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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Jackson residents say in class action that they are overpaying for water service

Federal Court
Water

JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) – Residents of Jackson, Mississippi, have filed suit against the city's water billing provider over allegations they have been overpaying for water service.

Poindexter Park After-School Club Inc., Charles Jordan, William S. Kellum and Belinda Chase, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint on July 3 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi against Siemens Industry Inc., alleging breach of contract, negligence and other counts.

The suit states in January 2013, the defendant entered into a contract with the city of Jackson regarding the implementation and remediation of its water and sewer services and billing. The plaintiffs allege the city had direct knowledge the water billing system was not accurate but did not convey this information to account holders.

The plaintiffs allege that their monthly water bills increased by thousands of dollars. Chase alleges her monthly $100 water bill "spiked" to $9,000 and no leaks were found. She alleges she now pays $180 a month because of the unexplainable balance.

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and to enjoin the defendant to repair, reinstall or remediate the water and sewer delivery infrastructure.

They are represented by Philip C. Hearn of Hearn Law Firm PA, in Jackson, Mississippi; Gary E. Mason of Whitfield, Bryson & Mason LLP in Washington, D.C; Joel R. Rhine of Rhine Law Firm PC in Wilmington, North Carolina; and Stephen W. Mullins of Luckey & Mullins PLLC in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi case number 3:19-CV-00474

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