Irgens v. Mobil Oil Corp.

MESCHKE, Justice.

Tom and Judy Irgens appealed from an order granting a new trial to Mobil Oil Corporation on both liability and damages for failure to properly complete an oil well. Mobil cross-appealed from an order denying judgment notwithstanding the verdict. We affirm.

In December 1984, Mobil drilled an oil and gas well, known as the Johnson well, on Irgens’ property in the NWVi of Section 27-156-100, a part of the East Fork Field near Williston. 1 The well went down to a depth of about 9,400 feet. Initially, Mobil completed the well by simultaneously perforating two separate zones in the…