Were you in business at the time of the BP Oil Spill in April, 2010? There is less than a year, until April of 2014, to file a claim in the BP Court Supervised Settlement. This is the third in a series explaining the settlement.
EACH ZONE HAS DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS
Qualifying areas are defined by zones. In Zone A there is no financial test. Most businesses and non-profits in Zone A automatically qualify. In Southwest Florida, Sanibel and Captiva are in Zone A.
Zone C varies from 1 mile to 20 miles inland. Zone D may be up to 325 miles inland. Zone C and D qualification calculations are different. The entire states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama and specific counties in Texas and Florida are inlcuded. The Florida counties are those touching the Gulf from the panhandle to the Keys.
The 1200+ page agreement has many exceptions and inclusions. A quick glance at financial records cannot determine a claimant’s eligibility. It is a court process and potential claimants are well advised to consult an attorney. Legal representation may begin with an Authority to Represent. (For specific questions regarding your eligibility in the Settlement Program, use this contact form.)
ELIGIBLE BUSINESS NEED NOT BE TIED TO TOURISM
Most businesses and non-profits located in the area defined above are eligible. A connection to tourism, seafood or the Gulf is not necessary to qualify. Businesses as varied as funeral homes and medical practices have qualified. For businesses with multiple locations, there is a specific provision for “multi-facility entities.”
THERE IS AN APRIL 22, 2014 DEADLINE TO FILE A CLAIM. There is no cost to inquire about your eligibility at this link.