A disastrous 144,000-gallon oil spill off the coast of Southern California is affecting an increasing number of Newport Beach residents and business owners. On top of the global pandemic and the California wildfires, the oil spill is just the latest hardship to befall the state as people were just beginning to get back on their feet. The oil spill was caused by the owners of the Elly oil rig, which operates under the Beta Division of Amplify Energy, a Houston-based energy company.

If you, your property, or your business have been affected by the oil spill, then you may qualify to pursue a lawsuit against Amplify Energy and Beta Operating Company, LLC for property damage, business losses, reduced property value, medical costs, and other losses. If you believe you may have a case, contact our Newport Beach personal injury attorneys at OnderLaw today to discuss your circumstances and evaluate your legal options going forward. Call us to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.

How Did the Oil Spill Occur?

A leaking pipe was the cause of the oil spill. The pipe was used by the company to move oil between offshore oil locations. More than 140,000 gallons of oil spilled into the Pacific Ocean, affecting many oceanfront areas along the Southern California coastline, including Newport Beach. Despite their efforts, the platform crew failed to contain the spill.

The oil spill has already caused significant ecological harm, but it will also have a severe economic impact on residents and businesses. Businesses in Newport Beach and other affected areas may lose customers for weeks or longer, and fisherpeople who depend on Southern California coastal areas to make ends meet will have to uproot themselves and make a living elsewhere.

Residents and business owners in Newport Beach and surrounding coastal communities may suffer property damage and health issues due to the oil spill. The oil spill might also create hazardous living conditions that force families and business owners to leave the area.

If you have suffered property damage, health issues, business losses, or incurred other damages as a result of the oil spill, then you should be able to hold the offshore drilling company that caused the spill accountable for their negligence.

What Does the Lawsuit Allege?

A class-action lawsuit has already been filed against Amplify Energy Corporation and Beta Operating Company, LLC. The lawsuit alleges that both companies:

  • Failed to make sure that the oil rig could be safely operated
  • Were aware (or reasonably should have been aware) that the rig was unsafe for use
  • Did not disclose the oil leak to the public in a timely manner and failed to warn the public of the harm that could result from the spill
  • Are liable for any injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering resulting from the oil spill

If you believe that you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the negligent parties, contact our Newport Beach oil spill lawsuit attorneys at OnderLaw to discuss your case.

Health Impact of the Oil Spill

On October 3rd, 2021, Orange County issued a health advisory directed at residents who were exposed to oil contaminants. The advisory warned that individuals could suffer health consequences from direct or indirect contact with hazardous chemicals. Indirect contact may occur when individuals inhale dangerous chemicals in affected areas. The county also warned that direct contact with oil could result in oil being absorbed into the skin.

Some of the symptoms associated with exposure to oil contaminants include:

  • Nausea and upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Headache
  • Irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, throat
  • Dizziness

If you have suffered any negative health consequences as a result of direct or indirect exposure to oil contaminants, then you should seek immediate medical attention. You may also require medical monitoring for years to come, as exposure to toxic chemicals found in oil can lead to latent diseases, including cancer.

What Types of Compensation Could I Recover?

If you suffered losses as a result of the Southern California oil spill, then you could be entitled to file a lawsuit against Amplify Energy for compensation. You should not have to bear the burden of paying for damages caused by this preventable ecological disaster. You deserve to be compensated for the hardship that you have suffered as a result of Amplify Energy’s negligence.

You may be able to claim compensation for:

  • Medical expenses resulting from injuries or health conditions caused by the oil spill, as well as medical monitoring for latent diseases
  • Property damage
  • Harm caused to livestock
  • Decreased property value
  • Economic losses
  • Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering

The Newport Beach attorneys at OnderLaw have the knowledge and resources to evaluate your case, gather evidence to support it, document and calculate damages that you are owed, and craft a winning legal strategy to help you seek the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to review the details of your case.

Contact OnderLaw Today

At OnderLaw in Newport Beach, our seasoned attorneys have what it takes to help you pursue the compensation you need to recover financially from the devastating impact of the Amplify Energy oil spill. Reach out at your earliest convenience to schedule a free case review with one of our oil spill lawsuit attorneys and find out what your case may be worth. Call now.