Court Rules Earthquake Lawsuit Against Tulsa, Cleveland Companies Can Proceed

A Prague woman who claims wastewater disposal practices in Oklahoma's oil-and-gas fields triggered a 2011 earthquake that caused injuries to her legs has permission to seek damages in court.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court said Tuesday that Sandra Ladra can sue New Dominion, LCC of Tulsa and Spress Oil of Cleveland. 

8/7/2014 Related Story: Prague Woman Injured In 5.6 Magnitude Earthquake Sues Energy Companies

A Lincoln County court judge had said that since her claims involved Oklahoma's energy industry, she should go to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.

Ladra's fireplace collapsed during a November 5, 2011, earthquake that is Oklahoma's strongest on record. She says the temblor was manmade.

In their decision, justices noted earthquake activity has increased near Ladra's home at Prague but did not take a stand on the merits of her case.

The justices said a court should hear the case because Ladra seeks damages and isn't trying to modify wastewater injection rules.