Surface Use: Oklahoma Surface Damages Act

摘要

Bays, the operator of a proposed new well, initiates surface damage appraisal proceedings against the surface owner under the Oklahoma Surface Damages Act. The appraisers assess damages at $12,000.00. The landowner is dissatisfied with that amount and demands a jury trial on damages under § 318.5(F) of the Act. After a week-long jury trial, the jury returns a verdict in favor of the landowner in the amount of $40,000.00.