Four years after the disastrous BP oil spill pumped over 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf, BP has started to pay the first 100 of the over 10,000 medical claims filed against the company. The claims were filed by Gulf Coast residents and cleanup workers who suffered medical affects from the spill. Payments made will cover the cost of treating skin and respiratory ailments, along with other physical illnesses, caused by contact or close proximity to the spilled oil.
BP’s payments to these oil spill victims will continue for some time. Matt Garretson, the administrator of the settlement presided over by U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier, reports that payments should begin to flow in earnest over the next few months. Garretson states that there are about another 800 cases ready for payment and more to come shortly.
The payment of these medical claims to the victims impacted by the nearly three months during which oil spilled into the Gulf comes after a year of delay. BP has waged a battle in the courtroom against the way a different claims administrator had been paying individuals and business under another, separate, economic damage settlement.
While the medical claims did not involve such a fight, it is still been a slow process to reach the payment phase. The settlement was approved in January of 2013, but appeals by claimants kept the payments from starting until February of 2014.
Under the settlement, medical payments range from $900, obtained with a signed declaration and proof that the claimant lived or worked on the oiled coastline, to over $60,000 for documented chronic injuries associated with the spill that required hospitalization.
Garretson reports that his 300 claims adjusters have denied more than 2,600 claims so far and have requested further documentation from another 4,000. The forms required to obtain medical claims benefits are numerous and complex. Further, final payments can take time as the adjusters are required to check on private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid reimbursements.
The settlement does set out specific and clear rules, enough to avoid any sort of appeals or court challenges like those experienced in the economic settlement process. Those individuals that meet the medical claims requirements and fill out the forms correctly with sufficient documentation will receive a pre-determined settlement amount. Not included in the settlement are any sort of civil liability claims, such as claims by oil workers that they were not provided with the proper protective clothing and equipment.
As part of the settlement, BP will run a program of medical consultations and provide grants for healthcare providers in the Gulf Region Medical Outreach Program. Thus far, around 100 claimants have consultations scheduled and over $80 million in grants have been disbursed.
All those who may have suffered health affects due to the BP oil spill are encouraged to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. It is imperative your claim is initiated soon as payouts continue to be made.
Barrett Law, PLLC: Assisting Victims of the 2010 BP Gulf Oil Spill
The 2010 BP oil spill impacted millions of individuals and businesses across the Gulf Coast, particularly affecting many in Mississippi. Victims of the spill suffered from economic damage, environmental damage, medical illnesses, and more. Though the spill occurred four years ago, litigation is ongoing. The Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law, PLLC have provided skilled, zealous, and intelligent representation for the victims of the BP oil spill since the day it occurred. Our efforts are ongoing. If you have been affected by the BP oil spill, no matter how you were affected, we can help. Call today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.
