The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig burns in the Gulf of Mexico on April 21, 2010, the day after the blowout of BP's Macondo well. (Associated Press photo)
About half the claims for economic damages processed under a proposed settlement arising from the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill are incomplete and can’t be paid without additional documentation, a court-appointed administrator reported Tuesday.
Although a judge hasn’t formally approved the settlement, that action is expected and BP is making payments to individuals and businesses that suffered economically after the deadly blowout of BP’s Macondo well destroyed the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig and spilled crude into the Gulf.
The Deepwater Horizon Claims Center, established as part of the settlement, said it has paid out $824 million in claims and has committed to an additional $500 million. But 25,000 claimants have been notified that their documentation is incomplete, according to Tuesday’s report.
Examples of missing documentation include tax information and proof of income such as pay stubs or check copies.
The claims center said it has received more than 90,000 claim forms since it began operations in the beginning of June.
