Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Lawsuits

Mike Espy Named to Plaintiffs Steering Committee

 On Oct. 8, 2010, New Orleans Federal Judge Carl Barbier appointed 15 attorneys to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee to handle litigation stemming from the BP oil spill. More than 100 lawyers across the country applied for positions on the team, and Morgan and Morgan attorney Mike Espy was among one of the 15 individuals selected to serve on the panel. A former Mississippi congressman and Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Espy will work with the other attorneys on the committee to make decisions on behalf of Gulf Coast residents who are suing BP.  

In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, setting off the largest oil spill in U.S. history. The BP oil spill continued for several months, unleashing millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf waters before it was eventually capped off. Although the oil rig has stopped leaking, the impact of the oil spill continues to affect Gulf Coast residents and the full effect of the oil spill has yet to be seen. The BP oil spill has damaged marine life, wildlife habitats and fish estuaries and employees in the commercial fishing and tourism industries have seen a subsequent loss of business. 

Hundreds of oil spill lawsuits from workers and business affected by the oil spill have already been filed. In August 2010, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation made a decision to consolidate claims for oil spill damages to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The Panel assigned Judge Barbier to oversee the oil spill litigation and select 12 to 15 attorneys to lead the lawsuits against BP and other potentially liable companies. 

With Mr. Espy assigned to one of the seats on the oil spill plaintiff’s steering committee, Morgan and Morgan is at the forefront of the BP oil spill litigation. The firm is leading the effort to recover compensation for businesses and workers who suffered financial losses as a result of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. If you have lost wages or profits due to the oil spill, contact our oil spill lawyers for a free case review. You may be able to participate in an oil spill lawsuit to recover financial compensation for your losses.