Tag Archive for: #ProtectYourself

Protect Yourself: Frequently Asked Questions

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A sewer backup can happen unexpectedly, leaving homeowners with many 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.

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!!

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

Know The Laws: Can I Sue a City for a Sewer Backup?

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If a city has failed to properly maintain its sewer system and caused a backup into your home, you may be entitled to compensation: 

 
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 entitled to compensation 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 infrastructure, contact Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers so we can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. At Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers, we are committed to helping Oklahomas fight for justice and compensation!

Office Phone: (405)-604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com

Protect Yourself: Is Your Sewer System About To Fail?

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Signs Your Sewer Line May Be About to Fail and How to Protect Yourself:

One of the best ways to protect your home from a sewer backup is recognizing the warning signs before a major problem occurs. While some sewer backups happen without warning, many homes experience early symptoms that indicate a blockage, damaged sewer line, or developing issue within the plumbing or municipal sewer system.

If you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s important to have the problem evaluated as soon as possible

Common Warning Signs:

  • Slow drains throughout multiple areas of the home
  • Toilets that frequently clog or flush slowly
  • Gurgling sounds coming from sinks, bathtubs, or toilets
  • Water backing up into showers or tubs when another plumbing fixture is being used
  • Persistent sewage odors inside or outside the home
  • Standing water near sewer clean-outs or access points
  • Wet, sunken, or unusually green areas in the yard
  • Multiple plumbing fixtures backing up at the same time

6 Signs You Could Have A Sewer Backup

What Do These Signs Mean?

Some of these warning signs may indicate a problem within your home’s private sewer line, while others could be the result of a blockage or failure within the municipal sewer system. Determining where the problem originated is an important first step in identifying the appropriate course of action.

A licensed plumber can often help determine whether the issue is located within your private sewer line or the city’s sewer infrastructure. If you think the city may be responsible, please contact a profession lawyers, such as Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers. 

Protect Yourself:

If a sewer backup occurs, document the damage immediately. Take photographs and videos of the affected areas, damaged belongings, and any visible sewage. It is also helpful to record the date and time the backup occurred, the warning signs you noticed beforehand, and any conversations with city employees, plumbers, or restoration companies.

This information may become important when filing an insurance claim or evaluating whether the backup originated within the municipal sewer system.

When to Seek Legal Guidance:

If you believe your sewer backup may have been caused by a failure within the municipal sewer system, Oklahoma Sewer Lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and evaluate your potential claim. It is important to know the signs early on in order to protect yourself and your family! If you have any questions please contact us today! 

Office: (405) 604-5577

Email: oksewerlawyers@gmail.com