BP OIL SPILL CLAIMS & SUITS

The BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill that occurred in April 2010 along the U.S. Gulf Coast will have lasting personal, environmental and economic impacts along the Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas and Florida coast lines. If you have suffered an injury as a result of the BP Oil Spill it may benefit you to contact a lawyer at Burns, Cunningham & Mackey to discuss your legal options. In many cases, individuals, workers and businesses impacted by the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico may be able to recover legal damages from the entities involved.

Businesses around the Gulf Coast have suffered significant losses as a result of the BP oil spill. Many will have to close or lay off workers as a result. Individuals who work on vessels such as oil rigs, tugs, barges, or fishing/shrimp boats may be able to recover wages, expenses, and other injuries from their employer or other responsible parties. Their claims fall under a special provision of admiralty and maritime law known as the Jones Act. People who live and work near the Gulf oil spill may experience health related issues as a result of the toxic fumes or chemicals produced by the oil spill and dispersants used to dissipate the oil.

Property owners may also suffer property damage from oil washing onto their land or from a devaluation of their property as the stigma of the oil spill continues to grow. An attorney may be able to help recover for all of these types of damages caused by the BP spill.

The new BP fund, which is being paid in addition to the $368 million already paid by BP for the damages that the Deepwater Horizon explosion precipitated, is being managed by the new Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) headed up by Washington attorney Ken Feinberg. Feinberg handled the 9/11 victims fund as well as setting the executive pay for companies bailed out by the government after the financial crisis in recent years. The Obama administration and BP worked to establish the GCCF to assist claimants in filing claims for damages and economic losses incurred from the April 20 BP oil spill.

The key for those who are potential claimants: Claimants should not delay in making their claims for damages arising out of the BP oil spill. Claimants can go to one of 35 Gulf Coast Claims Facility offices set up in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. In addition, claimants can apply by mail, or online at www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com.

Related Resources

• Oil Spill FAQ
• Gulf Coast Claims Facility FAQ