Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Affecting Local Businesses

On April 20, 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig located in the Gulf of Mexico killed eleven oil rig workers and started an oil spill into the nearby water. The rig was leased by BP (British Petroleum) and operated by Transocean Ltd.

Extent of the Oil Spill
Approximately 76,000 square miles, or more than 31% of Gulf of Mexico federal waters have now been closed because of the spill. The NOAA estimates that about 5,000 barrels or 210,000 gallons of crude oil are being released from the pipes each day. BP has attempted several times to contain the spewing oil, but has failed each time. A recent endeavor to slow the leak involves attaching a cap, known as the lower marine riser package, over the leaking riser pipe to catch the oil. Remotely operated vehicles equipped with diamond-bladed saws are positioned at 5,000 feet below sea level to slice the pipe for placement of the cap. However, this operation has never before been attempted and runs the risk of exacerbating the problem before mitigating it. So far, this oil spill is one of the biggest on record and is scheduled to surpass the Exxon Valdez tragedy. President Obama has called he Deepwater Horizon spill "the greatest environmental disaster of its kind in our history."

Businesses & Industries Suffer Economic Harm
The oil spill has already had a significant effect on the delicate natural resources located throughout the Gulf Coast. The oil contamination has impacted fish, shellfish, marine mammals, turtles, birds, and other aquatic creatures and their habitats, including wetlands, beaches, mudflats, bottom sediments, corals, and the water column. It is likely the contamination will continue to harm generations of sea life as they endeavor to spawn and mature. News reports comment that the substantial fishing industry located in the Gulf is completely "crippled" by the devastating clouds of floating oil.

Businesses Potentially Affected by the Oil Spill

• Commercial fishermen
• Recreational fishing guides
• Commercial shrimpers
• Seafood sellers
• Seafood processing plants
• Charter boat owners
• Commercial property owners
• Local restaurants
• Other businesses that are dependent on the aquatic resources found in the Gulf of Mexico

What to Do If You've Been Harmed
If your business is dependant on the natural resources found in the Gulf Coast and has lost income or the potential of future earnings due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. The National Justice Coalition is comprised of preeminent attorneys who have extensive experience in all types of tort litigation. Contact the National Justice Coalition to learn how our attorneys may be able to help you.