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On April 20, 2010, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig started a chain of events that has caused, and will continue to cause, untold devastation to thousands living and working along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Both the tragedy of the lives lost in the explosion itself, and the catastrophe of the massive continuing oil leak, have impacted the lives and livelihoods of many.

Aerial View, 2010 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

The Colvin Law Firm wants to help, and is seeking to represent both individuals and businesses who have incurred damages as a result of this leak. Because the crisis is so extensive, there are many types of damages which may be recoverable. These include property damages, lost wages and/or income, lost profits and earning capacity, lost revenues, and lost commercial and subsistence use of natural resources. Furthermore, a wide array of people may be able to make claims, including commercial fisherman, boat owners, owners of waterside businesses, including restaurants, marinas, and many other establishments, and companies involved in commercial fishing, oystering, and shrimping, as well as seafood processing and packaging.

Please contact us today to discuss your potential claim. Our attorneys are ready and eager to assist you in this time of need.

(Pictured: "Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico April 29 View [Detail]", originally uploaded to flickr by NASA Goddard.)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I file a claim through BP’s online process or their claims offices?

In general, you should speak to an attorney before taking action on any claim for damages. Attorneys can ensure that you are informed of all of your options and help you to make the choice that’s right for you, not BP. Contact us to discuss your claim.

I heard businesses can get loans to help them through this time. Is that true?

Yes, the Small Business Association is providing loans to businesses affected by the Oil Spill. We can discuss your loan options with you at your consultation, and more information is available at the SBA website or by contacting us.

I smell oil. Is the air safe?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently monitoring the air quality in our area. This monitoring began on April 28, 2010. According to the EPA’s website, the odor may cause symptoms such as headache or nausea, and they recommend limiting your exposure by staying indoors, closing windows, and setting your air conditioner on recirculation mode. If the nausea is severe or you experience other medical issues, the EPA recommends that you seek medical care as soon as possible. If you are experiencing these medical side effects, contact us to discuss your legal rights.

For more information on this topic, visit the EPA’s website.

Is my drinking water safe?

As of now, the EPA states that the oil spill is not currently expected to affect drinking water. The oil is not expected to move far enough upstream to affect drinking water intakes. However, if you have any concerns about your water, the EPA advises you to contact your water utility.

For more information on this topic, visit the EPA’s website.

How is fishing currently impacted?

The areas of fishing closures, both commercial and recreational, are constantly changing. For the most up-to-date information, check the NOAA Fisheries Service website. NOAA provides online updates daily to the closure area boundaries by 11:00 a.m. Central Time.

Can I eat local fish, oysters, and seafood?

The EPA states on its website that all seafood harvested before the State of Louisiana closed certain fishing areas on April 30, 2010, should be safe from oil contamination. They also state that the closure was a precautionary measure, and that the FDA and NOAA are continuing to monitor the situation. More information can be found on the EPA’s website.

Are the dispersants being used to clean up the spill safe?

According to the EPA, people working with dispersants should wear a face mask or air-supplied breathing apparatus to protect their noses, throats, and lungs, and they should wear nitrile or PVC gloves, coveralls, boots, and chemical splash goggles to keep dispersants off their skin and out of their eyes. The EPA states that the use of dispersants is an “environmental trade-off,” and that dispersants are generally less toxic than the oils they break down. The EPA is also clear that it is too early in the process for them to know what the scope of the natural resource damage resulting from the use of dispersants will be. They urge citizens to stay informed, consulting sources like NOAA and DOI. For more information, please see the EPA’s website. The CDC also has information on the health hazards that are created by dispersant use and how to reduce them, which you can find here. For more information regarding your legal rights in relation to dispersant use, contact us.