On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico and created one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history. In the days and months following the explosion, more than 170 million gallons of oil were released into the Gulf of Mexico. Tens of thousands of individuals and business suffered significant losses as a direct result of the oil spill. Beggs & Lane attorneys have experience handling complex environmental and business loss litigation. Our firm has concentrated its focus on business and property related losses in the following general areas:
Business Related Losses: In Florida alone, tourism is a $60 billion dollar a year industry. Individuals and business that rely heavily on tourism suffered some of the most significant losses. Hotels, restaurants, condominium owners, charter fishing boats, movie theaters, entertainment centers, and other retail business on the beach were particularly hard hit. The ripple effect of those losses has been felt by businesses and professionals across our region.
Commercial Fisherman/Seafood Industry: At over 1.3 billion pounds of annual seafood production, the Gulf of Mexico produces more finfish, shrimp and shellfish than the south and mid-Atlantic, Chesapeake and New England combined. Thousands of fishermen, oystermen, crabbers, shrimpers, and seafood processors who derive income and profits from the seafood industry suffered losses as a result of the oil spill.
Real Estate Related Losses: An existing nationwide decline in real estate and construction during 2010 was only made worse for Gulf Coast residents and businesses. As a direct consequence of the oil spill, numerous contractors, developers, beach property owners, rental managers, rental agents, and many others saw reduced income and profits during 2010.
If you or your business were damaged by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the attorneys at Beggs & Lane can advise you how to assert your claim, and the best methods for maximizing your recovery. If you have property damage, business losses, cleanup expenses or other costs because of the oil spill, please call us at (850) 432-2451.
