BP paid $67 million to ill workers and coastal residents affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill as part of the settlement for their claims.
Understanding the Settlement Payments for Survivors
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a catastrophic event that occurred in 2010, led to widespread environmental and economic devastation. In response, BP initiated various compensation programs to address the damages incurred. For individuals directly impacted by the spill—specifically ill workers and coastal residents, often referred to as survivors in this context—a dedicated settlement amount was allocated.
Key Aspects of Compensation to Individuals
The $67 million paid to ill workers and coastal residents represents a specific portion of BP's broader restitution efforts, which also included billions spent on wider economic and environmental restoration. This particular sum was designated to compensate individuals for health-related issues and direct impacts on their coastal residences.
Here's a breakdown of the payments to these survivors:
| Category of Payment | Details | Amount / Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Total Settlement Amount | The collective sum paid to ill workers and coastal residents directly affected by the oil spill. | $67 million |
| Proportion of Recipients | The vast majority of individual claimants who received payments from this specific settlement fund. | 79% |
| Individual Payment Cap | The maximum amount received by the large majority (79%) of the recipients in this particular settlement. | No more than $1,300 |
This structure indicates that while a substantial sum was made available for these specific claims, the individual compensation received by most of the directly affected people was relatively modest. The $67 million settlement aimed to address the immediate and personal impacts on the health and living conditions of those in the affected coastal communities.
