I have no direct knowledge of all the facts in that matter, and I have to assume that you don't either.  I will note, however, that defending against a lawsuit is oftentimes far more costly than not doing so, that settlement can be in the best interest of shareholders as it allows the company to get on with other work.

BTW, had drilling not been cut short by the early arrival of winter, would this matter have come up at all?  I don't think so, but I can't quite recall the timing of these issues.