An Oklahoma personal injury lawyer has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a woman who claims that a fracking-induced earthquake caused her physical injuries. When the negligence of another party results in injury, an injured person may be entitled to seek compensation with the help of an Oklahoma personal injury attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma today to learn more about your options. We can answer your questions in a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated Oklahoma personal injury lawyer.
Lawsuit Alleges Link Between Fracking Wastewater and Earthquakes
A woman who suffered leg and knee injuries during an Oklahoma earthquake is now seeking damages from New Dominion LLC and Spess Oil Co., claiming that the actions of these companies caused the seismic activity. According to Bloomberg, the woman’s lawsuit alleges that both companies are liable for her injuries because they injected fracking wastewater into nearby deep wells, a practice that has been tied to increased seismic activity. The plaintiff allegedly suffered injuries to her knees and legs when a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck near her home in Central Oklahoma. She claims the tremor caused the rock facing on her two-story fireplace and chimney to fall into the living room, where she was watching television with her family.
Both companies deny a connection between fracking wastewater disposal and earthquakes. However, since fracking began in Oklahoma, local seismic activity rates have increased over 600 times. One study published this year concluded that fracking is likely responsible for this increase. According to another study, New Dominion’s deep wells may have contributed to one-fifth of the seismic activity that occurred from 2008 to 2013 in the central U.S.
Various plaintiffs have filed over 20 similar lawsuits against oil and gas companies, but none have reached jury trial. In this particular case, a trial court had previously ruled that only the Oklahoma Corporate Commission (OCC) could hear the lawsuit. However, the Supreme Court recently held that the OCC lacks authority and that the woman’s case may be decided through jury trial, the website reported.
How an Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When negligence results in injury, an injured party may be entitled to compensation for damages resulting from their injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income or ability to work
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish resulting from the injury
When someone’s negligence results in the death of another person, his or her family members may be able to pursue compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Wrongful death damages can include:
- Loss of relationship or a loved one’s financial support
- Mental anguish, and pain and suffering from the loss of a loved one
- Funeral expenses
People who have been injured by the negligence of other parties are advised to seek a qualified Oklahoma personal injury lawyer to help them protect their legal rights.
Contact Us For More Information
If you or a loved one were injured by another’s negligence, contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma for more information. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you may have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group for Oklahoma today.
