BP attorney suggests that the oil giant might seek to cap spill claims at $75 million

[DJ13]

Sat Oct 16, 12:30 pm ET

n a seemingly never-ending parade of radio, television, print and web ads, in addition to numerous official statements, BP officials have repeatedly insisted that the company intends to make the Gulf Coast and its residents "whole" again. In the latest such PR blitz, BP employee and New Orleans native Iris Cross reiterates that the company will do everything it has to do in order to "make this right."

But yesterday in federal court, an attorney for the oil giant sent shockwaves throughout the Gulf region by suggesting that BP may seek shelter under the $75 million liability cap polluters can invoke under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.

U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, who's presiding over the more than 300 consolidated lawsuits against the company, was taken aback when BP attorney Don Haycraft floated the idea of the liability cap. Barbier replied simply that "BP said it would pay whatever necessary." Steven Herman, a plaintiffs attorney in the case, also registered surprise. "We're shocked over here to hear the defendants now bring up this $75 million cap," he said. "We were under the impression it was waived."

Haycraft did not dispute BP's oft-repeated stance -- but he also noted that the company has already forked over "lots and lots" of money, suggesting that the Oil Pollution Act could help stanch the company's cash outlays in reparation to spill victims who've lost income as a result of the disaster.....

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/bp-attorney-suggests-that-the-oil-giant-might-seek-to-cap-spill-claims-at-75-million

:mad:

[lob1]

1. BP has spent more than 75 mil on its self promoting TV ads.

BP is nothing but a gangster organization like the Crips or Bloods. Only BP doesn't just kill people, they kill eco-systems, too. And this administration backs every lie BP tells.

[hobbit709]

2. Madame Guillotine, let me introduce you to BP.

[City Lights]

3. If they're gonna cap their losses then their gains need to be capped as well.

:nuke:

[Downtown Hound]

4. Is there anybody here that actually believed them when they said they "would make this right?"

Because if you did, then welcome to your first lesson in corporatism.