PRAGUE, Okla. –– An oil company has reached a settlement with a couple who sued them and others after a 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck their central Oklahoma town in 2011, in a case that sets precedent for the handling of claims related to Oklahoma’s man-made earthquakes.

Spress Oil settled with Sandra and Gary Ladra for an undisclosed amount.

Sandra Ladra suffered physical injuries when the earthquake caused rocks from their chimney to fall on her legs, which she says caused her long-lasting pain and led to her needing knee surgery. The couple also claimed their home sustained substantial damage because of the quake. They filed suit in 2014 against Spess Oil and Old Dominion, LLC and other un-named defendants, identified as John Does.

The lawsuit claimed that these companies have caused shifts in fault lines through the disposing of wastewater as part of their fracking processes, which has resulted in an increase of quakes throughout the region. Ladra claimed personal injury damages totaling over $75,000.

Scott Poynter, the Ladras’ attorney, said Spress Oil’s decision to settle is an important first step for oil companies to take responsibility for the part they play in Oklahoma’s earthquakes. 

“(It’s a) public acknowledgement that says ‘We want to move forward and let the people who have been damaged move forward,” Poynter said.

Landry said the Oklahoma Supreme Court had to determine whether the courts or the Oklahoma Corporation Commission had jurisdiction over the matter before it could be heard, which was significant for related cases in the future.

“It’s really significant because it set the precedent that these cases belong in courtrooms, not at the OCC,” Poynter said. “This is the first oil company that in our opinion has done the right thing and said, ‘Okay, let’s come to terms.’” 

The terms of the settlement have not been released, but Poynter said they are pleased with the results.

“The Ladras are happy to have this part of the case behind them,” he said. “This will enable them to make some very badly needed repairs.”

The Ladras’ claim against Old Dominion, LLC will continue. A status conference on several motions has been scheduled for July 12 in Lincoln County District Court.

Spess Oil’s attorney Edd Pritchett wasn’t available for comment Thursday and the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association declined to comment.

Charles writes for the Stillwater, Oklahoma News Press.