A Boone County Circuit Court jury has found a gas company responsible for damages caused to a Boone County surface owner’s property during the installation of a gas well.

Randy Ellis, owner of 35 acres of surface property on Missouri Fork of Hewett Creek, originally filed the case in 2005 alleging damages to Mr. Ellis’ property under the Oil and Gas Production Damage Compensation Act against Eastern American Energy Corporation (EAEC). The Oil and Gas Production Damage Compensation Act allows property owners to recover compensation against oil and gas producers for damages that occur to surface property during the gas production process.

In his suit, Ellis alleged that EAEC was responsible for a large slip that occurred on his surface property as well as damage to his timber.

Following a three day trial before Boone Circuit Judge William Thompson, the jury agreed. The Boone County jury awarded Ellis in excess of $60,000 for damages to his surface property as a result of EAEC’s drilling operation; for destruction of his timber; and for other general damages.

Ellis was represented by Chapmanville attorney Rob Kuenzel. EAEC was represented by Richard Owen of Goodwin & Goodwin in Charleston.