It was a David and Goliath Supreme Court case. What happened to the winner?

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Richie DeVillier is a 4th generation cattle farmer.

When the state of Texas built a highway near Devillier’s land, it created a man-made dam, blocking the natural flow of water.

Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017, flooding his property in feet of water, causing millions of dollars in damage.

“I’ve always felt we were in the right,” said DeVillier. “I’ve always felt it was definitely something that we were going to fight for.”

So DeVillier filed a lawsuit, it went all the way to the Supreme Court, and in April, he won.

“It was very glorious here in that decision. We feel vindicated,” said DeVillier. “The glory that goes to God but we are so glad.”

But what happens next?

The case will be kicked back down to a lower federal magistrate.

“We will go to trial for damages - and that will be a completely different trial,” said DeVillier.

Richie, and the hundreds of other people affected by the highway will now have to wait to see how much they’re owed.

“I mean, across the whole lawsuit, it’s tens of millions, I would say,” said DeVillier.

But it’s not a quick process where the state simply cuts them a check.

It could still be years before they ever see any money.

In the meantime, Richie says life goes on.

“We’re getting it done and and we’re living our lives. We’re going forward. We can’t stop and we haven’t stopped to wait to see what the what the outcome of all these cases are.”

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