Though the oil spill claims process is still in progress, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility issued the Status Report dated February 23, 2011. According to this report, 492,229 claims have been processed by the GCCF, including 403,049 individual claims and 89,180 business claims. All claims have been filed in 6 main categories, including Lost Earnings or Profits, Loss of Subsistence Use of Natural Resources, Removal and Clean Up Costs, Damage to Real or Personal Property, Physical Injury or Death as well as other related claims.

It is reported that 169,261 Gulf oil spill settlements have been successfully reached and claimants were paid over $3.4 billion. Among them, over $2.5 billion were paid to 168,869 claimants, who appealed for the Emergency Advanced Payments and 91,290 individuals and businesses, who applied for Quick Pay, Full Review and Interim Payments  received about $848 million. In accordance with the GCCF Status Report, 33 individual claimants were paid up to $500,000 each, while 103 business claimants received more than  $500,000 each.

Gulf Oil Spill Settlements

Prior to filing a BP oil spill claim, it is recommended to get to know whether you are eligible to the BP Gulf oil spill compensation. For example, if you faced BP oil spill property value loss, you are eligible for compensation.

Those claimants, who were lucky to reach Gulf oil spill settlements, admit that the whole procedure was not quite complicated. First, they had to decide what type of compensation they would like to get. Those claimants, who wanted to receive emergency relief for damages, which were caused by the oil spill, applied for Emergency Advanced Payments. They just had to fill out GCCF application forms and submit all the required documentation to confirm their claim.

Those who did not manage to file claims for Emergency Advanced Payments until November 23, 2010, filed either a Full Review Final Payment or Interim Payment Claims. Interim Payments cover compensation of all the past damages caused by the oil spill, while Full Review Final Payments presuppose coverage of all past and future losses associated with the incident.

To file an Interim Claim, the claimants had to fill out and submit an Interim Payment Claim Form and supporting documents as well. If a claimant had previously submitted the Emergency Advance Payment Claim, he/she was required to fill out the claim form only. By the way, Interim Payment claims have to be submitted every quarter of the year. Claimants, who decided to file Full Review Final Payment claims, were required to undergo the same procedure, but to fill out Full Review Final Payment Claim Forms.

After the claims were filed and submitted into the GCCF database, all claimants received private Claimant Identification Numbers. The GCCF had 90 days to determine whether to make a payment or not and (if the decision was positive) the amount of money that had to be paid. All claimants, who reached Gulf oil spill settlements, were notified about that in written form. In case of the Final Payment, claimants had to sign a release of legal rights. Generally, the GCCF required 14 days to issue the payment.

If you or someone you know has sustained serious Gulf Coast property damage or loss, you should not fall into despair. Instead, you may be entitled to the BP oil spill compensation. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our Gulf Coast lawyers today.

Thousands of real property owners had their hotels, restaurants, charter boats, estates, lodging facilities etc. damaged or lost in the result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which happened on April 20, 2010. The effects of this horrible ecological disaster led to almost half a million BP claims reviewed by the GCCF. Moreover, the incident’s negative impact is still observed today throughout Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas.

Experts caution that it will be some time before the full environmental impact of the disaster is known. Eight  national parks and more than  400 endangered species of birds and water animals call the area home. One of the most frightening reports is that current oil spill water samples indicate that carcinogens are contained in it.

BP Oil Spill Economic Impact

The above mentioned environmental impact of BP oil spill substantially affected the region’s economy, especially international tourism, recreation, shrimping and oyster farming, commercial fishing. At the end of April 2010 the Coast Guard was reported that oil was observed near Delta National Wildlife Refuge and Breton National Wildlife Refuge. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration considered it appropriate to ban recreational and commercial fishing in the affected areas. Shrimping in this region was prohibited as well. All in all, the financial loss of fishing industry equaled above $2.5 billion.

Speaking about hotels and lodging facilities in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, BP oil spill affected them as well. Gulf Coast Florida rentals faced this problem as well. Thus, tourism industry fell into decay. In its turn, BP offered $25 million and $15 million to Florida and Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana correspondingly so that they could promote their beaches, which were not damaged by the oil spill.

