The BP Oil Spill and Your Legal Rights

Although the long-term consequences remain unknown, it is estimated that the spill has already caused billions of dollars in financial losses. It is important that people in the fishing industry, from commercial fishermen and merchant mariners to seafood wholesalers and retailers, understand their legal rights.

Our oil spill lawyers understand how damaging environmental contamination can be to people’s health and a community’s economic welfare. With experience handling complex environmental contamination issues, we have litigated a variety of environmental damages cases on behalf of people and communities suffering personal injury and severe economic loss, seeking not only recovery but also improved environmental standards.

Several companies potentially responsible for the oil spill, including BP, have offered final payments  to many people and businesses. These checks, however, may be inadequate to compensate people and businesses for their real losses because, for many, the extent of the harm will not be determinable for months or even years to come. It is important to be cautious if a company encourages the signing of documents that waive or restrict future recovery. Doing so could dramatically affect the amount of money that may ultimately be received.

The BP Oil Spill and the Fishing Industry

Among those in the fishing industry who may be suffering as a result of the BP oil spill are:

• Charter sport fishing and recreational boating operations
• Commercial fishing operations
• Fish and seafood wholesalers/retailers
• Fish markets and auction houses
• Merchant mariners
• Oystermen an clam harvesters
• Seafood processors
• Shrimpers/crabbing operations
• Tropical fish harvesters/wholesalers/retailers

If the oil spill has impacted you financially, we encourage you to take advantage of the resources available to help you cope with your losses.