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The Federal Laws:
According the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) was signed into law as a result of the Exxon Valdez incident. The OPA created the national Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) which provides up to one billion dollars per spill incident in oil spill response and recovery, including economic recovery. The OSLTF provides funds for Federal cleanup, funds to restore damaged natural resources, compensation claimants for certain removal costs and related damages and cost recovery from responsible parties paid from the OSLTF.
Potential Threat/Damages:
The BP oil disaster poses a threat to the welfare of the Florida Panhandle and Northwest Florida, including:
- Property and condominium owners;
- The commercial fishing, oyster and shrimping industry;
- Seafood sales industry;
- Dock and marina owners;
- Restaurant owners;
- Commercial and private boat owners;
- Developers;
- Real Estate Rental and Management Companies;
- Employees; and
- City, county or state governments.
Suggestions to Protect Yourself Legally:
Do not delay in taking necessary steps to document your potential damages in anticipation of possible claims submitted to insurance companies, BP, other responsible parties, or other sources of government assistance.
Property owners near the site of the oil spill should document the current condition of the property. Businesses should take steps to document their current and/or anticipated revenues before the oil spill. In addition, businesses and property renters should also track cancellations as a result of the oil spill and take photos of the property for documentation purposes. Consult an attorney before signing any release for a cash settlement.
Associated Websites & Articles:
NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration
USCG Sector Mobile Digital Area Contingency Plan
University of South Florida, College of Marine Science
The New York Times, Tracking the Oil Spill
Pensacola Business Journal, Companies Get SBA Loans After Oil Spill, Storms
EPA Response to BP Spill in the Gulf of Mexico
BP's Update on Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
Do not delay in taking the necessary steps to document your damages. If you or your business has been negatively impacted by the Gulf oil spill, please contact the law office of Daniel W. Uhlfelder, P.A. or call 850-534-0246.
There is no charge or obligation for our firm to review your claim.
