For some of us wondering what we can do to help in the Gulf over the long term, the American Association for Justice is seeking support in changing some of the laws put into place to protect corporate profits at the expense of people. You can check out the details by visiting the very aptly named www.PeopleOverProfits.org/SPILLAct. They open their site by noting that “Congress must do everything it can to help the families of the eleven men who died and the numerous workers who were injured aboard the Deepwater Horizon. The legislative fixes contained in HR 5503, The SPILL Act, are NECESSARY to ensure that that the families affected by the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon are fairly compensated under the law.”
And of couse, If you happen to know your Member of Congress personally, please call them directly and make the ask.
The text of the suggested message is below:
The Gulf Coast Oil Spill has so far been a disaster of unmitigated proportions. The full extent of the damages will not be known for years to come. It is of vital importance that victims of this disaster are fully compensated for their losses, and BP must be held accountable.
Congressman John Conyers has introduced HR 5503, the “Securing Protections for the Injured from Limitations on Liability Act” (SPILL Act). This legislation would ensure that that the families affected by the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon are fairly compensated under the law by:
Repealing the Limitation of Liability Act (LOLA)
Providing Fair and Equal Remedies under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)
Expanding Remedies under the Jones Act
Thank you.
© Smith Stag, LLC 2010 – All Rights Reserved
