, and also create a record of the flood and damage that occurred. 

Should Throw Away My Damaged Belongings?

If your items have sewage and cannot be recovered you can throw them away, but take photos and videos of the damages first, and if you do choose to throw things away, avoid doing that  until the flood has been properly documented. This helps you to be able to recover or be compensated for your items in the future.

Is It Safe to Clean Up Raw Sewage Myself?

Because raw sewage can contain harmful bacteria and contaminants, professional cleanup is usually the safest option. Be careful to not ingest or contaminate your eyes, mouth, or nose with the sewage. Again, raw sewage is a Category 3 Biohazard and contains dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, and Norovirus [0.38]. Please keep this in mind when deciding how to have the flood cleaned.

You can read more about “The Effects of Sewage Pollution on Humans” here: https://sewerlawyers.com/effects-of-sewage-pollution-on-humans/

What Should I Do First After a Sewer Backup?

Document the damage, contact your insurance company, notify the city if you believe it is their fault, and save receipts for any cleanup or temporary living expenses. Document Everything!!

 You can read more about “What to Do If Sewage Is Backing Up Into Your Home in Oklahoma” Here: https://sewerlawyers.com/the-sewer-is-backing-up-into-my-house-2/

Still Have Questions?

Every sewer backup is different, and can be confusing and overwhelming. That is why Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help you. If you been a victim of a sewer flood caused by the cities negligence and you have questions or believe your city’s sewer system may be responsible for a flood on your property, please contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers! Our priority is to provide you and your family the justice you deserve. 

No family should have to endure a sewer backup while searching for answers! If your home, or business has been flooded by the negligence and failing infrastructure of the city, Jim Buxton of Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help you. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is committed to helping families all across Oklahoma get the justice they deserve! 

Has your home been flooded by sewage? Are you seeking answers and justice? Contact the Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today! 

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

The Guinns Story: Guinns VS City of Oklahoma

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Oklahoma City, Oklahoma :

Justin Guinn and Katherine Grasham endured years of repeated sewer backups at their Oklahoma City home. Despite making multiple service calls to the City, the problem continued, culminating in a devastating sewage flood that damaged their basement in September 2020.

The Guinn’s with Oklahoma Sewer Lawyer Jim Buxton

After the City claimed there was no blockage in its sewer main, the homeowners hired a private plumber at their own expense. The investigation revealed the true problem—the city’s sewer main had collapsed years earlier. Although the City eventually repaired the main, it improperly reconnected the home’s sewer service line without the homeowners’ knowledge, leading to another sewage backup in February 2021. The family was forced from their home for several weeks, paid for additional plumbing repairs themselves, and was left with damaged property after the City failed to fully restore it.

Justin and Katherine turned to Oklahoma Sewer Lawyer Jim Buxton, who filed suit against the City of Oklahoma City, alleging negligence and other claims arising from the repeated sewer backups and the City’s mishandling of the repairs. By holding the City accountable, they fought for the justice and compensation they deserved after years of avoidable damage.

If your home has been flooded with raw sewage because of a city’s negligence, you don’t have to face it alone. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers has helped homeowners across Oklahoma hold municipalities accountable and recover the compensation they deserve.

No family should have to endure sewer backups while searching for answers! If your home has been flooded by the negligence and failing infrastructure of the city, Jim Buxton of Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help you. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is committed to helping families all across Oklahoma get the justice they deserve!

Has your home been flooded by sewage? Are you seeking answers and justice? Contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today! 

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

The Atkinson’s Story: Atkinson VS Washington OK

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Washington, Oklahoma: 

The Atkinson Family

Washington, Oklahoma — On March 23, 2023, Adelina Atkinson and her daughters, Wynette Abercrombie and Carmella Tate, experienced every homeowner’s worst nightmare when raw sewage from the Town of Washington’s municipal sewer system backed up into their home.

After reporting the flood, the family struggled to get meaningful help from the town while dealing with the damage and disruption caused by the sewage backup. Realizing they needed someone to fight for them, they hired Oklahoma sewer lawyer Jim Buxton in May 2023 to investigate the city’s negligence and pursue justice.

Jim Buxton quickly got to work holding the Town of Washington accountable. Through his investigation and advocacy, the case was successfully settled, allowing the family to recover compensation for the damages they suffered.

No family should have to endure a sewer backup while searching for answers! If your home, or business has been flooded by the negligence and failing infrastructure of the city, Jim Buxton of Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is here to help you. Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers is committed to helping families all across Oklahoma get the justice they deserve! 

Has your home been flooded by sewage? Are you seeking answers and justice? Contact the Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers today! 

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com