Recently, President Obama announced that BP will set aside $20 billion to pay victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. BP will also create a $100 million fund to compensate oil rig workers who are not able to work because of the disaster.

 
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded on April 20th. Since then, the economic impact of the BP explosion has affected the jobs of tens of thousands of workers along the Gulf Coast. Those affected include oil rig workers who cannot work because of the temporary ban on offshore oil drilling. The $100 million fund is specifically for reimbursing those oil rig workers who are not able to work because of the drilling moratorium.

 
BP has a claims line on their website. Idled workers can also make a claim by phone: 1-800-440-0858.

 
While it is not necessary to have an attorney in order to make a claim, you may want the advice or the assistance of an attorney. The New Orleans maritime injury attorneys at The Young Firm assist victims of offshore accidents every day.  If you have questions about your rights, contact our office at 866-938-6113 or request our free book: Employee’s Guide To Maritime Injury Law.