Class-Action Lawsuit Highlights Unchecked Infestations
On Monday, a group of current and former low-income tenants filed a class-action lawsuit against the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA), accusing the agency of failing to address widespread bed bug infestations in its high-rise apartments. The lawsuit alleges that these conditions have persisted for years, causing physical discomfort, sleepless nights, and mental distress.
The tenants, representing 10 OHA buildings with over 1,000 apartments, are demanding financial compensation and a comprehensive pest control program to tackle the infestations.
A Widespread Issue Across Omaha’s Public Housing
Jeff Lipman, a leading attorney specializing in bed bug litigation, described the infestation across OHA’s properties as one of the worst he has encountered.
“I have not seen a situation where literally every tower in the housing authority has such a persistent and severe infestation,” Lipman said.
Despite OHA CEO Joanie Balk’s assurances of employing best practices and commercial-grade pest control methods, tenants claim the efforts have been ineffective.
Years of Complaints and Activism
For over a year, tenants and community activists have protested living conditions at OHA properties, including the central Omaha Underwood Tower. Reports of bed bugs, mold, and maintenance issues have dominated local headlines, adding to the agency’s mounting challenges.
Activist Paul Feilmann has played a pivotal role in organizing tenants and gathering evidence for the lawsuit. His efforts included visiting OHA properties, documenting tenants’ experiences, and recruiting plaintiffs.
A Broader Pattern of Neglect and Legal Troubles
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal and regulatory challenges faced by OHA. Earlier this year, Nebraska legislators passed a bill requiring reforms to the agency’s eviction policies and governance.
In June, another class-action lawsuit accused OHA of illegally overcharging tenants for rent and denying their right to contest increases. The agency also faces pending litigation over a 2023 apartment fire that killed two children, with plaintiffs alleging negligence.
Expert Legal Team Pursues Justice for Tenants
Lipman and co-counsel Steve Wandro have a history of winning significant settlements in bed bug cases, including a $2.45 million settlement in Des Moines. Their experience, combined with the efforts of Nebraska State Sen. Justin Wayne, provides the tenants with a formidable legal team.
The lawsuit aims to secure inspections and rigorous treatments for affected apartments, with financial compensation as a secondary goal.
Hope for Reform and Accountability
The lawsuit has galvanized tenants who have long endured substandard living conditions. Michael Coleman, a plaintiff, described his frustration with years of ineffective pest control treatments.
“It’s impossible to sleep with bugs biting you constantly,” Coleman said. “I’m here because I want this to change.”
Feilmann remains optimistic about the lawsuit’s potential to drive meaningful reforms. “A victory would improve living conditions for all 2,500 OHA public housing units,” he said.
With court dates on the horizon, the tenants and their legal team are preparing for a long battle. “We’re entering into league play,” Feilmann said. “And we’re ready to win.”
