Oil and Gas Disputes in Doddridge and Harrison County: When to Call a Lawyer

Doddridge and Harrison Counties are known for high levels of oil and gas activity—but with that comes a rise in disputes between landowners and drillers.

Common Disputes We See:

  • Unpaid or reduced royalties
  • Property damage from trucks, spills, or construction
  • Lease violations or expired agreements still being used

Why This Is Common Here:
 With thousands of active wells in the area, energy companies often prioritize volume over individual landowner agreements—and many landowners don’t realize when their rights are being violated.

When to Call a Lawyer:

  • Your royalty payments stop or drop dramatically
  • Your property is damaged and they refuse to fix it
  • You’re being pressured to sign an extension you don’t understand

Persinger & Persinger fights for landowners in Doddridge and Harrison County to ensure their contracts are honored and their rights are protected.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Understanding Forced Pooling Laws in Marshall and Ohio Counties

If you own land in Marshall or Ohio County, you may have heard of “forced pooling.” But what does it mean—and how could it impact your land?

What Is Forced Pooling?
 It’s when a drilling company is allowed to extract gas from your land—even if you didn’t agree—because enough of your neighbors signed leases.

Why It’s Important in Marshall & Ohio Counties:
 These counties are heavily drilled, and pooling applications are increasingly common. You could be added to a drilling unit without your full consent.

What You Can Do:

  • Attend the state Oil and Gas Conservation Commission hearing
  • Challenge the terms or seek better compensation
  • Negotiate surface use protections even if pooling is approved

Persinger & Persinger helps landowners understand and respond to forced pooling actions so they’re not left out of the conversation—or the compensation.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

 Protecting Your Property During Pipeline Construction in Pleasants County

Pleasants County landowners are seeing more pipeline easement requests than ever before. These agreements may seem simple—but they have long-lasting consequences.

What Can Go Wrong?

  • Construction damage to farmland or timber
  • Permanent roads built without your consent
  • Erosion or drainage problems that lower land value

Your Rights as a Landowner:

  • You can negotiate the location and terms of pipeline construction
  • You can require restoration or compensation for damages
  • You can refuse the offer if the terms aren’t right

Persinger & Persinger works with landowners in Pleasants County to negotiate strong easement agreements that preserve the value and integrity of their property.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

How to Track and Audit Your Oil & Gas Royalties in Harrison and Wetzel Counties

If you’re receiving royalties from oil and gas wells in Harrison or Wetzel County, how do you know if the payments are correct?

Warning Signs:

  • Sudden drops in payments without explanation
  • Vague or missing payment records
  • Royalty deductions for costs not listed in your lease

Why This Matters Locally:
 Many landowners in these counties are underpaid or not paid at all—especially when companies transfer ownership of the wells.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Request full production statements
  • Compare payments to lease terms
  • Have your royalties independently audited

Persinger & Persinger helps landowners identify royalty underpayments and fight for the compensation they’ve earned.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

How Serious Injuries Are Handled Differently in Putnam County Personal Injury Cases

Courts in Putnam County take serious injury cases very seriously—especially when lifelong consequences are involved.

Types of Serious Injury Claims:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Spinal cord injury or paralysis
  • Amputation or permanent disability

Why Legal Representation Matters More:
 These cases require expert medical testimony, long-term damage estimates, and aggressive legal strategy.

Persinger & Persinger helps injury victims in Putnam County present strong claims with full documentation and expert support to ensure fair outcomes.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Coal Miner Injury Claims in Logan and Mingo County: What You Need to Know

Coal mining is central to the economies of Logan and Mingo Counties—but it remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

Common Coal Mining Injuries:

  • Crush injuries from cave-ins or equipment
  • Lung disease from coal dust exposure
  • Burns or explosions from gas buildup

What You Can Do:

  • File a workers’ comp claim
  • Seek third-party claims if equipment was defective
  • Pursue long-term medical benefits for permanent damage

Persinger & Persinger represents injured coal miners in southern WV and helps ensure they get full access to compensation—not just what the company wants to pay.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What to Do After a Car Accident in West Virginia

Car accidents can be overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with a minor collision or a major crash, the steps you take immediately afterward can significantly impact your health, finances, and any future legal claims.

