Oklahoma earthquakes $7.5M class action settlement

Several oil companies agreed to pay $7.5 million as part of a class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims that their wastewater wells caused earthquakes in Oklahoma that led to property damage.

The settlement benefits individuals, municipalities, county governments or tribal governments who owned property in Oklahoma since April 16, 2013, and whose properties suffered damage from earthquakes, foreshocks and aftershocks.

According to the plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit, numerous oil companies improperly disposed of wastewater in disposal wells in Oklahoma. These wells allegedly caused earthquakes, including a 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Pawnee, Oklahoma on Sept. 3, 2016 and a 5.0 magnitude earthquake near Cushing, Oklahoma on Nov. 6, 2016.

The September 2016 earthquake was the strongest in Oklahoma history, prompting officials to shut down 37 wastewater disposal wells.

The defendants in the case haven’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $7.5 million class action settlement to resolve the allegations.

Under the terms of the Oklahoma earthquake class action lawsuit settlement, class members can receive a cash payment based on their property location and the amount of property damage they suffered as a result of the quakes.

Zone A includes damaged properties within Pawnee County, Payne County, Noble County, Creek County or Lincoln County. Due to these counties’ proximity to the disposal wells, 75% of the net settlement fund will be used to fund payments to Zone A class members.

Zone B includes damaged properties within Logan County, Oklahoma County, Canadian County, Kingfisher County and Garfield County. Fifteen percent of the net settlement fund will be used to fund payments to Zone B class members.

Zone C includes damaged properties within Oklahoma’s borders but situated outside of Pawnee County, Payne County, Noble County, Creek County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Oklahoma County, Canadian County, Kingfisher County, or Garfield County. Ten percent of the net settlement fund will be used to fund payments to Zone C class members.

The deadline for exclusion was March 20, 2023. The objection deadline is March 27, 2023.The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for April 6, 2023.

In order to receive a Oklahoma earthquake damage settlement payment, class members must submit a valid claim form by July 17, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals, municipalities, county governments or tribal governments who owned property in Oklahoma since April 16, 2023, and whose properties suffered damage from earthquakes, foreshocks and aftershocks.

• Zone A includes damaged properties within Pawnee County, Payne County, Noble County, Creek County or Lincoln County. 
• Zone B includes damaged properties within Logan County, Oklahoma County, Canadian County, Kingfisher County and Garfield County. 

Zone C includes damaged properties within Oklahoma’s borders but situated outside of Pawnee County, Payne County, Noble County, Creek County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Oklahoma County, Canadian County, Kingfisher County, or Garfield County.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Documentation of damages.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

07/17/2023

Case Name

Reid, et al. v. White Star Petroleum LLC, et al., Case No. CJ-2016-543, in the District Court of Payne County, Oklahoma

Final Hearing

04/06/2023

Settlement Website

CushingEarthquakeSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Reid v. White Star Petroleum Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 990
Corte Madera, CA 94976-0990
admin@CushingEarthquakeSettlement.com
888-846-6830

Class Counsel

Scott Poynter
POYNTER LAW GROUP PLLC

Defense Counsel

E Edd Pritchett Jr
DURBIN LARIMORE & BIALICK