Attorneys general representing Gulf Coast states are urging residents considering filing claims with BP for losses related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill to be careful what they sign. Attorneys general representing Gulf Coast states are urging residents considering filing claims with BP for losses related to the Deepwater Horizon explosion and spill to be careful what they sign.
In a notice posted Thursday on his website, Louisiana AG Buddy Caldwell delineates the three types of claims residents may file through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility: interim payments, final payments, and quick final payments. The latter two, Caldwell warns, require the signing of release forms that prohibit claimants from filing future claims for unforeseen damages:
The Gulf Coast Attorneys General strongly urge all claimants to proceed with caution in evaluating whether to accept an offer of final payment or quick final payment from the GCCF or to sign any release. Claimants considering making a quick final payment claim should also evaluate whether their total possible damages exceed the set amount offered for such claims - $5,000.00 for individuals or $25,000.00 for businesses. Claimants should be aware that by accepting either form of final offer and signing the release, they are agreeing that they can never recover any additional money from BP or any other responsible party for damages resulting from the oil spill.
Read the full release here.