A lawsuit claiming oil company New Dominion LLC is responsible for damage caused by the 2011 earthquakes near Prague has gained class-action status and is scheduled for trial in September.

Judge Lori Walkley ruled Friday that the class includes Oklahoma citizens with residential or business property in nine central Oklahoma counties that suffered damage from the November 2011 earthquakes. The class includes properties in Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Okfuskee, Payne, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

"It's very important to the class members and to my clients, and it allows the process to be as efficient as possible," said Scott Poynter, the attorney who is representing the affected home and business owners.

Fred Buxton, New Dominion's vice president and general council declined to comment Monday.