California Oil Spill Attorneys

A leaking pipeline off the coast of Southern California has caused 126,000 gallons of oil to wash ashore in Orange County, prompting local officials to close off the beaches and coastal areas for recreational activities and fishing. The leak originated from a pipe beneath an offshore platform that processes crude oil from two other locations—that means there was a significant amount of oil flowing through the pipeline when the leak occurred. Government agencies and local rescue operations have worked diligently to contain the spill, but after dead animals and fish began washing up on shore, it was apparent that the damage was already done.

The ecological effects of the Huntington Beach oil spill are detrimental, and the problem isn’t going away anytime soon. Unfortunately, the price of this disaster falls on the people of Southern California, as they’ll have to handle their toxic coastal environment for years to come. Between property damage and lost wages from the inability to operate a business on the closed-off coastline, there’s a significant amount of economic damage to compound the ecological, but you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistake.

If you sustained significant property damage or economic loss as a result of the Huntington Beach oil spill, or you’re a fisherman who can no longer earn a living in the area, Morgan & Morgan can help you pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. Contact us today to get started.

How Did the Oil Spill Happen?

The leaking pipeline was discovered on Friday after a worker noticed an oily smell in the air surrounding the offshore platform. Once it was found, the platform crew immediately attempted to contain the spill before it got out of control, but it was too late. Dead wildlife began washing up on the shore from Sunday into Monday, displaying to everyone in the area that they were in the midst of an ecological disaster.

Recovery teams have collected 3,150 gallons of oil from the spill and deployed over 5,000 feet of boom to prevent any further spread. However, wildlife is already feeling the repercussions, and crude oil has made its way to Huntington Beach. Most oil processing platforms were constructed decades ago, and some of them are already in the process of being decommissioned for further use because of their age and the likelihood of equipment failure. The pipeline that caused this most recent oil spill is no different from the others, and until there’s significant change within the oil industry, we’ll most likely see this situation again in the future

How Will the Oil Spill Affect the Area?

Besides the widespread ecological damage in the area, there’s also a substantial amount of economic harm that residents of the area will have to endure. Businesses who operate in coastal areas will potentially be without customers for weeks, and fishermen who rely on the Southern California waters will have to find another location to make their living. Coastal properties are also affected, as the contaminated water will damage their property and make it unsafe to live in. These individuals didn’t cause the Huntington Beach oil spill themselves, so why should they have to pay for the negligence of an offshore oil processing platform?

How Can Morgan & Morgan Help?

Someone has to pay for the damage of ecological disasters, but the burden shouldn’t fall on the innocent residents of the area. This most recent Huntington Beach oil spill has already caused significant property damage since it first began, and this problem will only continue to get worse as time goes on. However, if the oil spill caused you economic harm, you could be entitled to compensation for the hardship you’ve endured. 

Securing your rightful compensation is often complicated and confusing if you have no prior experience. That’s why you need an experienced oil spill attorney by your side, one who will never settle for less than you deserve. Morgan & Morgan is home to those very oil spill attorneys, and they’ll work tirelessly to secure the compensation that accurately reflects the severity of the harm you’ve endured

Contact Morgan & Morgan

Our firm is dedicated to helping the victims of environmental property damage fight back against the negligent organization and hold them accountable for the damages they’ve caused. The oil spill at Huntington Beach is evidence of an aging and outdated oil industry that needs to be modernized before more of our earth is damaged beyond repair. By holding the negligent party accountable for their actions, you’ll help set an example for others to follow, and hopefully, bring change to the industry as a whole. 

If you sustained significant property damage or economic loss as a result of the Huntington Beach oil spill, or you’re a fisherman who can no longer earn a living in the area, contact our oil spill lawyers today to take the first steps towards your compensation, and most importantly, justice