On Sept. 14, 2023, U.S. District Judge David O. Carter approved the second and final tranche of the $95 million settlement in the class action lawsuit against Amplify Energy Corporation.

The combined settlement provides compensation to the home and business owners affected by the October 2021 oil spill off the coast of Orange County, Calif., and fully resolves the legal dispute between the parties. The spill occurred in when a pipeline operated by Amplify Energy ruptured, releasing approximately 25,000 gallons of crude oil into the Pacific Ocean near Huntington Beach, California.

In April of this year, Judge Carter approved a $50 million settlement with Amplify Energy Corporation, which provided compensation to fishers, business owners, and homeowners. The remaining settlement with shipping container companies, MSC Danit and M/V Beijing, was pending Judge Carter’s approval until Thursday. During the final settlement court hearing, a $45 million settlement agreement was reached between the affected classes and the two vessel companies, bringing the dispute to a close.  

Judge Carter showed appreciation for the attorneys’ ability to swiftly resolve this case while steering clear of litigation: “Getting $95 million back to the public so quickly is beneficial,” Judge Carter said on Thursday.

The Larson team representing the plaintiffs included partners Steven E. Bledsoe, Stephen G. Larson, Rick Richmond, Paul A. Rigali, and counsel Andrew J. Bedigian.

Read the full article in the Los Angeles Times here and the full article by The Orange County Register here.