Oklahoma Earthquake Damage Class Action Settled

The recent settlement is part of a larger story of increased seismic activity in Oklahoma, which saw a dramatic rise in earthquakes starting in 2009. For a period, Oklahoma experienced more magnitude 3 and larger earthquakes than California. Scientists have largely attributed this surge to the underground injection of wastewater, a byproduct of oil and natural gas production. This isn't the first time energy companies have settled earthquake-related lawsuits in the state. Previous class-action suits have been filed against companies like Chesapeake Operating, Devon Energy, and New Dominion. Other settlements include an $850,000 agreement with Eagle Road Oil LLC following a record-breaking 5.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 near Pawnee. The lawsuit specifically mentions a 5.1 magnitude earthquake that struck near Prague, Oklahoma, on February 2, 2024. This shallow quake was felt across the state and followed by several smaller aftershocks. The epicenter of this event was notably close to the location of a damaging 5.7 magnitude earthquake in 2011. The defendants in the current settlement are identified as Freedom Energy, Montclair, New Dominion, and H&P, who dispute the allegations but agreed to the settlement terms. The wastewater is often injected into the Arbuckle formation, a deep sedimentary layer, which can increase pressure on existing faults. In response to the increased seismicity, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which regulates the state's oil and gas industry, has previously ordered the shutdown and volume reduction of some disposal wells. Studies have suggested that reducing the depth and volume of wastewater injection can be effective in lowering the rate of induced earthquakes. Oklahoma residents who owned property and suffered damage from earthquakes between January 29, 2019, and the effective date of the settlement may be eligible for a payment. The deadline to submit a claim form is July 28, 2026.