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Oil and Gas Litigation in El Paso TX - Expert Attorneys Assisting Landowners in West Texas

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Texas produces nearly $2 billion barrels of oil annually, and El Paso sees a significant percentage of that production. In the heart of this vibrant city lies blocks of land dedicated to drilling and extraction. Landowners profit from the oil and gas found on their property through royalties paid by production companies. Although oil and gas can be profitable for landowners, they must rely on oil companies to treat them and their land fairly.

When oil companies fail to fulfill their obligations to landowners, our team of West Texas lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help. We hold companies responsible for contract terms and protect the rights of land and mineral owners. If you have a dispute, contact us 24/7 at 800-862-1260 and get a free case review from one of our English- or Spanish-speaking professionals.

Landowner vs. Mineral Owner Rights

Oil and gas litigation in Texas is highly complex, further complicated by a potential split between surface land and mineral rights. The landowner often owns the surface land and the minerals beneath it. Other times, ownership is split between two parties. For example, a landowner may sell the surface land but retain ownership of the property’s mineral resources.

Owners of surface and mineral estates have rights, including the right to royalties on natural resources extracted from the land. When there is a conflict, mineral rights usually take precedence over surface land rights, although parties must adhere to contract terms protecting the landowner. Unfortunately, oil and gas companies do not always fulfill their legal duties, even with a contract.

Common El Paso Oil and Gas Litigation We Handle

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) has primary jurisdiction over the state’s oil and gas industry. If a dispute arises, land and mineral owners need El Paso TX attorneys familiar with these regulations to protect their rights. Common disputes seen at Carabin Shaw include:

Royalty Payments

Owners of surface and mineral estates may receive royalties from an oil or gas company for the extracted resources. The Texas Natural Resources Code establishes royalty payment requirements, including royalty payment schedules and interest rates for late payments. Unfortunately, accounting mistakes happen, and some companies employ unethical practices to reduce royalties. An experienced attorney can ensure estate owners receive the appropriate amount.

Breach of Contract

A contract protects the rights of surface and mineral estate owners and prevents unwanted surprises during the drilling and extraction process. A lawyer knowledgeable about oil and gas laws in Texas should be involved in the contract negotiations from the beginning. However, an oil company can breach a contract by failing to perform its promised obligations, from making royalty payments to creating an environmental hazard. Your legal team can hold the oil company to the terms of your contract and seek the specified damages.

Surface Damage

Surface estate owners can protect their land from damage by participating in the initial contract negotiations and including terms to preserve the land's surface and current use. For example, the contract may specify well locations or require an operator to restore the surface to its pre-drilling condition upon completion of operations. If the operator does not adhere to these conditions, surface owners can hold them liable for damages.

Environmental Damage

Active oil fields can contaminate surrounding land, water, and air if leaks or spills occur. Contamination is often caused by leaking storage tanks, oil spills, or improper drilling practices. If a landowner is impacted by environmental contamination due to the oil and gas company’s negligence, they can hold the company accountable for damages. Your legal team can file a contamination lawsuit against the oil field operator.

Contact Our Oil and Gas lawyers in El Paso, Texas, Today for Your FREE Case Evaluation! Top Texas Law Firm

Land and mineral owners who go up against large oil companies alone quickly find themselves at a disadvantage. At Carabin Shaw, our experienced attorneys know how to hold these corporations accountable for unfair treatment or failure to follow contract terms. We offer our services on a contingency-fee-basis, so you don’t pay us anything until we win your case. Our client reviews attest to our ability to fight large oil and gas companies to protect the interests of our clients. Contact us now at 800-862-1260 to get the legal help you need.

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Visits with the Attorney are by appointment only. Main office San Antonio, Texas.

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