The Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill has caused a significant Fishing Ban Extension despite the recent insertion of a tube into the gushing oil leak. Oil continues to surge at a staggering rate and the most recent Fishing Ban compasses approximately 19% of the Gulf of Mexico. Commercial fishermen in the banned areas are out of business and completely out of work. Unemployment is climbing in fish processing facilities and seafood markets with an impending seafood shortage in the foreseeable future.
BP promises to pay “legitimate” claims but has offered no guidelines as to what constitutes a valid claim.
BP has established interim claim centers to process short-term damages claims. The Claims line for oil spill related claims is toll-free number 1-800-440-0858 [available 24/7]. We recommend that you contact BP claim centers for interim relief and accept any of these funds offered by BP because these interim settlements do not bar claimants from full recovery later. You can probably process the claims without legal representation because BP is not requiring extensive documentation for short-term damages, but you may contact our office if you need assistance. If BP refuses to pay your full measure of damages, please contact our office.
BUSINESS OWNERS: If your business or property has been hurt because of the oil spill, you may be entitled to cash compensation.
ANYONE WHO HAS BEEN HURT: The devastation being caused by this massive oil spill may take many years to repair. Thousands have been injured, put out of work or have had their livelihoods and quality of life threatened. Commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, tourists, those involved in the tourist and hospitality industry, oyster farmers, shrimpers, coastal business owners of all kinds, homeowners and those whose businesses and livelihoods depend on the Gulf Coast aquatic wildlife may be eligible for cash compensation form the oil spill.
Specific steps to be taken now:1. Make a detailed inventory, including photographs, of your property and contents before any spill impacts.
2. Save all evidence such as contracts, receipts, accounting records, photographs, videos and other documents you will need to prove your claim. Carefully safeguard all records.
3. To prove damages, retain copies of all tax returns, bank statements, W-2 forms, customer counts and other logs & business or personal records.
4. Keep accurate and updated records of income and losses.
5. Plan a strategy of comparing past with present income.
6. Document all efforts in preparation for the arrival of oil and for subsequent clean-up activities by taking photos, videos, notes, and include all preparation and clean-up costs. Save receipts and contracts for preparation and clean-up.
7. Keep a journal, save all correspondences such as emails, letters and text messages related to your potential claim.
Mitigation
1. It is important to avoid future, preventable damages such as the following examples illustrate:
2. A restaurant where business is significantly down ordering too much food and having to throw food away.
3. Moving a fishing business to another location that is not under the fishing ban if feasible and reasonable.
4. Moving boats to another location or into dry dock to avoid damage to the vessel.
5. For lost wages, employees should use reasonable efforts to make up for the lost income.
*Keep accurate logs and records of the costs incurred in loss avoidance as those costs may also be recoverable.
If you have been injured or harmed by the Louisiana Oil Spill, please contact our law firm. We have decades of experience helping those who are injured. We know how to help you get the compensation you are entitled to and that you deserve.
Call the Farrar Law Firm at 850-494-8904 and we will evaluate your situation to determine whether you have a claim for money damages.
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