Florida Lawyers Represent Fishermen & Charter Boats Affected by the BP Oil Spill

Many fishermen along the Gulf Coast lost their livelihood during the 2010 crisis

The 2010 blowout at the Macondo oil well site triggered an unprecedented maritime catastrophe. Huge swaths of the Gulf of Mexico, a major hub of transportation and commercial and recreational fishing, were closed to commercial use. The spill continues to threaten the health of marine life in the Gulf, where 40 percent of U.S. seafood originates.

Those who make their living on the sea have suffered horribly as a result of the BP oil disaster. Fishermen of all types were unable to catch anything during critical times of the season. The perception and sales of Gulf Coast seafood have declined significantly. Many fish close to the well have deformities from chemical poisoning. Large numbers of fishermen have reported chronic medical problems following the spill. The Downs Law Group works for the recreational and commercial fishing community to get compensation for those suffering in the aftermath of the spill. If you need compensation, one of our lawyers can advise you about your specific legal options.

How did the spill affect the fishing industry?

The closure of key fishing grounds at the outset of the crisis was estimated to cost the Louisiana fishing industry between $115 and $172 million in lost revenue. For several years prior, the industry from that state had reported revenues of roughly $270 million. The other states along the Gulf of Mexico have been hit similarly hard.

As well, fish are being reported to have serious deformities and high chemical concentrations in their bodies. Deformities have been found in Gulf Coast fish, including:

Damage to gills Liver damage Fish and crabs missing eyes

Reproductive failures High rates of tumors Crabs missing claws

The damage to the fishing industry could take years to fully heal. If you are in the fishing community and related industries and have suffered as a result, you may have a claim for compensation against the companies operating the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform.

What health problems are Gulf Coast fishermen experiencing?

Those who work on the water and handle commercial fish species for a living are at risk for exposure to high levels of oil and other chemicals. Health experts are particularly concerned with chemical concentrations in rainwater that coastal populations must endure. Medical issues that have arisen in the wake of the BP oil spill have included:

Painful, chronic rashes Severe sinus issues Migraines and headaches Blisters and lesions Muscle spasms and seizures

Gastrointestinal complications Difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems Memory loss and neurological problems Heart palpitations Hazy vision and eye problems

There is evidence to suggest that long-term effects include cancer, kidney failure and a host of stomach problems. Many victims will require significant medical benefits to offset costs and missed work.

Dispersants, such as Corexit, have been found to be extremely toxic and were released on cleanup workers and fishermen without any suitable warning. If you are a boat crew member or a fisherman who has suffered from unusual health problems following the BP oil spill, our lawyers can advise you about your specific legal options and the BP compensation fund.

Contact our firm for a free initial consultation about your BP oil spill experience

Fishermen working on the Gulf of Mexico have endured horrible conditions following the BP oil spill. The Downs Law Group fights on behalf of hardworking individuals who have lost their business or health to the negligence of those responsible for the Deepwater Horizon accident. Many people have legal options. Contact us at 305-444-8226 or online to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.