Over 144,000 gallons of crude oil spilled into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California, closing beaches and threatening marine and other wildlife. In addition, the most recent oil spill along the California shoreline presents the possibility of dire consequences for coastal commercial fishers as well as a myriad of businesses that rely upon tourism for their trade and livelihood.
Cause and Containment of the California Oil Spill
Not only are ocean waters murky as a result of the crude oil spill, but matters surrounding the cause of the disaster and what is being done to contain damage remain unclear. The likely source of the crude oil spill appears to be a 4,000-foot section of an underwater pipeline. There appears to be a 13-inch tear in that pipeline. While at first blush a 13-inch split in a crude oil pipeline may seem minimal, the stark reality is that a tremendous amount of oil can be a relatively brief period of time. In this case, and has been mentioned, nearly 150,000 gallons of crude oil are believed to have spilled into the Pacific Ocean as of this time.
There is no confirmation at this time regarding the manner in which this tear in the crude oil pipeline occurred is being investigated. The U.S. Department of Transportation Division of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration stated that there is some evidence suggesting that the crude oil pipeline rupture is the result of a boat’s anchor snagging onto the conduit. There is no indication as of this time regarding when more definitive data will be available regarding the cause of the crude oil pipeline rupture.
The damaged pipeline is owned by Amplify Energy. The pipeline itself is about 98 feet underwater and runs for 17 miles. The pipeline is 41 years old. Amplify Energy has been directed to shut down the damaged pipeline. As of October 6, 2021, the company appears to have complied with the directive to terminate the use of the crude oil pipeline in question.
Protecting Your Business and Your Legal Rights After the California Oil Spill
If your business has been impacted by the California oil spill, the experienced, tenacious legal team at The Doan Law Firm is here for you. Our firm has set up a California oil spill lawyer hotline at (424) 334-0000. With the evolving nature of this potential crisis situation for area businesses, we are keeping the California oil spill attorney telephone line staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We can schedule an immediate initial consultation with you to discuss a wide range of issues associated you your business and the oil spill. These include:
- Business losses incurred from the California oil spill
- Property damage sustained to your business by the oil spill
- Issues surrounding your business’ insurance coverages (including casualty insurance as well as business interruption insurance)
- Other matters associated with the latest Pacific Ocean oil spill catastrophe that impact your business enterprise
In addition to discussing your legal rights surrounding currently identifiable losses that appear to be developing as a result of this oil spill, a member of our California oil spill lawyer team can also discuss your legal rights associated with reasonably foreseeable damages and losses that you may face in the not-too-distant future that arise out of the current ocean and shoreline calamity.
We can schedule an initial consultation and case evaluation with you at our Los Angeles offices, located at:
The Doan Law Firm 12100 Wilshire Boulevard
8th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90025
(424) 334-0000
We can also meet with you at your business, your home, or any location that is convenient for you. We understand the unique challenges you may face in regard to the operation of your business – indeed, in regard to your very livelihood. As a result, a California oil spill attorney can be available anywhere and at any time that works for you. This includes scheduling a virtual case evaluation and consultation with you (any time) online.
There is never a charge for an initial consultation and case evaluation with a Doan Law Firm California oil spill lawyer. Indeed, The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee promise to you. Our firm will never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.