Clearly defined rules. It isn’t that difficult, or at least it shouldn’t be. In any process where a determination is made, where a judgment will be proffered, clearly defined rules not only protect the claimant, they protect the arbitrator. Rules let people know where they stand, what they need to do, what damage they need to show and upon showing said damage, they then have … Continue reading It’s the Transparency, Stupid…
Two interesting articles about the operations from the Gulf Coast Claims Facility in the Times Picayune yesterday, discussing some of the problems many of the fishermen have been having in their attempts to receive compensations from the fund, and some of Feinberg’s responses to these problems. Some highlights: On the plight of Elmer Rogers, a shrimper who has been waiting for compensation since August: “If … Continue reading GCCF Follies from the Times-Picayune…
When it comes to long term damage to the Gulf of Mexico from BP’s oil spill, the University of South Florida, the Coast Guard and even Ken Feinberg have offered their expert and not so expert opinions. The University of South Florida, in a recent study found layers of residue up to several centimeters thick in spots that span across several thousand miles of the … Continue reading USF, Coast Guard and Feinberg…Who You Wanna Believe?
Louisiana Attorney General, Buddy Caldwell, in conjunction with the Attorneys General’s of Mississippi, Florida and Alabama have warned that Feinberg’s third option may not be the best move for everybody. “Claimants considering making a quick final payment claim should also evaluate whether their total damages exceed the set amount offered…even if an unforeseen event such as a future hurricane causes more oil from the spill … Continue reading Gulf Coast Attorneys General Warn Against Feinberg’s Quick Settlement Option
As a result of the Federal lawsuit against British Petroleum for violations of the Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Act, estimates are the resulting fine for British Petroleum could be between $5 and $20 billion dollars, depending primarily upon whether BP is found grossly negligent in the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon. Though these numbers have been written about for months, according to an … Continue reading BP, Feinberg and $4 Billion Dollars
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, ever concerned about the needs of his constituents, spent yesterday attending to Louisianans in the grand ol’ state of Texas. He gave a speech. He hawked his book. He did a fund-raiser. Oh, and while Bobby was out of town again… The National Oil Spill Commission declared that Jindal’s great sand berm idea was ineffective to say the least, largely as … Continue reading Bobby’s Bad Day…in Texas
I grew up in the church. My father is a minister which meant I went to church every Sunday, did the whole baptism, confirmation, altar boy thing and when I was twelve, he took a new job at a church populated with a lot of people who had a lot of money. Not all, granted, but enough of them and I remember being about fifteen … Continue reading Nothing Makes a Cynic Like a Wealthy Church…
“The GCCF takes into account evidence of the connection between the asserted loss and the spill, the nature of the claimant’s job or business, and the extent to which the claimant’s job or business is dependent upon injured property or natural resources,” the letter stated. “In weighing these factors, the GCCF has determined that you did not demonstrate that you lost profits or income as … Continue reading In Denial – BP said “Yes,” GCCF told her “No.”
For the 170,000 claimants who’ve already received an emergency payout and are deciding between a final payment or to continue applying for interim payments, Ken Feinberg, arbitrator of the $20 billion dollar BP oil spill fund, has come up with his newest option: the quick payment. This would provide $5000 dollars to individuals and $25,000 dollars to businesses within two weeks, no further documentation needed … Continue reading Next Stop on the Feinberg Exploitation Tour…quick payments, just in time for Christmas
Sometimes, you need a break… Slipknot – Duality “I push my fingers into my eyes. It’s the only thing that slowly stops the ache.” The hidden subtext? Obviously… BP estimates: 2.5-3.9 millions of barrels spilled, the Feds estimate 4.9 million barrels spilled, Crone and Tolstoy, independent scientists estimate 5.2 million barrels spilled. Who gains, who loses. Who has the moneyed agenda? Have a nice day. Continue reading And now, a word from our sponsors…Flow Rate Version
Drake Toulouse: Photography and Words 