BP Accused of “Coercive” Tactics in Oil Spill Claims Process

Attorneys representing thousands of plaintiffs who have allegedly been harmed by the last year’s massive oil spill recently filed a motion in Louisiana federal court claiming that BP has employed “coercive” tactics when dealing with individuals seeking compensation from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF).

The motion claims that BP’s actions are in violation of the Oil Pollution Act and requests Judge Carl Barbier appoint a special master to ensure that both BP and the GCCF are compliant. The motion also requests that Barbier place a hold on releases that were signed by claimants who gave up their rights to sue BP in exchange for receiving quick payments.

Just last week, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder requested and independent audit of the GCCF which should begin before the end of the year.

The GCCF denies claims that they have violated the OPA and says that the court’s review of the claims process with show that the GCCF is “substantially exceeding … all of the OPA’s requirements.”