The U.S. government is seeking between $16 and$18 billion in water pollution fines from BP Plc for the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which was the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The federal government has stated that BP deserves the maximum fine allowed under federal law. The fine would be the largest ever imposed under the Clean Water Act and BP claims it would be a gross outlier compared to fines imposed in other cases.
In September, U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier ruled that BP was grossly negligent in drilling the well that led to the 2010 oil explosion. The company has thus far set aside $3.51 billion in anticipation of penalties, which BP feels is an accurate estimated of its liability if it wins an appeal from the judge’s ruling.
Judge Barbier intends to conduct a non-jury trial in the coming month to set the exact pollution fines for BP, as well as its partner, Anadarko Petroleum Corp. The fine will take into account a number of factors, including the size of the spill and the level of responsibility that both BP and Anadarko bear for the spill. The government has already stated that Anadarko’s responsibility is minimal compared to that of BP.
The government, in its filing, has requested that a substantial penalty be imposed upon BP because the company provided little to no assistance after the spill. Further, a smaller fine would not be sufficient punishment for a company worth billions of dollars.
BP countered back that it deserves a fine of far less than the government’s request because it is already incurred over $42 billion in liabilities from the spill, including several billon put towards stopping the oil spill and cleaning up the damage. BP also claimed its fine should be low because the spill has had less environmental impact than initially anticipated.
For its part, BP has already stated that while the fine will be painful for the company, it will not cripple it. The company brought in $23.5 billion in net income last year, making even the largest of fines seem bearable.
In other BP oil spill news, the deadline is approaching for people and businesses to file claims as a result of their losses due to the 2010 oil spill. The deadline for most people and businesses is June 8, 2014. This deadline does not apply to any seafood related businesses. BP has made separate settlements for these business as well as medical claims. As such, any individual or business who has yet to file a claim for economic losses must act fast. Consult with an attorney now so that your claim can be timely prepared and filed. Missing this deadline could result in foreclosure of your ability to ever receive compensation for your losses stemming from the spill.
Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys Seeking Recovery for All Victims of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico Disaster
The final deadline to file your claim related to the 2010 BP oil spill is fast approaching. If you or your business suffered losses from the oil spill and have not yet received compensation, the Mississippi BP Oil Spill Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help. We continue to assist victims of the BP oil spill in obtaining full compensation for their losses associated with this manmade disaster. At Barrett Law PLLC, our attorneys possess unmatched skill and dedication. For more information on your potential claim, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.
