Ladra v. New Dominion, LLC

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Appellees operate wastewater injection wells in and around Lincoln County, Oklahoma, as well as other wells in central Oklahoma. Since approximately 2009, Oklahoma has experienced a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of earthquakes. In 2011, Appellant Sandra Ladra was at home in Prague watching television in her living room with her family when a 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck nearby. Appellant's home began to shake, causing rock facing on the two-story fireplace and chimney to fall into the living room area. Some of the falling rocks struck Appellant and caused significant injury to her knees and legs, and she was rushed immediately to an emergency room for treatment. She claimed personal injury damages in excess of $75,000. Appellant filed this action in the District Court of Lincoln County to recover damages from Appellees, alleging that their injection wells were the proximate cause of Appellant's injuries. The district court dismissed the case, explaining that the Oklahoma Corporation Commission ("OCC") had exclusive jurisdiction over cases concerning oil and gas operations. Appellant filed Court a Petition in Error to the Supreme Court seeking review of the district court's order. The Supreme Court concluded after review that Appellant properly brought her case to the district court, and the district court erred in dismissing it. The case was remanded for further proceedings. View "Ladra v. New Dominion, LLC" on Justia Law