Oil Spill Damage Attorneys
Oil spills can cause catastrophic environmental and economic damage. When crude oil, fuel, or industrial contaminants reach your land, waterways, home, or business, the consequences are immediate and long-lasting. Contaminated water, soil, toxic fumes, polluted water sources, and destroyed property are only the beginning. The cleanup process is complex and expensive, and the parties responsible often deny liability or attempt to minimize their financial responsibility.
At Broussard Dove, we represent commercial fisherman, business, property owners, commercial operators, and communities in Louisiana and nationwide who suffer losses due to oil spills. Our attorneys understand the science behind environmental contamination, the laws governing cleanup and liability, and the tactics used by oil companies and insurers to avoid paying full compensation. If you have been impacted by an oil spill, we are here to help you secure the recovery you deserve.
Our lead oil spill attorney Sye Broussard knows the law that governs oil spills, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, like the back of his hand. Prior to the 2010 BP Oil Spill, Sye’s research paper on the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was published in the Loyola Maritime Journal and was cited and utilized by lawyers, journals, articles, research papers, court pleadings, legislators, and attorney general’s offices throughout the country to argue lawsuits and draft legislation in response to the BP Oil Spill. After the BP Oil Spill, Sye successfully recovered $MILLIONS$ of dollars for his clients affected by the BP Oil Spill.
Call us at 985 868 4800 or contact us online for a free consultation. IF WE CANNOT RECOVER ANY MONEY, WE DO NOT CHARGE A FEE!
Contact Our Oil Spill Damage Attorneys Today
If your business, livelihood, waterways, or property have been affected by an oil spill, you should not be left to deal with the consequences alone. Our attorneys know how to challenge responsible parties, fight unfair settlement tactics, and maximize compensation for every aspect of your loss.
We proudly represent commercial fisherman, property owners, businesses, and communities affected by oil spills in Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, Jefferson Parish and throughout Louisiana. Call 985 868 4800 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
WE HELP CLIENTS
NATIONWIDE
Our team understands the complex insurance policies that govern disaster claims. We know how insurers operate — and we know how to hold them accountable.
We Handle All Types of Oil Spill Damage Claims
Oil contamination can result from many different sources, and each type of spill presents unique challenges. Our team represents clients affected by:
- Pipeline ruptures
- Offshore drilling accidents
- Facility and refinery leaks
- Barge and tanker spills
- Train derailments involving crude oil
- Onsite commercial equipment failures
- Improper disposal or storage of hazardous materials
- Transportation accidents involving fuel releases
Oil spills are not only destructive but also difficult to prove without proper documentation and expert analysis. We work closely with environmental engineers, scientists, and remediation specialists to ensure the full scope of contamination is identified and supported with evidence. We even front the cost to retain expert forensic accountants to prove economic losses to our clients from oil spills.
Whether your claim involves losses from commercial fishing, commercial buildings, camps, residential property, marshland, rental units, farmland, waterfront property, or business interruption, our firm is equipped and ready to pursue full recovery.
Why Oil Spill Claims Are Often Disputed or Underpaid
Oil spills trigger a complex legal process involving multiple parties, extensive regulations, and significant financial exposure for responsible companies. Because of this, liable parties and their insurers commonly attempt to avoid paying fair compensation.
Commercial Fisherman & Property owners frequently encounter:
- Blame shifting between companies
- Disputes over the extent of contamination
- Delays in environmental testing
- Inaccurate or incomplete cleanup reports
- Minimal initial settlement offers
- Attempts to classify contamination as pre-existing
- Pressure to sign releases before full damage is known
- Refusal to acknowledge long-term health and environmental effects
Oil companies and insurers often have teams of experts working to limit their financial exposure. Without legal representation, victims may unknowingly accept quick settlements that fail to cover the full damages sustained and cost of cleanup, restoration, and long-term damage.
At Broussard Dove, we carefully evaluate environmental reports, challenge misleading assessments, and push back against any attempt to undervalue your claim.
Measuring the Full Impact of Oil Spill Damage
Oil spills create layers of damage that can last for years. We help clients recover for visible and invisible losses, including:
- Loss of income
- Business interruption
- Loss of use and enjoyment of property
- Damage to vessels and equipment
- Soil contamination
- Groundwater pollution
- Destruction of vegetation and crops
- Damage to structures, equipment, and personal property
- Health symptoms caused by toxic exposure
- Long-term environmental remediation costs
- Loss of rental income
- Reduced property value
- Diminished value of land
Many property owners feel pressured to accept cleanup efforts and settlements that are not thorough or comprehensive. We ensure that remediation meets regulatory standards and that responsible parties are held accountable for every aspect of the damage.
Proven Results in Environmental and High-Damage Claims
Our attorneys have a strong track record representing clients whose properties suffered significant damage due to catastrophic events. While each case is unique, our results demonstrate our commitment to maximizing compensation for property owners.
Examples of recent recoveries include:
- Multi-million-dollar settlements in loss of business income claims
- Millions of dollars recovered for commercial fisherman
- Seven-figure results in complex damage disputes
- Successful recovery of full remediation costs and property restoration
- Significant increases over initial settlement offers
We understand the science, the legal standards, and the strategies needed to win oil spill damage cases.
Why Choose Broussard | Dove?
Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your oil spill claim. Clients choose us because:
- We take on large corporations and insurers without hesitation
- We understand environmental testing, contamination patterns, and cleanup requirements
- We work with top environmental experts and forensic accountants to prove the full extent of damage
- We are experienced negotiators and litigators who fight for maximum compensation
- We take time to understand the unique impact the oil spill has had on your property and livelihood
- We offer representation on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover for you
Our firm represents clients in Louisiana & nationwide and has extensive experience handling large-loss damage cases with complex liability issues.
What to do
If You Discover
Oil Contamination
Taking the right steps early can protect your health, your property, and your claim. If you suspect your property has been exposed to oil or hazardous materials:
01
Prioritize
Safety
Contact environmental authorities or your local agency to report the contamination.
02
Document
Everything
Photograph visible oil, dead vegetation, water discoloration, and/or vessel, property, equipment, or wildlife damage.
03
Prevent
Further Loss
Avoid disturbing contaminated water, sand, or soil.
04
Keep
All Records
Save notices, letters, and any communication from responsible parties or insurers.
05
Document Loss
Keep a log of contaminated catches, reduced catches, fishing ground closures, reduced revenues, loss of income, loss of use and enjoyment of property, damages to vessel, property, waterways, or land.
06
Contact
Broussard Dove
Contact Broussard Dove as soon as possible so we can begin a FREE REVIEW of your claim and maximize your recovery!
Oil contamination cases require immediate action to preserve evidence, establish liability, and file a timely claim with the responsible party. Our team is ready to step in and begin the process right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know who is responsible for the oil spill?
Our team conducts a detailed investigation, reviews environmental reports, and works with experts to determine the source and responsible party. You must file a claim with the responsible party prior to filing a lawsuit.
How long does cleanup take?
Cleanup depends on the extent of contamination. Some remediation efforts last months or years. We ensure cleanup meets environmental standards and that the responsible party covers all costs.
How do I know if I have a valid claim?
Coverage varies widely. Oil does not have to touch your vessel or property to qualify for compensation. If your business, property, or income is affected by an oil spill you could qualify for compensation.
What if the company offers a settlement?
Oil companies often offer early settlements that do not reflect the true extent of long-term damage. Never accept a settlement without speaking to an attorney.