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Gulf of Mexico Ship Crash Caused by Pilot Fatigue...
Posted on 10/15/2011
Longshoreman Killed in Second Philadelphia Port Accident in Two Weeks...
Posted on 9/10/2011
Gulf of Mexico Seaman Killed in Offshore Crane Accident...
Posted on 9/4/2011
Drunken Captain Accused; Two Galveston Area Seamen Thrown Overboard...
Posted on 7/31/2011
Fourteen Barges Hit New Orleans Levee...
Posted on 6/25/2011

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What Tricks May My Company Use To Hurt My Claim after the DEEPWATER tragedy?

The most common tactic used in a mass accident situation such as the DEEPWATER HORIZON is to begin immediate payment of relatively low settlements to any individuals willing to accept such. It is very likely that many of the more than 120 individuals on board will not want to return to offshore or maritime employment due either to physical injuries or the traumatic situation that they endured. These individuals may have claims worth hundreds of thousands of dollars depending upon their earnings, and age, at the time of this accident.

Additionally, it is possible that there may be an award of punitive damages against one or more of the companies involved in this accident. In the situation of punitive damages, it is possible that all individuals may share in such damages to some extent. None of these issues are determined at this time and a quick, fast settlement from any company involved in this accident would prevent any of these issues from being addressed at a later date.

Although a settlement of $100,000.00 or even $200,000.00 may sound high, this amount may be a mere fraction of what an individual truly deserves depending upon his or her situation. Under no circumstances would we recommend even considering a settlement without discussing the value of the settlement with an experienced, specialized maritime attorney who can evaluate the claim.