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GCCF Settlements Not Subject to 6 Percent Order
Serving Alabama, Mississippi & Florida including Mobile, Pascagoula, Gulfport, Biloxi & Pensacola
You may have heard about a ruling from Judge Barbier on December 28, 2011, that ordered a 6 percent set aside of all settlement money, including settlements made through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, for possible payment to the committee of lawyers leading the oil spill lawsuit in New Orleans. This order was roundly criticized as BP, the U.S. Department of Justice, the states of Florida and Alabama, and attorneys outside the New Orleans litigation said the order was not fair to those who were settling out of court.
A new order issued by Judge Barbier on January 4, 2012, addressed these concerns. In the new order, people who reach a settlement with BP through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility and who do not also have claims pending in the New Orleans litigation, do not have to pay the 6 percent set aside.
There are people and businesses that have filed "short forms" with the Court in New Orleans to keep their litigation options open. Some of these same claimants may also be negotiating with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility and would be subject to the 6 percent contribution because, as the order states, they could benefit from the work of the lawyer's in the New Orleans litigation.
The new order is good news for anyone seeking to settle their claims solely through the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. If you believe you have an oil spill claim, or if you own a business that is located near the Gulf Coast, or in any way services the Gulf Coast or it's tourism industry, please contact the Taylor Law Firm. We have forensic accountants that can analyze your financial information and determine if you suffered a loss as a result of the oil spill, even if your overall financial numbers from 2010 and 2011 were better than you thought they would be.
The Taylor Law Firm is handling claims for businesses and individuals all over the Gulf Coast, from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, including the cities of Houston, Biloxi, Gulfport, Pascagoula, Mobile, Pensacola, all of Baldwin County, and we would like discuss your claim with you. Please call us at 855.646.4355 or contact us here.
