Florida Lawyers Represent BP Cleanup Workers with Medical Issues
Thousands exposed to dangerous conditions along the Gulf Coast after the 2010 spill
The hard work and effort of contract personnel and volunteers have helped restore huge swaths of the shorelines and bayous along Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. But the benefit to the region has come at a terrible price for the workers involved. At the height of the effort, more than 150,000 people were involved. Many were directly exposed, with inadequate protection and safety gear, to oil and chemicals. Some have noted that management dismissed safety concerns.
The Downs Law Group offers assistance to cleanup personnel who need help with filing a claim for medical benefits or seeking legal action for other harms. We make the process as straightforward as possible and give our clients the best chance of a successful claim. If you worked to restore the Gulf of Mexico and have medical issues, one of our lawyers can advise you about your legal options.
What conditions have many cleanup workers been diagnosed with?
Recovery personnel working in the Gulf of Mexico following the 2010 British Petroleum oil spill have faced dangerous conditions with inadequate safety measures and backbreaking work. Many were sickened at the time. Others have experienced reccurring health problems since the disaster. Workers who tried to use respirators or other additional safety equipment were told they would be fired if they continued to do so.
Many conditions are directly linked to chemical poisons from dispersants or oil. Common illnesses that have been reported include:
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These medical conditions that people have reported, such as neurological conditions and respiratory problems, are alleged to be the result of overexposure to chemicals from the oil spill. Long-term medical bills can be very expensive. Workers suffering from health problems can consult with one of our attorneys about their specific possibilities for compensation.
Does the British Petroleum settlement fund pay cleanup workers who were injured?
The compensation fund established as part of a deal between the federal government and BP offers several levels of compensation for workers who suffer from medical problems as a result of the oil spill cleanup efforts.
Categories for which compensation is available include:
- Acute conditions — Brief illnesses that did not require hospitalization are eligible for up to $1,300 in compensation. Others who were hospitalized and have proper documentation may receive as much as $12,350. Examples of acute conditions include temporary eye problems and sinus issues.
- Chronic conditions — Cleanup workers with long-term illnesses that continue to affect them may be eligible for as much as $60,700 in compensation for medical bills and other expenses. Examples of chronic conditions include stomach complications that persist well after your cleanup work was completed.
The amount of money available for reimbursement also increases for those who were hospitalized overnight, especially for a week or more. Not all illnesses or cases are eligible for compensation, and many do not qualify for the maximum amount available. Our attorneys can advise you on your specific situation and simplify the process of filing a claim for medical benefits.
Contact us for a free initial consultation regarding benefits available to cleanup workers
The sacrifices of subcontractor recovery personnel and volunteers have done much to restore the Gulf of Mexico to safer conditions. The Downs Law Group represents those workers who have experienced short- or long-term medical problems as a result of the spill. Contact us at 305-444-8226 or online to schedule a free initial consultation about your options.
