The environment and the economy of the Gulf Coast suffered greatly after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The health of Gulf Coast residents suffered greatly as well. The economic and environmental recovery of the Gulf Coast gets discussed much more frequently than the health of area residents. Fortunately, funds were made available to some of the people whose health had suffered as the result of the oil spill.
Since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill was the result of gross negligence and deliberate misconduct on the part of oil giant BP, billions of dollars in fines and penalties were levied against the company. Some of the settlement money that was collected from BP was designated for the payment of medical benefits to people who lived for sixty or more days near oil-impacted shore areas and who were able to provide proof that they suffered from one or more medical conditions that were caused by the spilled oil or the dispersants that were used to clean it up. It is estimated that at least two hundred thousand people have filed claims for medical benefits, which means that the actual number of people whose health has been affected by the oil spill is greater than that.
The health effects of the oil spill are widespread and varied. Some area residents who wanted to help clean up after the disaster used their boats to participate in the cleanup efforts. Unfortunately, many of them have developed respiratory problems as the result of spending so much time in proximity to the spilled oil. Some people who were involved in cleanup efforts, as well as some who walked the beaches in the days and weeks after the oil spill, have developed skin conditions from coming into contact with the spilled oil. Many cleanup workers were given protective clothing and gear and were instructed on how to clean up the oil in a way that would minimize their exposure to it. Some of them used the equipment and some did not, which means that some people were exposed to enough oil and dispersant to negatively affect their health. Even individuals who used the gear and implemented the training that they received were exposed to some oil and dispersant, and for certain people that was enough to cause problems.
Barrett Law PLLC: BP Oil Spill Attorneys in Mississippi
The BP oil spill caused many health issues for residents of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Although the environment is beginning to be restored and economic activities in the area are starting to recover, many people are still suffering from the health effects that they have experienced as the result of the spill. If you experienced health problems as the result of the BP oil spill, the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC could assist you. Our experienced Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys have helped many oil spill victims, and we might be able to help you. Call us today at 1 (800) 707-9577, to set up a free, initial consultation.
