The criminal case against British Petroleum for the fatal Deepwater Horizon drilling rig disaster of 2010 concluded earlier this year. The judge in the case allowed BP to plead guilty to 14 criminal charges in exchange for a $4 billion dollar fine. The plea bargain has upset victims of the catastrophe, comparing the fine to a slap on the wrist for the British oil giant.
The Deepwater Horizon spill
On April 10, 2010, an oil well one mile beneath the surface of the water in the Gulf of Mexico blew out, causing an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig at the surface. Eleven people were killed and numerous others injured as a result of the explosion of the drilling rig.
Oil leaked unabated into the ocean for three months following the incident and, some believe, may still be leaking. Human injuries continue to mount due to the oil and dispersant – chemicals added to the oil to aid in clean-up – which pollute the ocean and coastline of the southern states.
Scientists and public officials gathered in January to discuss the continued effects on people who live and work along the shoreline. In the wake of the largest oil spill in U.S. history, it was clear that responsible parties for the clean-up were unprepared to adequately deal with the disaster. Public and political leaders grew increasingly alarmed at the number of dispersants used both at the surface and deep within the ocean.
Effects of chemical poisoning from the oil clean-up
Thousands of people have suffered health injuries from the oil spill, and gulf residents, clean-up workers, and fishermen are still reporting new signs of chemical exposure. Common health symptoms suffered by workers and coastline residents include such issues as:
- Eye, nose and throat irritation
- Respiratory issues
- Seizures
- Vomiting which is often violent and lasts for hours
- Skin irritation or lesions
- Short-term memory loss and confusion
- Liver, kidney or nervous system damage
- Hypertension
- Miscarriage, birth defects or developmental disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer
Fortunately for victims of the catastrophe, the end of the criminal case against BP does not bar civil actions against the company. A civil lawsuit commencing on February 25, 2013, may force BP to pay billions of dollars more in fines.
If you or a loved one suffers from an oil rig, refinery or offshore accident, consult a personal injury attorney with extensive knowledge regarding such injuries as you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
