I've avoided talking about the actual spill due to the fact that not only are many blogs covering it, but so is the media. In great detail.
As I've been perusing the various lawsuits, I've been alternately amused and cynical. We've all heard about the fishermen who are getting money from BP. You've probably even heard about the fact they don't want to pay taxes on the money. (Don't even get me started on that).
The latest lawsuits are by people, houses, and businesses that rely on the tourist industry for their income. BP has already stated they will compensate vacation rentals, though how much is still up for debate. BP has even said they will be compensating some homeowners for lost property value. Various restaurants and tourist shops (you know, the ones that hawk cheap T-shirts, postcards, sunblock, rocks, etc) are also on the list to be reimbursed.
Now, the Kertzes of Scottsdale, Arizona, have gone a step further. They paid a $3,400 deposit to rent a house at Fort Walton Beach. Upon hearing of the oil spill and realizing that they wouldn't be able to enjoy the water during their vacation, they canceled the vacation. They're now attempting to get their money back....from BP. BP has gone back and forth, but the latest answer is that they will be getting their money back.
So, my question for you is simple: Are the BP lawsuits going far enough? Are the lawsuits going too far?
On a personal note, if I were BP, I'd be seriously worried about getting cheated. If the Kertzes get their money back, we should assume that the rental property kept the $3,400 deposit, which would have gone towards the rental price. Should we also assume that the rental property is also going to be suing BP for their lost rental income? Are they going to admit that they got to keep $3,400 for absolutely nothing, thus lowering how much BP is going to reimburse them?
Sources:
Colpitts, Mike. (2010, July 9). "BP claims czar may compensate vacation rentals." Link to article.
Headline News. (2010, July 11). Television news broadcast, approx. 10:30 a.m.
Searcey, Dionne. (2010, June 28). "Hello, RICE! The Latest Headache to Hit BP." Link to article.
WEAR ABC3. (2010, ??). Link to video & article
As I've been perusing the various lawsuits, I've been alternately amused and cynical. We've all heard about the fishermen who are getting money from BP. You've probably even heard about the fact they don't want to pay taxes on the money. (Don't even get me started on that).
The latest lawsuits are by people, houses, and businesses that rely on the tourist industry for their income. BP has already stated they will compensate vacation rentals, though how much is still up for debate. BP has even said they will be compensating some homeowners for lost property value. Various restaurants and tourist shops (you know, the ones that hawk cheap T-shirts, postcards, sunblock, rocks, etc) are also on the list to be reimbursed.
Now, the Kertzes of Scottsdale, Arizona, have gone a step further. They paid a $3,400 deposit to rent a house at Fort Walton Beach. Upon hearing of the oil spill and realizing that they wouldn't be able to enjoy the water during their vacation, they canceled the vacation. They're now attempting to get their money back....from BP. BP has gone back and forth, but the latest answer is that they will be getting their money back.
So, my question for you is simple: Are the BP lawsuits going far enough? Are the lawsuits going too far?
On a personal note, if I were BP, I'd be seriously worried about getting cheated. If the Kertzes get their money back, we should assume that the rental property kept the $3,400 deposit, which would have gone towards the rental price. Should we also assume that the rental property is also going to be suing BP for their lost rental income? Are they going to admit that they got to keep $3,400 for absolutely nothing, thus lowering how much BP is going to reimburse them?
Sources:
Colpitts, Mike. (2010, July 9). "BP claims czar may compensate vacation rentals." Link to article.
Headline News. (2010, July 11). Television news broadcast, approx. 10:30 a.m.
Searcey, Dionne. (2010, June 28). "Hello, RICE! The Latest Headache to Hit BP." Link to article.
WEAR ABC3. (2010, ??). Link to video & article
