BP, DOJ: Spill Settlement Near?

A deal on the civil and criminal liabilities arising from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster is reportedly in the works between BP PLC and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that, according to reliable sources, the potential settlement with the DOJ will resolve BP’s biggest remaining liability from the Gulf Coast rig explosion that killed 11 workers and led to the worst offshore oil spill in U.S. history.

The company had settled a $7.8 billion deal earlier with a large group that included condominium owners, fishermen, hoteliers, restaurant owners among others who claimed that their livelihood was affected by the spill, according to a Reuters report.

However, the deal with the DOJ could still stall out as there are significant differences between the parties that must be resolved including the energy giant’s degree of negligence and which laws the federal government uses to assess penalties, writes WSJ.

BP could be liable for $5.4 billion to $21 billion in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act if it were found to be grossly negligent, a charge the company has denied, reports WSJ.

If you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to dangerous pollutants, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you.

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