The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

British Petroleum (BP) is sending checks to those who have lost their livelihood due to the oil spill that began April 20th following the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig off the coast of Venice, Louisiana, but the cash is just not enough claim some recipients. One shrimper, who can make close to $2,000 in one day's work, was given a check for $5,000, the standard amount for boat owners. The man referred to the amount as "a joke" and claims the amount will not help him considering he just borrowed thousands of dollars to fix his boat for the shrimping season and can make five thousand dollars in two days.

As the oil spreads, so does the economic hardship in the Gulf Coast region. Fisherman and shrimpers are not able to earn a living. Seafood processors are affected. Vacation rentals have come to a halt because no one wants to sit on an oil-soaked beach. In response to the economic devastation caused by the largest oil spill in our nation's history, BP has opened 25 claims offices in the region and has, to date, sent $46 million to over 17,000 Gulf Coast residents to make up for lost income.

Obviously, lawsuits related to the BP oil spill will be in the courts for decades to come. If you have been negatively impacted by the BP oil spill, the environmental litigators at The Cochran Firm are now accepting cases related to the spill. Please contact one of our offices to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation so we may hear the details of how the spill has affected your quality of life.

Labels: Louisiana, main, Metairie, Mobile, New Orleans, Shreveport