BP Settlements Likely to Shield Top Defendants (similar to 9/11 victims compensation fund)

[maddezmom]

Source: NYT

BP Settlements Likely to Shield Top Defendants
By IAN URBINA
Published: August 20, 2010

WASHINGTON — People and businesses seeking a lump-sum settlement from BP’s $20 billion oil spill compensation fund will most likely have to waive their right to sue not only BP, but also all the other major defendants involved with the spill, according to internal documents from the lawyers handling the fund.

The documents — which include e-mails, draft and final versions of the protocols, claims forms and legal notes about the administration of the fund — provide the first definitive picture of who will be paid by the $20 billion fund, and how and when.

They also shed new light on the components of the payment plan that are likely to stir controversy, including the fund’s emphasis on geographic proximity as a determining factor for eligibility.

The fund is being administered by a prominent Washington lawyer, Kenneth R. Feinberg, who declined to be interviewed about the documents but verified their authenticity.



Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/us/20spill.html?_r=1&hp

[dipsydoodle]

1. Emphasis on geographic proximity

as a determining factor for eligibility.

Isn't that understandable ? Surely those are the most affected. :shrug:

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

2. Is shielding top defendants a problem?

If I accept a settlement, and part of the settlement agreement is my promise not to sue, is this a problem?

I mean, if I accept a settlement and the other party agrees to the settlement, then the issue is settled, right?

Isn't that sort of the meaning of "settlement"?

Sometimes I wish the 9/11 settlement agreement had gone further, to include a "STFU clause". When they show up on TV complaining that the plans for memorials are not elaborate enough, it's annoying.

:hi:

[V_Byl]

3. I don't see why it'd be a problem...

...or your choice is to sue to collect your money, if that's how you want to spend your time. Guess I don't understand this one either - it isn't shielding them from criminal charges.

[Francesca9]

5. right

A lot of people need to settle quickly - so they settle a lot cheaper.

BP's stock is going up since the 20 billion dollar fund began. It is good for BP.

I suppose it is good for those who need to settle quickly.

[unblock]

6. normally the agreement is not to sue the one you settle with. other parties are on their own.

it's not normal to agree not to sue ANYONE related to an incident, even parties you didn't settle with.

[dipsydoodle]

4. Kick.

.

[kpete]

7. BP Settlements Likely to Shield Top Defendants

Source: New York Times

BP Settlements Likely to Shield Top Defendants
By IAN URBINA

WASHINGTON — People and businesses seeking a lump-sum settlement from BP’s $20 billion oil spill compensation fund will most likely have to waive their right to sue not only BP, but also all the other major defendants involved with the spill, according to internal documents from the lawyers handling the fund.


The documents — which include e-mails, draft and final versions of the protocols, claims forms and legal notes about the administration of the fund — provide the first definitive picture of who will be paid by the $20 billion fund, and how and when.

They also shed new light on the components of the payment plan that are likely to stir controversy, including the fund’s emphasis on geographic proximity as a determining factor for eligibility.

The fund is being administered by a prominent Washington lawyer, Kenneth R. Feinberg, who declined to be interviewed about the documents but verified their authenticity.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/us/20spill.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss

[snot]

8. K&R'd