Consider hiring a lawyer. An attorney is not necessary to submit a claim to BP, but some claimants may want to seek the advice or assistance of an attorney. In addition, individuals and businesses also have the option to join any pending class action lawsuits against BP and the other culpable parties. In which case, legal representation is usually necessary. Such lawsuits can take years and even decades before punitive damages are paid so it is important to file your claim with BP first. To communicate with BP on your behalf, your attorney must send a letter of representation or the attorney representation form to:
ESIS, Inc.
One Beaver Valley Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
Fax:Â 302-476-6272
Submit your claim to BP and follow up. Once your supporting documentation is received, your claim will be evaluated. If the documentation is approved an advance payment, which will be up to the equivalent of one month lost income, will be provided. The average time between filing a claim and receiving a check is four days for individuals and seven days for more complex business claims that have provided supporting documentation.
If documented losses are larger than the amount of the interim advance payment, then individuals and businesses will receive their second payment about 30 days after their initial advance payment was received. This second check will be for the same amount as the first. If you have provided documentation that demonstrates the losses you incurred are larger than the total amount of interim advance payments, than you must work with a claim’s adjuster to discuss those losses, and pending that discussion, you will receive a supplemental payment for the difference.
BP will continue to evaluate whether additional payments are appropriate because claimants remain out of work due to the spill. To check on the status of a claim if you have not heard from a claim adjuster call 1-800-573-8249.
Beware of Scams. Steer clear of those requesting a payment to submit your claim. Claims will be processed at no cost to you. Also, if you file a claim, or have received payment for interim benefits, NO ONE should ask you to waive any rights to assert additional claims. In addition, after filing a claim, you can still file an individual legal action, or participate in other legal actions associated with the Deepwater Horizon incident.
For more information visit:
BP claims process: A detailed description of the claim intake process
BP claim office locations: A list of 33 claim offices in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida
DisasterAssistance.gov: For specific state information and resources on housing, food, employment and business loans.
Small Business Administration: Fact sheet for economic injury disaster loans