Parker Waichman LLP

Exxon Valdez, lingering biological impacts?

Exxon Valdez Paid $900 Million In Restitution For The Oil Spill. Nearly twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the government says Exxon needs to pay up. To date, Exxon has paid nine hundred million dollars in restitution for the oil spill. But now federal and state authorities say that money was not enough. They […]

Exxon Valdez impact

Exxon Valdez Paid $900 Million In Restitution For The Oil Spill. Nearly twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, the government says Exxon needs to pay up. To date, Exxon has paid nine hundred million dollars in restitution for the oil spill. But now federal and state authorities say that money was not enough. They are asking the oil giant for nearly a hundred million more.

The original 1991, civil suit against Exxon says the government has until September of this year to claim up to a hundred million more dollars from the company. That is, if they can prove that entire populations are feeling the negative effect of the oil spill. But Exxon doesn’t think they can do that.

“The current request seems to be focused primarily, if not exclusively, on the hypothesis that remaining weathered oil might be capable of causing some biological impacts. Nothing that we have seen so far indicates that this request for further funding is justified,” said Mark Boudreaux, Exxon Mobil.

Oil Reduced Survival Rates Of Marine Species

The attorney general’s office says multiple studies show the oil is reducing survival rates of some marine species and disrupting local fishing. And as a recent CBS 11 News I-Team investigation found out, residents of the area agree.

“We are the only area in the state that has no herring fishery and has not had a herring fishery for a number of years. And we are the only ones who had an oil spill happen,” said Ross Mullins, Cordova Resident.

The government must now prove that the effects we are seeing today from the oil spill weren’t at all expected — something Exxon claims they just can’t do.

“The remaining pockets of oil were fully anticipated when the federal and state governments looked at the evidence from prior spills. So, there is nothing surprising that has occurred since 1991,” said Boudreaux.

And based on that alone, exxon says there is no justification for this reopener clause. But the alaska attorney general’s office disagrees.

“We know there is lingering oil because we have dug it up and found it. We dug over six thousand pits looking for it. And it was detected in the water column. It remains there in not only greater quantities, but it is substantially more toxic than anyone believed would be true at this point,” said Craig Tillery, Alaska Deputy Attorney General.

Exxon does admit that oil remains in the sound, but they say it isn’t harming anything.

“There’s no evidence that it could cause, or is causing, any damage to any population or species. The spill occurred 17 years ago, and we deeply regret that the spill had emotional and financial impact in the short-term. And many people have deep emotional feelings about it today about it,” said Boudreaux.

Even if Exxon does pay up, it might not be enough to repair the lives on the Prince William Sound.

“We lost pretty much all hope here. And that’s a real sad feeling for the people. There used to be 3,600 that lived here year round. Now we have 2,400,” said Kory Blake, Resident.

Exxon Mobil now has 90 days to evaluate the government’s request before they respond. Of course, CBS 11 News will continue to monitor this case and we will bring you any new information as it becomes available.

Need Legal Help Regarding Exxon Valdez?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Christina Morace my Paralegal at Parker Waichman’s Long Island office successfully obtained not one but two World Trade Center Victim Compensation awards for myself. She was knowledgeable, always there for me and fought for the compensation I deserved for working at Ground Zero and then unfortunately getting two 911 related ailments. I will highly recommend Christina to anyone who has to go through the Victim’s Compensation process.
Thomas McNally
7 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to give a special shout out to Jorge, Mary-Ann, and Julie for helping me out so much.
Altagracia Reyes
3 days ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Honestly had the best experience with Parker Waichman. Big shout out to Aurora and Jillian for all their hard work getting everything done efficiently with an amazing outcome! Highly recommended using this firm!
Greg Magno
6 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038