State Farm Fire Multiple Bad Faith Summary Judgment Wins
The Court sustained State Farm’s motion on the breach of contract claim, and by extension, bad faith and punitive damages, making for a complete victory at the trial court level.
Litigation Case Results
Unanimous Verdict in favor of Toklan Oil & Gas, LLC
GableGotwals obtained a unanimous jury verdict in favor of its client, Toklan Oil & Gas, LLC, in Tulsa County District Court. The case arose from a casing leak repair operation on an oil well. After four days of trial, the Court submitted the case to the jury who returned a unanimous verdict in favor of Toklan.
Jury Verdict in Favor of Metal Building Industries
GableGotwals represented subcontractor Metal Building Industries (MBI) in a 5-day jury trial to recover for non-payment for work completed on a commercial construction contract. The jury spent just 45 minutes deliberating before entering a verdict in favor of MBI on breach of contract for the entire $181,015.97.
Victory for Oil and Gas Operator at the Oklahoma Supreme Court
GableGotwals obtained an Opinion from the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirming denial of a motion for temporary injunction in a matter filed pursuant to the Oklahoma Surface Damages Act. The oil and gas operator, represented by GableGotwals, was authorized to proceed with drilling its wells over the objection of a landowner claiming municipal zoning ordinances prevented the drilling. The District Court denied the landowner’s motion for temporary injunction, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court affirmed after the landowner was granted an emergency injunction to stop the drilling. The Oklahoma Supreme Court further ordered that the operator could collect on the landowner’s posted bond.
Summary Judgment Win on Behalf of a University
GableGotwals obtained summary judgment for a University in the District Court of Oklahoma County, State of Oklahoma. The University was sued for terminating a service contract with a vendor. The University counter-claimed for declaratory relief on grounds that it properly terminated the contract. District Judge Don Andrews held the vendor was in material breach of the parties’ service contract and the University’s termination was justified under the contract’s terms. Further, the Court held that the University did not tortiously interfere with the vendor and that the vendor was not entitled to an equitable accounting.
Summary Judgment for Major Oil Company
On claim challenging validity of lease and seeking recovery of over $2 million in oil and gas proceeds, and successfully defended summary judgment on appeal.
Obtained Judgment in Federal District Court
Ordering conveyance of overriding royalty on several thousand valuable mineral acres under disputed contract terms, and successfully defended judgment on appeal to Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Tax Increase Held Unconstitutional
Represented tobacco companies in obtaining a favorable opinion from Oklahoma Supreme Court that a “fee” on the purchase of tobacco passed by the legislature to raise $215 million was actually a tax and subject to constitutional provisions governing revenue bills.