How to File BP Oil Claims and Get Contact Numbers

As attempts continue to contain the BP oil spill, fishermen and others affected by this spill are attempting to file claims for damages, according to a recent Reuters article . Those who want to know how to file a BP oil claim don't always know what documentation is needed to meet claim requirements. They also need to understand where to take their paperwork and what types of claims from the oil spill are are eligible for reimbursement.

Several steps can help speed up the BP oil spill claim process.

Find Out What Types of BP Oil Spill Claims Are Eligible

There are a wide variety of possible claims, including reimbursement for costs needed to help clean up the oil spill (removal costs) as well as property and boat damage. Loss of income may also be covered. Requirements for each type of claim can vary, depending on specific areas of damage, from loss of income to boat damage.

Has BP Oil Damage Affected Your Business, Boat or Home? Call Claim Reporting Line To Start BP Reimbursement Process

According to a call made to Shawn Murphy at the Claim Reporting Line for BP at (800) 440-0858 I was told that there isn't an online claim form. People are basically being told to file claims through the phone lines and then eligibility requirements will be determined. Information about local centers may also be provided.

As a result, all sort of claims - eligible or not - could be pouring into the Claim Reporting Line. However, for those wanting to find out how to file for BP oil spill claims, this is a required starting point. The Claim Reporting Line is available 24 hours a day, all week long.

Find out About How to File BP Oil Claims at Specific Locations Such as Jefferson Parrish

If filing a claim through a phone line is outside your comfort zone, you might get quicker results and information about how to file for BP oil claims by contacting or visiting your nearest claims center. One example is Jefferson Parrish, where staff many be able to help expedite the reimbursement process.

Although a call to the Claim Reporting Line (listed above) is required first, the local centers can then process claims for clean up, personal injury, business losses and loss of income.

Speed up the BP Oil Claims Process by Having Proper Documentation and Photos

In order to get reimbursement, there must be documentation to prove that applicants suffered some type of damage or were affected by the oil spill. Dated photographs with locations noted can be helpful in verifying the information provided by paperwork. It is best to have records of income or other information which was gathered before and after the oil spill.

For example, fishermen might be able to show that income went down after the spill. But photos of areas where they normally fish can help show that oil was present and affected the fish population. Written and signed witness accounts could also be helpful. Be as specific as possible about all information gathered and have verifiable records.

Similarly, restaurants in tourist areas may be able to prove that fewer tourists visited areas affected by the oil spill, resulting in a loss of income to hotels and other businesses (processing of these types of claims are in transition).

Know How to Keep Up with BP Oil Updates on Twitter

BP regularly posts Twitter and updates. You can find their Twitter page here or by going to http://twitter.com/BP_America. They have been providing daily updated information, usually every two hours. This is also a useful way to get links to press briefings as well as information about wildlife rehabilitation and how the public can help out.

Sources:
Shrimpers, Boat Captains Line Up for BP Spill Claims, Reuters, May 12 here
National Pollution Funds Center, here
Phone call and information from Shawn Murphy at Claim Reporting Line for BP - (800) 440-0858
BP Opens Link in Jefferson Parrish, May 14, here
BP Twitter page, http://twitter.com/BP_America