Consumer Alerts

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Lawsuits

UPDATE: A BP oil spill settlement has been reached. It's not too late to file a claim. Learn more.

On April 20, the Deepwater Horizon, a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, caught fire and sank two days later, claiming at least eleven lives. The ripple effects of the oil rig explosion are spreading, as crude oil continues to spill into the Gulf of Mexico, potentially affecting thousands of workers and businesses along the coast. Commercial fishing, tourism and other industries are expected to suffer great economic losses due to the oil rig explosion.

If your business or industry has been affected by the Deepwater Horizon explosion, you may be able to recover financial damages for loss of wages and profits under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. To find out if you are able to participate in a lawsuit to recover damages from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, fill out our free case review form today.

Industries Affected by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Deepwater Horizon explosion has the potential to affect many industries and businesses along the U.S. Gulf Coast, as the oil slick nears the shore at a rate of approximately 1,000 barrels per day. According to officials, the oil spill may take up to four weeks to control, presenting a devastating economic impact to those running businesses along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Commercial Fishing: Oil spills have the potential to affect nearby ecosystems for years. Commercial fishing companies along the Gulf Coast could experience serious economic consequences if the oil spill continues to kill or contaminate fish and other sea life. The toxicity of the oil can interrupt the natural oceanic food chain on which fish depend, and it may affect their ability to procreate. Should this occur, it may take years for the commercial fishing industry to recover.

Louisiana alone generates $2.4 billion in business revenue every year from the commercial fishing industry. The state has also opened sections of the Gulf waters to shrimp fishing, an industry which makes $117 million every year. If the Deepwater Horizon oil spill continues to spread, any contaminated shrimping areas will have to be closed. The oil spill can also impact fish, blue crab and oyster harvesting if it reaches Louisiana.

Tourism: The Gulf of Mexico oil spill also has the potential to affect tourism. The Delta National Wildlife Refuge, a safe house for brown pelicans, alligators and other animals, is already being threatened by the oil spill. Additionally, beaches along the Gulf Coast, which attract millions of tourists every year, may need to be shut down for cleanup. As a result, hotels, restaurants and tourist spots are expected to suffer huge economic losses.

Energy Industries: Because the oil spill presents a fire hazard, the Ocean Endeavor, an oil rig located near the Deepwater Horizon, was evacuated. Workers on the Ocean Endeavor are expected to suffer a loss of wages if the offshore rig is not reopened; these employees, along with anyone similarly affected, may be entitled to financial damages for these losses.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Lawsuits

The Deepwater Horizon explosion is likely to result in extensive litigation on behalf of business affected by the oil spill. In fact, two shrimpers in Louisiana have already filed a lawsuit accusing the oil rig operators of negligence. The shrimpers are advocating for the case to become a class action lawsuit for all Louisiana residents who suffered financial losses as a result of the oil spill.

In addition to shrimpers, the following individuals and businesses may have a claim if they have been negatively affected by the oil spill:

• Businesses and employees in the commercial fishing, oyster and seafood packaging/processing industries
• Owners of commercial and private boats
• Owners of waterfront property or restaurants
• Dock and marina owners and operators
• State, county and city governments

According to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the parties responsible for an oil spill are liable for resulting damages. If you have suffered a loss of income or profits due to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, you may be entitled to compensation equal to your lost wages, profits or earning capacity. To find out if you have a case, contact our oil rig explosion lawyers for a free, no obligation case review.

Morgan and Morgan Attorney Mike Espy Named to Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for Oil Spill Litigation. Learn more.