Closeness to oil spill key to many claims

MIAMI (AP) — Details released today about how claims will be paid from BP PLC’s $20 billion fund show that how close geographically a person or business is to the Gulf oil spill will play a key role.

The claims process is shifting from BP to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility effective Monday. It will be run by Washington attorney Kenneth Feinberg.

The new rules govern emergency claims that can be made between Monday and Nov. 23. Claimants will not give up their right to sue BP and other spill-related companies in return for that money. But final settlements coming later will include a waiver of the right to sue.

The documents say claimants must show how the spill caused damage or economic loss, including their geographic proximity.