CLIENT ALERT: The deadline is fast approaching for Deepwater Horizon claims.

Chuck Buford and Ryan Griffin

April 20th will be the four-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster (“BP Oil Spill”).  The largest accidental oil spill in history, the BP Oil Spill of April 2010 had far-reaching effects and devastating consequences for businesses and individuals throughout Florida.  Along the Gulf Coast, including the Florida Keys, many lost business and income because of the “perception” that our beaches were polluted as a result of the over 200,000,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico and 1,800,000 gallons of chemical dispersant sprayed on the oil in a clean-up effort (19 times more oil leaked from BP Deepwater Horizon than spilled from the Exxon Valdez in 1989).

As a result, BP agreed to an Economic and Property Damages Settlement (“Settlement”) to provide compensation to businesses and individuals who suffered a loss as a result of the BP Oil Spill.  Attorneys Chuck Buford and Ryan Griffin, who are handling BP Oil Spill claims, say “it is not too late!  Every business along the west coast of Florida should be evaluated.”  However, the deadline is quickly approaching.

Unfortunately, many businesses and individuals are still not aware that they are eligible or know how to file claims.  It is important to seek legal advice from a BP oil specialist to evaluate whether you or your business has a claim.  Under the Settlement, claims are evaluated largely upon geographic location and revenues (or income).  According to the Settlement, almost every business in a Florida Gulf Coast county is automatically eligible to receive financial compensation for losses associated with the BP Oil Spill.  This includes a variety of businesses (for example, construction companies, law firms, medical practices, retail stores, manufacturers, hospitality businesses, non-profit organizations and agricultural companies are all eligible under the Settlement).  The list of eligible businesses is hundreds of pages long.  Usually when filing claims, causation proof is required.  This means that there must be a direct documented relationship between the economic hardship or business loss and the event.  Under the Settlement, however, BP and the District Court waived the causation requirements.  Therefore, the Settlement does not require a causal link between the BP Oil Spill and business or individual losses.

We know that filing a claim can seem overwhelming.  The claims process can be tedious and time consuming.   If you need assistance with your claim or would like a free case evaluation, please contact Chuck Buford or Ryan Griffin at Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP.

Oil spill attorney, Chuck Buford, is a board certified civil trial attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than two percent of Florida attorneys.

Oil spill attorney, Ryan Griffin, is a state and federal trial lawyer.  His litigation practice includes complex business disputes, construction law, creditor’s rights, probate litigation, appellate practice and real estate law.

For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Chuck Buford at 727-461-1818 or Ryan Griffin at 813-225-2500.