The Louisiana coastline is still feeling the effect of the BP oil spill of 2010. Daily collections of tar wash up on the Gulf coast shores. The Coast Guard is trying to determine the long-term environmental effects.
4.6 million pounds of oily material has been collected on Gulf Coast shores. Though the oil spill occurred three years ago, the Deepwater Horizon cleanup is still raging on. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Anderson reports that the cleanup is focused on oil that is harder to find. Tropical storms have buried oil substances under layers of sand and sediment. David Muth of the National Wildlife Federation in New Orleans is concerned about the environmental effects. He is concerned with the effect of residual oil on the wildlife that is nurtured on the shores of the Gulf.
The oil spill disaster is an example of what can happen when deep water drilling goes wrong. The effects will remain with those who live in the Gulf for years to come. Though not on the same scale as the BP disaster, offshore workers are sometimes injured while working on oil rigs. These injured workers are entitled to free medical care and basic living expenses by ship owners. The Doctrine of Maintenance and Cure requires their care until able to return to work.
Injured workers who are having difficulty obtaining proper compensation may consider contacting an attorney. An attorney who specializes in maritime law can help workers get the medical care and financial recovery to which they are entitled.
Source: NPR, “For BP Cleanup, 2013 Meant 4.6 Million Pounds of Oily Gunk,” Debbie Elliott, Dec. 21, 2013
