WEST UNION — Three mineral tract owners are suing Energy Corporation of America, a well drill operator, citing alleged wrongful taking and conversion.
William J. Dotson, Michael A. Dotson and William R. Dotson filed a complaint on June 29 in Doddridge Circuit Court against Energy Corporation of America, alleging that the well drill operator failed to comply with the terms and conditions of the Callie Dotson lease agreement.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they did not receive royalty payments, delay rental payments, or shut down payments; have suffered damages due to the loss of valuable property; and were caused to suffer annoyance, inconvenience, emotional and mental anguish, stress and anxiety. They were also forced to incur substantial costs and expenses, they claim, and they hold the defendant responsible because the defendant allegedly has no valid claim of ownership or interest in the oil and gas rights underlying the Dotson property, failed to pay royalties in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Callie Dotson lease and terminated the lease agreement.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek declarations in their favor, judgment against the defendant for compensatory damages, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees, costs and such other relief as the court deems proper. They are represented by John A. Scott of Law Office of John A. Scott in Clarksburg.
Doddridge Circuit Court Case number 16-C-38
