Loss of Income Damages from Oil Spills

The BP Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to expand. The leak is flowing into the water at 5,000 barrels per day or more. The tourism and seafood industries of the Gulf Coast face devastation, along with their ecosystems. Oil Spill Lawsuit damages from this spill may include but aren’t limited to:

Losses in Commercial Fishing
Losses in the Shrimping Industry
Losses in the Oyster Industry
Losses in Seafood Packaging
Losses in Seafood Processing
Losses by Dock or Marina Owners
Damages to Private Boat Owners
Losses to Restaurants or Other Tourism-Related Businesses
Damages to Personal Property
Damages to Real Estate
Loss of Rental Income
Loss of Vacation Deposit
Losses to Local Governments
Losses to State Governments
Under federal law, businesses or individuals who have lost profits or income due to an oil spill may submit a claim for lost profits or earning capacity. Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, those deemed liable for a spill are responsible for such damages.

If you suffered a loss of income because of this oil spill, you are entitled to damages equal to the loss of profits or impairment of earning capacity due to the injury, destruction, or loss of property or natural resources. Anyone with loss of profits or income may make such a claim. You do not have to own the damaged property or resources to submit a claim.

To be valid, you must be able to prove the damage was caused by an oil spill that falls under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

Oil must have caused the damage.
The damage must come about as a result of a discharge or substantial threat of discharge of oil.
The discharge or substantial threat of discharge must be to a navigable water of the United States.
The discharge or substantial threat of discharge must come from a vessel or facility.