If the Gulf oil spill has caused property damage, health problems or financial hardship for you or your family, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party. Your options for seeking compensation for damages include:

• Submit a claim directly to the responsible party, BP
• File a civil lawsuit for oil spill damage against the responsible party/parties
• Join a class action lawsuit against the responsible party/parties
• Submit a claim to the National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC)

A qualified personal injury attorney with experience in disaster litigation and maritime law can help you choose the option that best suits your circumstances. For instance, under the Oil Pollution Act it is necessary for you to first submit a claim to BP before you can file a lawsuit or submit a claim to the NPFC. However, you are strongly advised to seek advice from an oil spill lawyer in La before submitting any claims to BP.
Their attorneys will do anything to prevent you from getting the settlement you deserve because of their negligence. You need an aggressive, experienced oil spill lawyer who won’t rest until you have been properly compensated.

A lawyer can also advise you of any class action lawsuits that have been filed by people in a similar situation to yours. Joining one of these class action lawsuits could be your best course of action because it enables a large group of plaintiffs to have their cases consolidated into one case, resulting in greater efficiency of the legal process and lower litigation costs.

When submitting a claim to the NPFC, all documentation relating to proof of damages and related costs must be attached. You must also include proof of submission of your claim to the responsible party. To ensure validity of your claim, it is advantageous to first discuss your case and associated documentation with an experienced La oil spill lawyer. Submitting a claim to the NPFC does not waive your right to file a separate lawsuit for the same damages, but it is important to consult with an attorney familiar with environment law prior to submission.