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Council denies homeowner sewer‑backup claim after city cites 'act of God' defense
Summary
The City Council voted 7–0 to deny a $7,796.96 reimbursement claim from Jessica Richardson for sewer backup damage on April 26, 2025, after city staff and the city attorney attributed the event to an extraordinary rainfall event and said Oklahoma law bars liability for such acts.
The Lawton City Council unanimously denied a homeowner’s claim tied to a sewer backup that flooded a residence on April 26, 2025, after staff told the council the city experienced an extreme rainfall event that overwhelmed the sewer system.
Jessica Richardson, owner of 2602 Northwest Cedric Circle, addressed the council during the tort‑claims hearing and said raw sewage entered living spaces on 04/26/2025, displacing her family and causing an estimated $12,336.96 in damages; she said insurance covered about $5,000 and she sought the city for the remaining $7,796.96. "This was not just a property inconvenience. It was devastating…we have been out of the home since 04/26/2025," Richardson said.
City staff outlined the meteorological and system conditions for that date: "the city received approximately 6 inches of rainfall during that time in an hour and a half and experienced what we call the 500‑year storm event," staff said. The city attorney advised the council that under Oklahoma law the municipality is not liable for losses caused by such an extraordinary event (an "act of God" defense), and recommended denial of the claim.
After a brief exchange in which council members asked whether the insurance payment affected recoverability, councilmember motions to deny the Richardson claim and two other recommended claims passed 7–0. The mayor noted claimants may seek relief in district court if they choose.
What’s next: Richardson and other claimants were informed of the denial and, if they wish, may pursue civil relief in district court; the council did not authorize any city payment for these specific claims.
