People who have suffered harm as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill may have reason to celebrate. Specifically, they are one step closer to receiving compensation for the negative health consequences that the oil spill had on many people who lived or worked along the Gulf Coast after the April 20, 2010 blowout and spill. After the appeals court in New Orleans dismissed BP’s attempt to modify the terms of its settlement agreement, the payment of claims can now move forward. A large part of the $9.2 billion payment in this settlement is intended to cover the medical costs of these impacted by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
People have suffered from many different medical conditions as the result of the oil that poured into the Gulf Coast, including respiratory issues, skin rashes, and neurological problems. The settlement is intended to compensate people for these consequences of the spill. In addition, there are funds to cover medical exams for Gulf Coast residents for the next 21 years. Further, BP has committed to fund a program geared towards making medical care more accessible for residents who live along the coast. This will be paid for through a $105 million grant. Although there are still many issues that need to be resolved, this is at least a start towards recovery.
In order to recover as part of this settlement, individuals must submit their claims by February 11, 2015. There are additional requirements to be part of this group of claimants, including the fact that the person must have lived a half-mile or less from the water in beachfront areas or within one mile of the water in wetlands along the panhandle area of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, or Florida during some part of 2010 after the spill. Individuals who suffered negative health consequences as a result of participating in the oil clean-up also may recover as part of this settlement. Depending upon the class into which the individual falls, the payment will vary. Those people who worked to clean-up the oil spill are entitled to the largest payment, ranging up to a maximum of $60,700. Residents who qualify may expect to receive between $900 and $36,950. There are additional funds available based upon individual medical treatment costs.
In order to participate in the class settlement, the individual must relinquish all other claims against BP arising out of the Deepwater Horizon blowout and oil spill, with the exception that a person can bring additional claims if a medical condition develops after the settlement that can be attributed to the spill. Claims like these are going to be difficult to prove. Individuals still have the option of bringing claims against the owner of the Deepwater Horizon, Transocean, as well as Halliburton, which was a subcontractor involved with operations on the rig.
Although there have been a number of settlements, there still are a number of actions relating to the harm that the spill did to local and state governments, businesses, and other classes impacted by the spill and its aftermath.
As the four-year anniversary of the largest accidental offshore oil spill in history approaches, many people still wait for the relief that BP promised in the aftermath of the environmental disaster. Although the property damage was devastating, the medical conditions from which people suffered as a result of the spill also have wreaked havoc on the lives of those who lived in the Gulf Coast area. At Barrett Law PLLC, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to get victims of the BP oil spill the compensation that they deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation, please call us at (800) 707-9577. As part of our commitment to our clients, we only get paid if we successfully recover on your behalf.