Personal Injury Law

Georgia Oil Spill Update -The BP Oil Spill $20B Fund

Image by cayobo via Flickr

What is an escrow fund?

The money is put into an escrow account to ensure that an amount  will handle oil spill claims. BP does not have access to the money once it has been released the US Government.

Where does the $20 billion go?

The escrow fund  will be handled by an Independent Claims Facility (ICF), designed for claims of individuals and businesses who have been harmed by the oil spill. The Fund will be used to pay claims decided by the Independent Claims Facility. Expect natural resource damage costs and state and local response costs to be pulled from the Fund.

Is the $20 billion accessible now?

Not by any stretch. BP  must pay $5 billion per year over the course of four years at a minimum. The company will make initial payments into the escrow fund of $3 billion this summer and $2 billion in the fall, followed by $1.25 billion per quarter until the $20 billion figure is reached.

Does the Fund limit BP's liability?

It does not. If paid claims are more than the commitment, BP is on the hook 

How does a claimant receive money from the fund?

No specifics yet. The claims process will be hands off for BP. Claims denials are reviewed by a three-judge panel. BP can only appeal claims exceeding $500,000.

Expect more details in July. 

Full post as published by A Georgia Lawyer on June 25, 2010 (boomark / email).