$2.6M Settlement for OK Earthquakes
A $2.6 million class-action settlement has been reached over earthquakes in Oklahoma between 2019 and the present. The lawsuit alleged that certain companies operated wastewater disposal wells that contributed to causing seismic activity, including a 5.1 magnitude quake, leading to property damage.
The lawsuit names Freedom Energy, Montclair, New Dominion, and H&P as the defendants who allegedly operated wastewater disposal wells. These companies have not admitted to any wrongdoing but have agreed to the settlement terms. This legal action is part of a larger history of litigation in Oklahoma connecting seismic activity to the disposal of wastewater from oil and gas operations. The state has seen a dramatic increase in earthquakes, transforming it into one of the most earthquake-prone regions globally. Previous settlements have been reached with other energy companies over similar allegations. In 2018, three oil companies agreed to a $925,000 settlement related to earthquakes near Prague in 2011, including a 5.7 magnitude tremor. Another settlement in 2022 saw Eagle Road Oil LLC agree to pay $850,000 for damages from two 2016 earthquakes, one of which was a state record 5.8 magnitude quake near Pawnee. The current settlement allows affected property owners to file a claim for damages. The deadline to submit a claim form is July 28, 2026. Individuals who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement must do so by March 30, 2026.
