BP to appoint independent mediator to ensure timely, fair claims process

Today, BP announced that it will appoint an Independent Mediator to review and assist in the claims process for the spill associated with the exploratory well that was being drilled by the Transocean Deepwater Horizon in Mississippi Canyon, Block 252.

BP has said consistently that it will pay legitimate claims for loss and damage caused by the spill. BP remains fully committed to responding to and paying claims promptly. To date, more than 26,000 claims already have been submitted, resulting in payments exceeding $36 million.

"We are absolutely committed to a simple, fair claims process that gets funds to people who have been hurt by this disaster as quickly as possible," said BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward. "We have opened claims offices across the region, and will make every effort to reach everyone who has a legitimate claim. And we will appoint an independent mediator so that we have as fair a process as possible for everyone in the Gulf region."

BP has established the claims process in accordance with the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act ("OPA"), which allows claimants to make a claim against BP as a designated responsible party. If a claim is not resolved and paid within 90 days, claimants can submit a claim against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, and ultimately bring suit.

BP will work to pay all legitimate claims as quickly as possible. Appointing an Independent Mediator is a recognized practice to strengthen claims processes and resolve disputes. BP is working to appoint the best possible person to fill this important role.

In those cases in which a claimant and BP cannot agree on resolution of a claim, the claimant can seek review from the Independent Mediator. The Independent Mediator then will make an advisory decision on the claim.

• If the claimant feels the advisory decision is unreasonable, he or she retains all rights under OPA either to seek reimbursement from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund or to file a claim in court.
  
• If BP feels the advisory decision is unreasonable, the company may choose not to accept it, but the claimant then may use the Independent Mediator's decision in claiming against the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund or in a subsequent court action.

The Mediator's independence will be ensured by a strict set of rules surrounding the position. The Mediator will have access to his or her own legal counsel and will be free to disagree with BP's position.

In addition to evaluating individual claims, the Independent Mediator also will undertake an independent evaluation of BP's claims process and the approach taken to substantiate claims.

Individual and business claimants may file a claim in one of three ways:

• Call the Deepwater Horizon response hotline number at 1-800-440-0858
  
• File a claim online at www.bp.com/claims
  
• Visit one of BP's Claims Centers.

Further information

Contacts

BP Press Office, London, +44 (0) 20 7496 4076, bppress@bp.com

BP Press Office, Houston, +1 281 366 4463, uspress@bp.com

Unified Command Joint Information Center, Phone: +1 985-902-5231