Oil spill claims administrator Kenneth Feinberg told members of the Florida House today that his fund would start processing final and interim payments this weekend, and that his refined formula “should be” released later today, or sometime soon after. #
Among the changes claimants can expect, according to Feinberg: #
- More staff will be available locally to assist claimants one-on-one.
- Claim forms will include attachments that detail the exact documentation needed for each claim.
- A dedicated member of Feinberg’s team will handle cases brought to the fund’s attention by lawmakers or other officials.
That last point could allow public officials to bring forward cases of botched claims, such as denied claimants whose co-workers got paid for similar damages. Such cases were likely the result of mistakes, Feinberg said. #
At one point a gospel chorus reverberated from the hall — but it was no song of praise. #
It was Art Rocker, of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, belting out lyrics condemning the lies and injustices of BP and the claims fund. He led a group of mostly Asian-American hotel owners who had walked out on the meeting. #
One of them, Nash Patel of Pensacola, said the group represented hundreds of hotel owners who had so far not been paid or received only a fraction of what they sought. #
Feinberg seemed to be looking for “the best way to give them the least amount of money,” Patel said, and seems to be dragging out the process while offering only “kibbles and bits along the way.” As a result, when Feinberg does begin making final and interim payments, those affected may have no choice but to accept whatever he offers. Others could wind up in court. #
Rocker said members of the group were planning a week-long protest at BP’s offices in Louisiana, where they would demand to have their claims paid. #
Feinberg pointed out that he had never shied away from coming to Florida, and would likely be back to hear again from state officials. During this trip, he met with Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi, in addition to appearing before the House panel. #
Several lawmakers criticized the lack of an appeals process for claims under $250,000. #
Feinberg said offering appeals to all claimants would hamper the speed and efficiency of the claims process. He also pointed out that the Coast Guard’s National Pollution Funds Center offers a secondary claims process for dissatisfied claimants, and so far has denied all the claimants who turned to it after they weren’t satisfied with his process. That would suggest the facility is being generous, he said. #
Bondi said this morning that she wants an independent auditor to scrutinize Feinberg’s fund to find out for sure. #
