A recent ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Carl Barbier has opened the door for some of the more than 100,000 claimants seeking compensation for economic loss stemming from the Deepwater Horizon disaster to sue BP for punitive damages. Trial is set to begin on February 27, 2012 and will be divided into three distinct phases. The first phase will focus on how the blowout and subsequent rig fire occurred, the second phase will concentrate on efforts to contain the resulting spill as well as attempt to determine the amount that was released and the third phase will deal with cleanup and recovery work following the spill. Judge Barbier also dismissed all claims filed under state law ruling that maritime law governs.
If you or a loved one were hurt in an offshore accident, contact the Jones Act lawyers at Zehl & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation: 1 1-888-302-3838. Our firm is one of few chosen to represent victims of the Deepwater Horizon rig disaster against BP, Transocean and others.
Source: nola.com
