Southern California Officials Fear Irreversible Damage From Oil Spill

The Huntington Beach oil spill, discovered on October 2, occurred from an offshore oil production facility owned by Houston-based Amplify Energy Corporation. It has been speculated that an anchor hit one of the vital transmission pipes.

Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman recently filed a class action lawsuit to recover damages for individuals and businesses affected by the spill. Milberg attorneys Alex R. Straus and Blake Hunter Yagman filed a class action lawsuit against Amplify Energy and its Beta Offshore division on October 4. It includes claims for monetary damages, injunctive relief, response costs and medical monitoring.

“After years fighting for business owners and residents devastated by the BP oil spill in the Gulf Coast and other oil spill victims around the country, we understand the terrible impact these events have on the environment, wildlife and people,” said Straus. “Today it is reported that 120,000 gallons of crude oil spilled from an offshore rig. But those numbers may increase as the investigation and clean-up efforts continue. The impacts on businesses, homeowners and their families are likely to be felt for years.”

The oil slick plume measures six nautical miles and is spreading. Shortly after the spill was discovered, beaches were closed, dead birds and fish washed ashore, nearby wetlands were inundated with oil, and beachgoers reported feeling sick. Oil spill contamination can persist for a decade or more.

“This is the latest tragedy of the oil industry, but it certainly won’t be the last,” said Greg Coleman, Milberg partner.  

Milberg’s environmental and toxic torts litigation group has worked on similar manmade disasters including the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.