First Earthquake Lawsuit From Prague Quake is Settled with One Firm

Several years after Sandra Ladra of Prague sued two oil and gas companies blaming them for causing the 2011 lawsuit that injured her, she has reached settlement with one of the firms. But no settlement amount has been announced.

Records obtained by Scott Mitchell of Mitchell and Associates from Lincoln County District court show Ladra and Gary Ladra’s lawsuit was settled with Spess Oil Company of Cleveland. The lawsuit, CJ-2014-115 was originally filed against Spess Oil and New Dominion, LLC based in Tulsa.

“Come Now plaintiffs Sandra and Gary Ladra, by and through their attorney of record, Scott Poynter, and provide notice to the Court of their settlement with Defendant Spess Oil Company,” stated the June 28 filing.

There was no settlement announced with New Dominion but the filing requested a dismissal “with prejudice” involving Spess Oil Company.

Ladra’s was one of the first legal actions to be taken against energy companies, blaming their wastewater disposal well operations for causing earthquakes.

New Dominion and Spess Oil appealed the original lawsuit to the State Supreme Court but in 2015, the court ruled Ladra’s suit could move forward. The two firms argued the case should have been heard by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Ladra maintained she was watching TV when the 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck and rock fell from her home’s chimney and injured her legs.