The EPA has worked out the oil spill facility response plan, a set of rules related to oil spill cleanup. It indicated the facility’s readiness to respond to any oil spill, irrespective of its seriousness.

Filing a BP Claim Issue

Filing a BP claim is regarded by many people as a responsible and significant step. Claims are being handled by the Gulf Claims Facility, which was set up to administer a fund to compensate individuals and businesses who suffered from the BP oil spill. BP property value claims are also accepted. It is emphasized that claimants may use the services of professional Gulf Coast attorneys. If they do not have money to use the help of the attorney, they may either request free legal assistance from the GCCF or file claims themselves.

If you or someone you know has faced loss of rental income or any other property damage associated with the oil spill, filing a claim with BP may be essential for you. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to get legal assistance of one of our Gulf Coast lawyers today.

The Gulf Coast oil spill resulted in thousands of BP spill claims being filed by people whose businesses were damaged or lost as a result of the spill. Hotel owners, fishermen, shrimpers and other people who relied on the Gulf Coast waters experienced substantial financial losses and therefore filed for recovery of damages. In order to deal with the number of claims, BP created a $20 billion fund to cover all the damages sustained by people who are eligible to receive compensation. Currently, the Gulf Claims Facility has processed almost half a million claims and has paid around $3.4 billion to 169,261 businesses and individuals.

BP Oil Spill Claims

Jeff Stilwell, the owner of Barnacle Bill’s, a seafood restaurant in Tallahassee, is among the affected business owners. His profits have decreased substantially and in less than three months he went bankrupt. Stilwell reported that his restaurant’s collapse was directly associated with the BP oil spill, because people were afraid to eat seafood in case it was contaminated.

Stilwell said that BP was responsible for his bankruptcy and decided to file a BP oil spill claim. He filled out a Gulf Coast Claims Facility claim form and submitted all the supporting documentation, which confirmed that his restaurant business collapsed as a result of the BP oil spill. On completion of the procedure, Stilwell received a personal GCCF Claimant Identification Number. Unfortunately, he has not yet received any compensation.

Stilwell is not the only property owner, who faces this difficult situation. Many other businessmen and individuals who have sustained loss of rental income, report that their claims have also been denied for no apparent reason. If your BP rental claims and other related claims have been rejected, then our attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP can help you resubmit them successfully.

Contact a Golf Coast Attorney

If you or someone you know wants to file a BP oil spill claim then please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) for a free consultation with one of our Gulf Coast attorneys today.

Statistics show that the Gulf Coast Claims Facility has already paid out around $3.4 billion to 169, 261 businesses and individuals. However reports also show that over 60,000 of the claims made have been rejected by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which occurred on April 20th 2010, is globally recognised as one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S history and has resulted in thousands of BP claims. The oil spill began with a sudden explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon; a semi-submersible drilling rig.  Moreover the oil gusher could not be stopped for nearly three months until it was finally blocked on July 15. During that period of time more than 200 million gallons of oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico.

The BP oil spill spread quickly, going on to affect the Delta National Wildlife Refuge and the Breton National Wildlife Refuge. At the beginning of June, it was observed along the beaches of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Later, it reached the coast of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Alabama barrier islands. By October oil deposits had reached West Bay, Texas and Venice, Louisiana.

The impact of this ecological catastrophe should not be underestimated. The BP oil spill has negatively affected economically significant sectors of the Gulf Coast, paricularly the international tourism, recreation, commercial fishing, shrimping and oyster farming industries. Boat, dock and marina operators as well as restaurant and real property owners have also suffered negative effects of the BP oil spill.

Gulf Coast Facility Claims Guide

After the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the US Coast Guard classified BP as the responsible party and therefore responsible for compensating costs and damages associated with the oil spill. Subsequently, BP established a $20 billion fund and established the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. This claim facility was designed to accept, review and settle claims filed by people who are eligible to receive compensation for their lost property in Florida and other affected states.

Initially, August 23th, 2010 was set as the final date for filing claims. However, in December 2010 a second phase of the compensation program for BP oil spill victims was announced to cover long-term financial costs to area residents in connection with the spill.

