Different Types of Claims Brought in Oil Spill Lawsuits.

In April of 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig (which was drilling for BP) exploded off the coast of Louisiana. The explosion caused a fire on the platform, and ultimately the Deepwater Horizon sunk. Eleven workers died and 17 were injured. The blowout caused a massive offshore oil in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill is considered to be the largest accidental marine oil spill in the world, and the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history.

It is no exaggeration to say that the effects of the BP oil spill will be felt in the Gulf of Mexico region for decades.

The spill and ensuing clean-up prompted the filing of thousands of lawsuits. Here are just a few of the types of legal claims that were brought in response to this disaster.

Lawsuits to Recover for Lost profits or Businesses.

In addition to the $40 billion dollar lawsuit that BP filed against the rig owner and others based on the results of investigations into what caused the blowout, thousands of businesses and workers in the Gulf region filed lawsuits against BP, seeking repayment for profits and income that were lost because of the oil spill.

Many of these plaintiffs worked in the maritime industry. They lost their businesses or profits as a result of the environmental disaster caused by the spill. For example, lawsuits were filed by companies and employees in the commercial fishing, shrimp, and oyster industry. Charter boat operators, hotels, tourist attractions, rental property owners, and other businesses in popular resort areas also lost business.

Lawsuits Due to Clean-up Efforts.

The clean-up efforts that ensued after the spill caused a number of injuries and health risks to the first responders and clean-up crews, prompting personal injury lawsuits. The clean-up took months and many people who were burning off the oil or using the chemicals to disburse the spill suffered a number of health problems including headaches, nausea, and throat irritation.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims.

Some of the families of the 11 workers who were killed in the explosion filed wrongful death and injury claims against BP and Transocean (the owner of the rig). Both companies were also sued for negligence by surviving drill rig workers who suffered an injury on the day of the explosion.

The Deepwater disaster is not an isolated incident. Faulty equipment and disregard for safety protocols are common in the oil industry— as are the disastrous results that follow from them.

Maritime Attorneys in Baton Rouge.

At the Day Law Group, we handle maritime cases. We fight hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve. We offer FREE consultations and in most cases, we don’t get paid unless you win your case. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve all of Southern Louisiana. Call 225-200-0000 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.