ES&C Pensacola Attorneys – Representing Victims of the BP Oil Spill

The BP oil spill has impacted thousands of individuals in the surrounding area. Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon, a Pensacola law firm, are dedicated to providing people with the legal protection they will need.

Each day for nearly four weeks, an estimated 210,000 gallons of crude oil has gushed into the Gulf of Mexico as a result of the explosion of a BP oil rig on April 20. In addition to causing extensive environmental damage, this disaster could have a dramatic impact on the economy of the Gulf region and severely impact the livelihoods of those who depend on the ocean's resources and on Gulf Coast tourism for their incomes.

Since the explosion, which killed 11 crewmembers and critically injured three, BP has reportedly spent $16 million a day in its efforts to stop the flow and clean up the mess. On May 16, the company succeeded in inserted a pipe into the well to siphon off some of the oil and pump it to a ship on the surface. However, it is not known how much of the oil the siphon will retrieve, and BP acknowledges that this is merely a stopgap measure to minimize spillage until the well can be permanently sealed.

So far, an estimated 5.5 million gallons of oil have leaked into the Gulf, although the discovery of enormous plumes of oil deep under water suggests that the actual amount may be much higher. Scientists fear that the spill could create an environmental and economic disaster in the region. President Barack Obama has stated that the spill "could seriously damage the economy and the environment of our gulf states and it could extend for a long time…. It could jeopardize the livelihoods of thousands of Americans who call this place home."

Obama and others are especially concerned about the $2.4 billion fishing industry, which already has been impacted by the closing of large areas of ocean to fishing. In addition, the huge tourism industry - $65 billion in Florida alone - could be severely affected if tourists shy away from the Gulf's coastal resorts.

Although the federal government is helping with the cleanup, President Obama has stressed repeatedly that BP will be financially responsible for all costs associated with stopping the spill, cleaning up the oil and paying claims resulting from the disaster. BP has said it will cover "legitimate" claims, which it defined as "claims that have some substantiation."

The attorneys of Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon have been monitoring the events in the Gulf and are concerned about the impact of the spill on this ecologically sensitive and naturally beautiful region. We are dismayed to see the Gulf's natural wonders and resources blighted and polluted. We are also sensitive to the stress and economic hardship this disaster may cause to the great people of the region.

If you have been affected by the BP oil spill, please consider consulting the law offices of Emmanuel, Sheppard & Condon at (850) 444-4878. A BP oil spill Pensacola lawyer at ES&C will review your situation and advise you regarding your rights and potential legal action.