BP Oil Rig Explosion

On April 20, 2010, an oil rig about 52 miles off the coast of Venice, Louisiana exploded injuring 17 people; eleven people on the rig have yet to be found and are presumed dead. The oil rig, the Deepwater Horizon, was owned by Transocean Ltd., which is under contract with the huge oil company, BP. However, the tragedy does not end with the explosion and loss of life on the water. Now, a massive oil slick has reached the coastline, and the Governors of Louisiana and Florida have declared a state of emergency; these counties in Florida are in imminent danger:

• Escambia
• Santa Rosa
• Walton
• Okaloosa
• Bay
• Gulf

If you or a loved one has been affected by this oil rig explosion and subsequent oil spill, or if you have lost property and the ability to earn income due to the devastation of this blast, you may be entitled to compensation under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. To ensure that there is sufficient money available for your claims, President Obama convinced BP to set aside $20 billion in escrow for future claims. An experienced maritime/admiralty attorney will have experience in these claims and can hear the details of your case and advise you on how to proceed.

Far-Reaching Effects of Oil Rig Explosion

The BP explosion just may be the worst of its kind in over two decades. Though many businesses and individuals have already been affected by the massive explosion and spill, more destruction is on the way as the oil slick reaches land. Birds have been found covered in the thick oil; it has been estimated that over 400 species of animals and birds will be destroyed by this oil slick that stretches over miles and miles. The toxins in the oil can even affect the food chain and keep fish and other sea life from being able to reproduce.

Sadly, the effects of the BP oil rig explosion will be even more widespread as decreases in soil and water quality nearby can cause property values and revenue to plummet, putting people out of work or significantly reducing their income. The Gulf Coast region of the United States will feel the effects of this disaster for years, if not decades, to come.

Maritime Law and Oil Rig Accidents

Maritime law is very complicated and is made up of international, federal, state and local laws that apply to injuries and deaths suffered while performing maritime activity, such as working on an oil rig like the Deepwater Horizon.

If you or someone you love was injured or killed while working on or near a body of water, it is absolutely imperative that you find an experienced maritime lawyer to help you through this difficult time. If you have lost property or are unable to earn a living due to the effects of a maritime accident, you, too, may be entitled to compensation.

If you have suffered property damage or a loss of income as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you can file a claim to receive compensation for your losses. Consulting with a lawyer can help you file a claim in the best way to ensure you get full compensation, including whether it is better to file a claim now, or wait for the new claims process initiated by the new $20 billion oil spill fund.

Please contact a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney in your area today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.