After a Crash

  • Check for injuries and call 911
  • Exchange contact and insurance information
  • Take photos and notes at the scene
  • Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
  • Notify your insurance company

It’s also important to avoid making any statements that could be used against you later. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault. If you’re unsure about what to do next or how to protect yourself legally, it may be time to speak with someone who can guide you through the process.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Persinger & Persinger to discuss the details of your situation.

What Every Landowner in Tyler and Wetzel Counties Should Know Before Signing a Gas Lease

If you own property in Tyler or Wetzel County, you’ve probably been approached by an oil and gas company about leasing your mineral rights. This area is a hub of Marcellus Shale development, making it a high-interest target for energy companies.

Before signing anything, it’s critical to know exactly what the lease means—and how it can affect your land and income for years to come.

Key Lease Issues to Watch For:

  • Royalty Clauses: Are deductions allowed? How is payment calculated?
  • Surface Use Rights: Can the company place roads, pipelines, or tanks on your land?
  • Environmental Protections: Is there any language that protects your water supply or farmland?
  • Shut-In Clauses: These can let companies hold your lease indefinitely without drilling.

Why This Matters Locally:
 Energy development in Tyler and Wetzel is booming. Unfortunately, many leases are drafted by company lawyers—not for your benefit. Local landowners need local legal help to review, negotiate, and enforce fair lease terms.

Persinger & Persinger helps landowners across northern West Virginia protect their land and financial interests before signing away mineral rights.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Industrial Accidents in McDowell and Wyoming County: Who’s Liable?

Heavy industry in McDowell and Wyoming Counties creates jobs—but also serious risk. When accidents happen, liability can go beyond workers’ comp.

Common Scenarios:

  • Equipment failure
  • Chemical exposure
  • Falls from heights or scaffolding

When Third-Party Liability Applies:
 If a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or site owner contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a separate personal injury claim.

Persinger & Persinger investigates industrial accidents to uncover every avenue for compensation beyond what your employer may offer.

Note: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

What Happens If I Die Without a Will in West Virginia?

It’s a question many people don’t think about until it’s too late: what happens to your belongings, property, or bank accounts if you pass away without a will? In West Virginia, the answer depends on a legal process called intestate succession. When there’s no will, state law determines who inherits your estate—and the outcome may not reflect your personal wishes.

If you want to ensure your assets are distributed the way you intend, understanding how intestate laws work is a good place to start.

West Virginia’s Intestate Succession Laws

When someone dies without a will, the state steps in to determine how their assets are divided. This process prioritizes close family members, but the details can get complicated. Here’s a basic breakdown:

  • If you’re married with no children, your spouse typically inherits everything.
  • If you’re married with children from that marriage, your spouse also usually receives the full estate.
  • If you have children from another relationship, your spouse and your children will share your estate.
  • If you’re not married and have no children, your estate may go to parents, siblings, nieces, nephews—or even more distant relatives.

The court appoints someone (usually a family member) to serve as the personal representative of your estate. This person will manage your property, pay any outstanding debts, and distribute what remains according to the law.

Why Dying Without a Will Can Create Problems

Without clear instructions in a will, families are often left to navigate confusion, delays, and even disputes. Some common issues that arise include:

  • Probate delays: The court must verify heirs, appoint a representative, and follow a specific legal process, which can slow everything down.
  • Unintended outcomes: Your assets could go to relatives you’re estranged from—or bypass people you care about.
  • Family conflict: When there’s no will, misunderstandings can easily turn into legal disputes.

Creating a will doesn’t just protect your assets—it protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress.

The Basics of Creating a Simple Estate Plan

Even a basic estate plan can go a long way in making sure your wishes are honored. Here are a few documents to consider:

  • Last Will and Testament: Outlines how you want your assets distributed and who should manage your estate.
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney: Allows someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to.
  • Financial Power of Attorney: Designates a trusted person to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
  • Living Will: Describes your preferences for medical treatment in end-of-life situations.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy. Every adult—especially those with children, property, or specific wishes—should have at least a basic plan in place.

If you want to make sure your assets are distributed according to your wishes—and not left to state law—Persinger & Persinger can help you create a personalized estate plan that fits your needs and goals.

Note: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. To learn more about estate planning in West Virginia, contact Persinger & Persinger directly.