Suit names retirement village, Sebring over home flooding

YOUNGSTOWN — Three Sebring homeowners have sued the village of Sebring and Copeland Oaks retirement community in Sebring over damage to their homes they say was caused by towels getting into the sewers from the nursing home’s laundry facility.

The residents, Debra Collen of 408 W. Texas Ave., and James and Joyce Berry of 432 W. Texas Ave., filed the suit in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

The suit says employees of Copeland Oaks caused towels to enter the sewage system April 7. The towels caused a backup in the village sewer system, which led to flooding 3 feet deep in their basements, the suit said.

The township tried to clear the sewer lines but performed duties in a negligent or reckless manner, the suit said.

The homeowners seek more than $25,000 each.

Philip Braisted, executive director of Copeland Oaks, said the company notified its insurance company after the flooding occurred, and the insurance company didn’t think Copeland Oaks had any liability in the flooding.

He added that he was not aware of any actions by a Copeland Oaks employee that led to the flooding.