If you want to file a BP oil spill claim, or if you have already submitted a claim, which was denied by the Gulf Claims Facility, then one of our oil spill claims attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP  can offer their legal assistance and assert your legal rights. If you or someone you know has suffered damages related to the BP oil spill then please fill out our online form for a free case evaluation, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our Gulf Coast lawyers today.

After the incident, the US Coast Guard assigned BP to be the responsible party in accordance with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and in June 2010 the White House set up the Gulf Coast Claims Facility to act on behalf of BP. This Claims Facility was designed to accept, review and settle (where possible) the Gulf Coast Facility claims that were filed by the lost property owners. Furthermore a $20 billion compensation fund was established by BP and Kenneth R. Feinberg was appointed as administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

BP Oil Spill Claims Process

Initially, all the claims were to be filed no later than 90 days after the incident, or by August 23, 2010. However, in December 2010, Kenneth R. Feinberg announced a second phase of the compensation program for BP oil spill victims.

The initial phase was designed to compensate victims for emergency damages until they could assess the full impact the spill had on their livelihood.  The second phase is designed to focus on final payments. The procedure of filing Gulf Coast Facility claims remains free of charge.

Who is entitled to Financial Compensation  for Damages and Losses associated with the BP Oil Spill and what does the procedure of Filing GCCF claims involve?

All businesses and individuals, claims BP, whose property was damaged or destroyed as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are entitled to file for compensation. These claims can include: loss of earnings or profits, loss of subsistence use of natural resources, removal and clean up costs, damage to real or personal property and physical injury or death.

In order to file Gulf Coast Facility claims, claimants are required to fill out special GCCF claims form (either via the Internet or in person) and submit the supporting documentation, confirming all BP oil spill related damages. On completion of the procedure claimants are given a personal GCCF Claimant Identification Number.

Gulf Coast Attorneys Legal Help

It’s important to remember that the role Kenneth R. Feinberg and the GCCF is to administer the compensation fund only. The GCCF is not responsible for providing legal advice to the claimants or for representing them in the BP oil spill claims process. This is why claimants are entitled to consult professional attorneys before adopting any decision concerning their claims (BP) and their settlement.

If a claimant is represented by his/her own attorney, the Gulf Coast Claims Facility will deal directly with this attorney, not with the claimant. Therefore your Gulf Coast lawyer will be responsible for submitting the claim on your behalf.

Over 400,000 claims have already been filed and around 60,000 of them have been denied. If you are one of the claimants, whose claims have been rejected by the Gulf Claims Facility, we will assist you in resubmitting the denied claims successfully.

Parker Waichman LLP and its partner law firms are experienced in handling these cases and at present, we are working hard to settle BP rental claims or damaged property claims filed by over 600 real property owners. The GCCF and Mr. Feinberg intend to break off the negotiations by the end of February 2011.

If you or someone you know has lost your rental income or property because of the BP oil spill, then Parker Waichman LLP can offer legal assistance. Please fill out our online form, or call 1 800 LAW INFO (1-800-529-4636) to discuss your case with one of our Gulf Coast attorneys today.

But Coffeyville was not alone in its misery. The oil slick traveled down the Verdigris River and into Oklahoma, coming precariously close to Oologah Lake. Both the river and lake are popular boating and fishing spots, and between them, they provide water for nine municipalities in Kansas and Oklahoma. Though public heath officials in both states believe that much of the oil from the spill dissipated before it could contaminate these water supplies, it could be months or years before anyone knows if these other communities where spared the most horrible affects of the oil spill.

Kansas Oil Spill at Coffeyville Resources Refinery Blamed on Open Valve
Jul 31, 2007 Employees at the Coffeyville Resources Refinery in Kansas failed to close a valve on one of the plant’s storage tanks during emergency shutdown procedures, an oversight that allowed more than 71,000 gallons of crude oil into the town of Coffeyville, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said. Continue

Coffeyville Resources Says it will Buy Some Homes Destroyed by Oil Spill
Jul 26, 2007 Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing says that it is willing to buy back homes that sustained the most damage as a result of last month’s massive oil spill at the company’s refinery. Under the plan, qualified residents will be reimbursed for 110-percent of their homes pre-flood market value. Continue

