Nabors Industries, Inc., Nabors Drilling USA, Inc., Nabors Loffland Drilling Co., Nabors Energy Services, Inc. v. Chesapeake Operating Inc. and Chesapeake Energy Corporation
This case consolidates two appeals arising from personal injury claims at a Louisiana drilling site, focusing on the enforceability of oilfield indemnity provisions. The Fourteenth Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, withdrew a previous opinion and reviewed whether Texas or Louisiana law should apply to these contract clauses. The majority applied Texas law, affirming one trial court's judgment and reversing and remanding another, citing principles of contractual freedom and the domicile of the parties. Dissenting opinions contended that Louisiana law should govern due to the location of the accidents and Louisiana's strong public policy, advocating for a geographical-based analysis to ensure predictability and prevent forum shopping.