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ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

Mineral Royalty Disputes

Oil and gas leases generally include provisions for the payment of royalties. The operator of the well is required to pay royalties to the owner of the minerals when the well produces. The amount paid is generally a predetermined percentage based on the leases in effect and the allowable deductions.

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What are Mineral Royalty Disputes?

In many cases, the landowner is entitled to payment from the operator to maintain the lease even if there is no current production. In some cases, however, the operators fail to live up to their end of the bargain.

Legal disputes over royalty payments are not uncommon. However, in many cases, the owner of the minerals is often unaware of the extent of the underpayments or improper deductions by the operator. These cases are often complex, time-consuming, and require extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry and payment practices of operators to fully develop and litigate. Stag Liuzza can help you determine if you have been taken advantage of by an oil and gas operator and help you seek justice.

Legal disputes over royalty payments are not uncommon. However, in many cases, the owner of the minerals is often unaware of the extent of the underpayments or improper deductions by the operator.

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How We Help

REPRESENTING LAND AND MINERAL OWNERS IN MINERAL ROYALTY DISPUTES

We represent clients involved in a range of mineral disputes:

  • Underpayment of royalties
  • Improper deductions
  • Claims for post-production cost deductions
  • Failure to appropriately market production
  • Breach of contract
  • Unleased mineral owner costs deductions

Our knowledge of the oil and gas industry, combined with years of experience fighting for justice against major oil and gas companies, can be of great benefit to you. Whether your dispute involves disagreements about gas and royalty terms or breach of contract, talk to an attorney from our team to learn how we can help.

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Why Choose Stag Liuzza As Your Mineral Royalty Dispute Lawyers?

Mineral royalty disputes combine complex contract interpretation, property rights, and high financial stakes. Oil and gas companies often have experienced legal teams, extensive lease agreements, and detailed production records that can make these disputes difficult to resolve without experienced representation.

Stag Liuzza handles complex litigation involving mineral rights, royalty payment disputes, lease disagreements, and underpayment claims. Our team works with industry professionals, financial experts, and technical records to investigate royalty calculations, evaluate contractual obligations, and build cases designed to protect landowners and rights holders.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation strengthens negotiations, helps uncover critical evidence, and ensures our clients’ interests are taken seriously from the outset.

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Results That Speak

$1.056 Billion
Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Grefer

Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.

$15 Million
Verdict for Injured Pipeyard Worker

Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.

$6 Million
Settlement for Commercial Auto Injury

Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.

No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Meet the Team

With decades of combined experience in environmental law, toxic torts, and complex litigation, Stag Liuzza's attorneys have the expertise to take on the most challenging cases.

Michael G. Stag

CEO & Managing Partner

Over $16 billion in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts recovered for clients. Pioneered the field of oilfield cleanup litigation. Appointed by judges to leadership for several nationwide litigations.

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Ashley M. Liuzza

COO & Partner

Appointed co-lead class counsel in major environmental cases. Extensive PFAS litigation experience. Helps people who developed meningioma as a result of being prescribed Depo-Provera.

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Merritt Cunningham

Partner

Leads the pharmaceutical and medical device division. Extensive MDL and mass tort experience. Represents thousands of firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure.

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Matthew D. Rogenes

Partner

Partner and trial lawyer. Trial and settlement experience in trucking cases and maritime personal injury. Recently recovered over $20 million for clients.

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READY TO TALK?

If you need assistance with a oil, gas, or mineral royalty dispute, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your case.

Contact Stag Liuzza

Ready to discuss your case? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Office

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130