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. and Kelso & Company Affiliates Named as Additional Defendants to Kansas Oil Spill Lawsuit
Jul 16, 2007 Complaint Amended to add additional defendants on behalf of a Coffeyville Resident and Business Owner, Include Entities Principally Owned by Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Kelso & Company and its Affiliates. Continue

Coffeyville Refinery Owner Goldman Sachs Feeling Heat as Kansas Oil Spill Rescuers Begin Showing Signs of Illness
Jul 9, 2007 First responders to the Coffeyville, Kansas Oil Spill have begun to show signs of illness, prompting state officials to once again order residents of the oil-soaked town to leave the area. Continue

Parker Waichman LLP, Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault and Becnel Law Firm LLC File Lawsuit Concerning Kansas Oil Spill on behalf of a Coffeyville Resident and Business Owner
Jul 6, 2007 The owners of the oil refinery in Coffeyville, Kansas that was responsible for the oil spill earlier this week have been named in a lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of a man who lost his home and business as a result of the oil spill.Continue

Huge Kansas Oil Spill Threatens Thousands in Kansas and Oklahoma
Jul 5, 2007 A gigantic oil spill this past weekend at the Coffeyville Resources Refinery in Kansas has residents of that state, as well as Oklahoma, bracing for what could be a huge environmental disaster. The refinery, which is owned by CVR Resources, was submerged under 4-6 feet of water during weekend flooding when a pumping malfunction allowed at least 42,000 gallons of crude oil to escape the plant.

Parker Waichman LLP , Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, Becnel Law Firm LLC, the Law Offices of Ronnie G, Penton and Lambert and Nelson, P.L.C. are already representing many Coffeyville residents and business owners who suffered losses as a result of the Coffeyville Oil Spill. On July 5, 2007, the firms filed a class action lawsuit against the owners of the Coffeyville Resources Refinery on behalf of a man who lost his home and business to the oil spill

It will some time before the consequences of the Coffeyville Resources Refinery oil spill are fully realized. If you or a loved one have been affected by this disaster you may be entitled to compensation. Please fill out the form to the left for a free case review by a qualified attorney or call 1-800-LAW-INFO.

Though cleanup started shortly after the flood waters from Hurricane Katrina subsided, surface cleaning cannot be expected to eliminate all of the risks associated with the Murphy spill. It is a certainty that much of the oil leeched into the soil, making its way into the water table. How long oil from the Murphy refinery will continue to be a hazard to residents of Chalmette is not known. If you or a loved one lived or worked in the area surrounding the Murphy Oil USA Refinery spill, you may be entitled to compensation. Please fill out the form at the right for a free case review by a qualified attorney

Parker Waichman LLP provides a free initial legal consultation for victims of oil spill damages. The firm only gets paid if you win compensation. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today to explore the legal remedies available to you. Fill out our online form, or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a lawyer at our firm.

The affect of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on the fragile environment in and around Prince William Sound was both sudden and long lasting. Thousands of animals died immediately. As many as 500,000 seabirds, 300 harbor seals and 22 orcas were killed by the spill. Untold billions of salmon and herring eggs were destroyed — an event that still affects the area’s fishing industry to this day. The affects of the Valdez spill are still being felt, as researchers have noted that some animal populations have yet to recover to their pre-spill numbers. This has been most apparent in the herring, pink salmon and mussel populations of Prince William Sound, once one of the region’s most important economic engines. As a result, the fishing industry, most notably the $16 million herring fisheries, all but collapsed after the oil spill. It is thought that it could take more than 30 years before the seafood industry in the area fully recovers from the Valdez spill.

The human consequences of the Valdez oil spill have been just as far reaching. There is growing evidence that cleanup workers are suffering from debilitating illnesses as a result of their exposure to the toxic sludge left behind by the spill. Since the spill, more than 6,000 workers have filed claims for respiratory problems. Reports of skin rashes, chronic headaches and stomach problems are also prevalent among the workers and people living in the area. On top of that, many Sound residents have reported psychological problems as a result of the economic uncertainty that was brought on by the Valdez spill.

Parker Waichman LLP provides a free initial legal consultation for victims of oil spill damages. The firm only gets paid if you win compensation. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today to explore the legal remedies available to you. Fill out our online form, or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) to speak to a lawyer at our firm.