Final Claim Filing Deadline to submit BP Claims Is Set For June 8, 2015

/by

On December 8, 2014, the United States Supreme Court declined request for a review of the Fifth Circuit’s rulings upholding the District Court’s Final Approval Order of the Settlement Agreement. Accordingly, the Effective Date of the Settlement Agreement is December 8, 2014, and the final deadline for filing all claims other than those that fall into the Seafood Compensation Program is June 8, 2015.

It’s not too late to file a business claim but don’t delay. In fact, only 50% of eligible BP business claims have been filed as of Oct. 2014 according to the Legal Examiner.

This means only HALF of our local businesses, despite direct damage because of the BP Oil Spill, have even filed for compensation under the settlement.

If you are a local business owner, but don’t know if you qualify, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. The process to file is easy. All you need is past tax returns and bank statements.

Be sure to check for updates on this important deadline at http://www.deepwaterhorizoneconomicsettlement.com/important.php

Reeves & Mestayer file joint Federal Class Action Lawsuit Against SRHS, TransAmerica, KPMG and others

/by

The law firms of Reeves & Mestayer (Biloxi) and Cunningham & Bounds (Mobile) filed a joint multi-count class action lawsuit today (Dec. 11) against Singing River Health System, Board of Trustees, TransAmerica Retirement, KPMG, Chris Anderson, Michael Crews, Stephanie Barnes Taylor, and 11 others in the Southern District Federal Court.

“This is the first federal suit to be filed against Singing River Health System and their collection of partners,” said Biloxi Attorney Jim Reeves. “This was intentional conduct by all parties. This is not a mistake or an accident. Our federal fraud suit is a major turning point for those employees and retirees affected by this retirement crisis.”

The lawsuit cites more than 20 counts including corporate fraud, financial fraud, breach of contract, taking clause and acting in bad faith with its employees and retirees. The suit details how SRHS employees were deliberately mislead through false pension statements showing the Health System was fully funding its employee retirement program.

This federal suit was filed on behalf of six long time SRHS employees: Thomas Jones (current employee – 16 years), Joseph Charles Lohfink (current employee), Sue Beavers (current employee – 15 years), Glenda Smith (retired after 45 years), Rodolfoa Rel (retired) and Hazel Reed (retired).

Reeves believes this lawsuit will be as personal as the insurance lawsuits that came in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

“We have clients afraid they’re going to have to file bankruptcy. We have retirees afraid they’re going to be forced back into the work place. Others might have to sell their homes. This is devastating on a large scale to a lot of people,” Reeves said.

Reeves & Mestayer along with the Cunningham & Bounds law firms began reviewing and investigating employees’ pension records in October. Both firms are nationally recognized for their work with class action and federal lawsuits. Mobile Attorney Steven Nicholas says all legal avenues will be explored to get employees and retirees what they were promised.

“Singing River and those named in this suit need to be held accountable. Our firms are seeking a universal solution and feel Federal Court is the best approach to recover the benefits owed through SRHS’s retirement contract,” said Nicholas, Cunningham & Bounds.

If you, or a family member, are in need of legal information or assistance, call Reeves & Mestayer at our confidential 24 hour Pension Hotline: 228-374-5151

Reeves & Mestayer Believe BP Payments Will Be Moving Faster

/by

Matthew Mestayer, during an interview with WLOX, talks about the good news… the U.S. Supreme Court rejects BP’s settlement challenge!

Quote from WLOX interview:
“I’m very hopeful and very excited things will pick up speed and get this done,” Mestayer said. “Because small businesses, I mean I run a small business, small businesses we need our money as quick as we can because as they say, justice delayed is no justice.”

Watch the full story here http://www.wlox.com/story/27578301/south-mississippi-attorney-believes-bp-payments-will-be-moving-faster?autostart=true

 

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected BP’s settlement challenge… GREAT news for the entire Gulf Coast!

/by

With today’s Supreme Court ruling, BP can no longer avoid the payment of claims. After two years attacking and delaying the very settlement they agreed to, compensation payments to those affected by the BP Oil Spill will stop being delayed and should start flowing at a much faster rate.

If you haven’t filed a business claim yet, the deadline is pending but, it’s not too late! In fact, only 50% of eligible BP business claims have been filed as of Oct. 2014 according to the Legal Examiner.

This means only HALF of our local businesses, despite direct damage because of the BP Oil Spill, have even filed for compensation under the settlement.

If you are a local business owner, but don’t know if you qualify, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible about your economic losses. The process to file is easy. All you need is past tax returns and bank statements.

For more information right now, check out this link http://www.rmlawcall.com/bp_oil_spill_claims.shtml