Oil Spills Ooze a Variety of Legal Claims.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard and the federal Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, in October of 2017, a damaged pipeline operated by LLOG Exploration leaked 672,000 gallons of oil into Lake Pontchartrain. According to a Coast Guard press release, the privately-owned company originally reported between 333,900 to 392,700 gallons of oil were discharged by the broken line, located nearly 5,000 feet beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.

What happens after the tragedy of an oil spill?

In a word: lawsuits.

Types of Legal Claims.

Oil spills, especially of such magnitude, can spark a number of legal claims. Some of these include:
Wrongful Death Claims. In cases where the spill is accompanied by an oil rig explosion and lives are lost, the families of the victims may file wrongful death claims. Surviving rig workers who were injured may file lawsuits against the company.

Environmental Damage. Oil spill cases give rise to environmental damage lawsuits against those responsible for the spill for costs related to the cleanup and for damage to damage to the coastline, wetlands, wildlife, and other harm to the ecosystem.

Health-Related Claims. Because oil spills expose residents in the area to toxins and also expose clean-up crews or first responders to toxins, oil spills result in a number of lawsuits over the health problems and health risks caused by the presence of oil on or near coastal property and the dangers of the toxic chemicals used to disperse the spilled oil.

Property Damage. One of the most wide-ranging effects of an oil spill is property damage. Oil spills damage commercial as well as personal property. The spill can damage residential and undeveloped property. Even the clean up can result in additional or new damage to property.

Oil spills are devastating, and their effects are far-reaching.

We Help Injury Victims Get the Compensation They Need and Deserve.

At the Day Law Group, we handle maritime cases including rig explosion accidents. We offer FREE consultations. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve Baker, Denham, Gonzales, Port Allen, Prairieville, New Orleans, and Zachary. Call 225-200-0000 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.