BP Oil Spill Lawsuits: Gulf Rig Explosion And Oil Spill Is Not BP's First Rodeo
The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico after an explosion on a BP oil rig called Deepwater Horizon, which ultimately collapsed and sunk to the ocean floor, is not the first major explosion of a BP operation. In 2005, a BP refinery in Texas City, Texas exploded after efforts to restart a unit shut down for repairs led to a release of gas vapors and liquids. The liquids and vapors ignited and demolished a large part of the property causing 15 deaths and almost 200 other injuries.
BP was hit with fines totaling over $137 million for violations of the Clean Air Act and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations for uncorrected safety hazards.
Those involved in the lawsuits spawned from this incident have observed that BP's present tactics are similar to then. They include publicly stating they would accept responsibility and they were being transparent, and then attempting to prevent disclosure of information and the attempt to publicly blame others. Those familiar with BP's tactics also say that it will use all legal means possible to avoid responsibility and use their resources to their advantage.
Reports also exist that BP has attempted to settle prospective lawsuits with individuals for $5,000 in exchange for a release from any further liability. This before any damage had even occurred.
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