Couple sues for sewer backup in their basement

WINFIELD – A Hurricane couple blames the Putnam County Commission and the South Putnam Service District for raw sewage that flooded the basement of their home.

R. Richard Duttine II and Tammy Ours Duttine filed the lawsuit May 19 in Putnam Circuit Court.

They claim that on May 25, 2004, raw sewage backed up into their home in Hurricane's Knollwood Estates and "it overflowed into the plaintiffs' finished basement."

In their complaint, the couple says the incident caused about $8,000 in damages to rugs, wallboard, wood, floors, furniture and other items and personal property.

Represented by attorney David Hill, the Duttines seek compensation for the damages as well as for the loss of use of the basement and "some medical problems caused by the obnoxious smell caused by the sewage in their basement."

In the complaint, they say they still suffer damages.

They seek a judgment of $30,000 plus interest and court costs. The Duttines request a jury trial.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge O.C. "Hobby" Spaulding.

Putnam Circuit Court case number: 06-C-165