Barnett Shale Lawsuit Attorney

The Barnett Shale lawsuit is a legal matter that has been ongoing for several years. The Barnett Shale lawsuit claims that new natural gas drilling near homes in North Texas was approved without proper risk assessment.

Residents who oppose the drilling have raised concerns about the potential for air and water pollution and the impact on property values.

As a seasoned TORT attorney with over a decade of experience helping victims get settlements for damages, I aim to shed more light on the multifaceted nature of this case and ensure that affected residents get compensated for injuries.

Quick Summary

• The Barnett Shale Lawsuit seeks to address environmental damage caused by fracking in the Barnett Shale region.
• The lawsuit highlights concerns about water contamination, air pollution, and healthcare risks associated with fracking.
• Efforts are underway to hold fracking companies accountable and seek compensation for affected communities.

What Is the Barnett Shale Lawsuit?

The Barnett Shale lawsuit is a case that was filed by individuals and residents living in the Barnett Shale region after they showed concern and raised awareness about the environmental impact of fracking in the area.

They believed that council members should have followed due process before giving the go-ahead to these energy companies to carry out the act.

With the rise in water contamination cases and air pollution complaints because of allegations of negligence by energy companies in adhering to safety measures, legal intervention had to be taken.

Who Are the Plaintiffs and Defendants in the Barnett Shale Lawsuit?

The plaintiffs and defendants in the Barnett Shale Lawsuit are the Landowners, affected community residents, and the energy companies, including Chesapeake Energy and Aruba Petroleum.

The plaintiffs argue that the energy companies, the defendants, failed to protect the environment and nearby communities’ health adequately.

The plaintiffs also claim that these companies needed more measures to prevent water contamination, properly manage wastewater, and meet the air quality limits set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, even though they and the government continue claiming fracking is harmless.

To support their case, these plaintiffs rely on evidence of inadequate regulatory oversight and industry practices that prioritize profit over environmental protection.

What Is the Environmental Impact of Fracking in the Barnett Shale Region?

The environmental impact of fracking in the Barnett Shale region includes a reduction in the quality of air, water contamination, and the release of harmful chemicals.

There could also be potential health risks, such as respiratory problems, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

Exposure to air pollutants released during gas industry activities, such as benzene and formaldehyde, can also increase the risk of cancer and other severe health conditions.

The extraction process involves injecting large volumes of water, sand, and chemicals into the ground to release natural gas.

While fracking has contributed to the United States’ energy independence, it has also come at a cost to the environment.

One study strongly suggests that air quality is affected because of the natural gas extraction and fracking in the Barnett Shale region [1].

Another concern associated with fracking is water contamination. The process requires millions of gallons of water mixed with chemicals to fracture the shale and release the trapped natural gas. 

This water, known as fracking fluid, can contain toxic chemicals that pose a risk to water sources if not correctly managed.

Research strongly suggests that accidental spills, leaks, or inadequate wastewater treatment in the region can contaminate groundwater and surface water, affecting drinking water supplies and ecosystems [2].

Read Also: Gas Field Worker Injury & Accident Lawsuit

What Are the Potential Implications of the Barnett Shale Lawsuit?

The potential implications of the Barnett Shale lawsuit are that it could set a precedent for holding energy companies responsible for their actions and provide compensation for affected communities.

It could also lead to stricter regulations on hydraulic fracking practices and increased awareness of the environmental risks associated with fracking. 

However, if the lawsuit is unsuccessful, it may reinforce the status quo and make it more challenging for future legal actions against fracking companies.

Environmental organizations and concerned citizens are advocating for increased transparency, stricter permitting processes, and more comprehensive monitoring of fracking activities.

Some companies in the fracking industry have improved their environmental practices in response to the lawsuit and public pressure. 

They have invested in technologies to reduce methane emissions, implemented stricter wastewater management protocols, and engaged in community outreach efforts.

Expected Settlements 

Chesapeake Energy and Total E&P agreed to pay a sum of $52.5 million to 13,000 people who filed lawsuits in 2014 and 2015, claiming that their royalties have been underpaid for leases in the Barnett Shale.

As part of the agreement, Chesapeake provided $29.4 million upon court approval of the settlement and was going to pay another $10 million through a promissory note in 2019. Total also paid $13.1 million in cash.

These payments ranged widely among the 13,000 people, from a few hundred dollars for some to thousands of dollars for others.

“What’s happened here is a real tragedy. It’s happened in a complete regulatory vacuum. There are minimal rules, there is no monitoring at all, enforcement is practically nonexistent. If there are severe emissions that make people sick there are no real remedies.”
– Ranjana Bhandari, Founder of Liveable Arlington

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FAQs

1. What Are the Potential Health Risks of Drilling in the Barnett Shale Region?

The potential health risks of drilling in the Barnett Shale region include respiratory problems, asthma, and chronic bronchitis.

Exposure to air pollutants released during drilling operations, such as benzene and formaldehyde, can also increase the risk of cancer and other severe health conditions.

2. Who Can File a Barnett Shale Lawsuit?

Individuals and communities affected by the environmental damage caused by fracking in the Barnett Shale region can file a Barnett Shale lawsuit. 

3. What Is the Barnett Shale Lawsuit About?

The Barnett Shale lawsuit is about the legal actions taken by property owners and residents in the Barnett Shale region against oil and gas companies for damages related to environmental contamination, health issues, and property damage caused by drilling operations.

4. What Does Barnett Shale Produce?

Barnett Shale produces natural gas as its primary hydrocarbon, with the Mississippian Barnett Shale serving as the main source rock in the Fort Worth Basin. Production began in 1981 through vertical wells drilled by Mitchell Energy.

Get a Free Barnett Shale Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

If you know you are a victim of the environmental impacts caused by the drilling done by a gas operator in the Barnett Shale region, contact us at Schmidt & Clark, LLP immediately to get a free case evaluation.

Our team of experienced lawyers will help you file a Barnett Shale lawsuit on time to get the justice you deserve.

We will need you to help us by providing medical records and the type of injuries you sustained, as this will help us ensure you get fully compensated for damages.

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25562933/ 
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK201899/