Today, I had a flood of calls from people whose claims for Emergency Advance Payments were denied. Typically, the claimant stated the GCCF denied the claim because the claimant did not supply sufficient information to make a favorable decision.
Please keep in mind that if claimant's application for an Emergency Advance Payment is denied, the claimant can still submit a claim for Final Payment. The Gulf Coast Claims Facility says it will consider all materials and arguments sent in with a claim for Final Payment regardless of whether an Emergency Advance Payment was denied.
Further, it appears the GCCF will be accepting claims for Interim Payments. Now is probably the time you should consult with a lawyer to discuss your options. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 requires BP to provide for interim payments without forcing the claimant to accept Final Payment.
