CLARKSBURG — An energy company has filed suit against two exploration companies for alleged tortuous interference with rights.
Bison Resources Corp. filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia against Antero Resources Corp. and Antero Resources Appalachian Corp., alleging that they converted the plaintiff's interest for their economic benefits.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that due to its merger with Lameur Development Corp., it acquired the right of first refusal to drill any additional wells on Lameur's leasehold estates. As a result of the defendant's trespass and unlawful drilling on the subject estates, the plaintiff sustained substantial damages. The plaintiff holds Antero Resources Corp. and Antero Resources Appalachian Corp. responsible because in late 2011, the defendants allegedly began drilling, producing and selling substantial oil, gas and hydrocarbons from the plaintiff's leasehold estates without any permission.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants, jointly and severally, for compensatory damages equal to the total fair market value of minerals extracted, an award for punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs and for such other relief. It is represented by Frank E. Simmerman Jr., Frank E. Simmerman III and Chad E. Taylor of Simmerman Law Office PLLC in Clarksburg.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Case number 1:16-cv-00107
