BP Oil Spill Claims in Hollywood, Florida

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico, killing eleven workers, devastating marine ecosystems, and leaving an enduring toll on the health, livelihoods, and property of millions of people across the Gulf Coast. It remains the worst man-made environmental disaster in U.S. history. At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., we have aggressively represented Florida residents and businesses affected by this disaster and the negligence of BP, Transocean, and Halliburton.

What Caused the Deepwater Horizon Explosion?

The explosion was not an accident. It was the predictable result of a series of deliberate, negligent decisions made in the name of cost savings and speed.

On the night of the explosion, the Deepwater Horizon was sealing an oil well approximately 5,000 feet below the surface in preparation for a future rig to extract the oil. A surge of highly pressurized methane gas shot up the well, was sucked into the rig’s diesel engines, and caused them to over-rev and explode. The blast was powerful enough to tear three-inch-thick fire-rated steel doors from their hinges. Within minutes, multiple explosions followed. Two days later, the rig sank to the bottom of the Gulf.

Prior investigations revealed that the blowout preventer (BOP), the primary safety mechanism designed to seal the well, had a damaged annular gasket, caused when someone moved the shaft while it was engaged. Large chunks of rubber were coming up in the drilling fluid, crew members reported it to management, and were told to keep drilling. On top of that, one of the two BOP control units had a hydraulic fluid leak and a failing battery, issues that BP was fully aware of.

The final trigger was a dispute between BP and Transocean management over how to finish sealing the well. The Transocean manager wanted to keep the drilling fluid (“mud”) in the column to maintain pressure until all three concrete plugs were set. The BP manager ordered the mud removed before the final plug was in place, a decision that saved time and money at the cost of the pressure barrier keeping explosive gas contained. When the bottom plug failed and the damaged BOP couldn’t compensate, the result was catastrophic.

The 2010 Gulf oil spill was entirely preventable. If the damaged equipment had been repaired, if the proper sealing procedure had been followed, or if anyone with authority had stopped the operation, this disaster would not have happened.

Who Can File a BP Oil Spill Claim?

Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the parties responsible for an oil spill are liable for all resulting damages. Rosen & Ohr, P.A. represents clients across the following categories:

• Commercial fishermen, crabbers, shrimpers, oystermen, and seafood processors
• Diving and fishing charter boat operators and their deckhands
• Restaurants, hotels, and other tourism-dependent coastal businesses
• Marinas and boat dealerships
• Real estate agents, brokers, rental managers, and investors with coastal property
• Any individual or business that lost income as a result of the spill
• Anyone suffering from physical illness caused or exacerbated by the spill or the chemical cleanup response

How to Prepare Your Claim

The strength of your claim depends largely on the documentation you can provide. Whether you are a business owner, a property owner, or an individual suffering health consequences, the following steps will significantly improve your chances of a successful recovery:

1. Preserve all business records and receipts going back at least five years. The more clearly we can establish your pre-spill income and profit margins, the stronger your economic damages claim will be. Even if your business does not typically keep detailed records, gather whatever documentation you have.
2. Document all cancelled reservations and lost bookings. For hotels, restaurants, and tourism operators, keep a log of every cancellation since April 21, 2010, including the date, the customer’s contact information, the reason given (where provided), and the resulting revenue loss.
3. Document the value and condition of your assets. Economic damages from the spill extend beyond lost income. If you own coastal or near-coastal property, the spill may have significantly reduced its value. We can help you prepare a depreciation claim supported by appropriate records and valuations.
4. Keep a detailed health log if you have experienced any symptoms. Oil spills and the chemical dispersants used to clean them often contaminate food, water, and air. If you have experienced any changes in your health, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, gastrointestinal symptoms, or other concerns, document the date symptoms began, the nature of the symptoms, and any known or possible exposure to oil or dispersants. See a doctor immediately if you have not already done so, and keep all medical records.

Do You Need a BP Oil Spill Attorney?

You are not legally required to have an attorney to file a claim, but consider this: BP has a large team of attorneys whose job is to minimize what they pay out. Going up against that without legal representation puts you at a serious disadvantage.

At Rosen & Ohr, P.A., we don’t just file paperwork. We:

• Review every aspect of your claim before filing to ensure nothing is left out, and all supporting evidence is properly presented
• Scrutinize any settlement documents or liability waivers before you sign. Accepting a settlement requires waiving your right to future legal action, and that is not a decision to make without experienced counsel
• Identify all potentially liable parties beyond BP, including Transocean, Halliburton, and Cameron International
• Build the strongest possible case that your claim is legitimate and your losses are fully documented

Every claim is different. Before deciding whether to proceed on your own, call us for a free consultation. We will give you an honest assessment of your situation and what we can do to help.

Contact a BP Oil Spill Attorney at Rosen & Ohr, P.A.

If you or your business has suffered income loss, property damage, or physical harm as a result of the Deepwater Horizon disaster, you may still have legal options. The attorneys at Rosen & Ohr, P.A. are experienced, dedicated to this cause, and ready to serve clients throughout Hollywood, South Florida, and across the state.

Call us at (954) 981-1852 or contact us online for a free consultation.