BP: We've Paid $29 Million in Oil Spill Claims

BP says it has paid at least $29 million to people claiming economic losses because of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

The oil company said in court documents Tuesday in Louisiana that it has yet to deny any claims. Many of the claims are from fishermen and shrimpers.

BP said 25,000 claims have been submitted and more than 12,000 payments have been made so far.

Special Section: Disaster in the Gulf

BP is trying to block an attempt by some fishermen to get a federal judge to oversee the claims process. BP says the 1990 Oil Pollution Act gives the Coast Guard oversight responsibilities.

BP and other companies involved in the Deepwater Horizon rig disaster have been targeted by more than 130 lawsuits. BP says people who accept claims do not waive rights to sue.

More On the Oil Spill:

BP Took "Shortcuts" with Oil Well, Witnesses Say
Big Oil's "Cozy Relationship" with Inspectors
CBS Poll: 70% Say BP Handling Oil Spill Badly

[larrryshrine]

It's a step - a very, very small step - in the right direction. The fisherman and shrimpers desperately need the money. Time will tell whether this payout is a PR ploy or made with legitimate concern. BP also has said it will waive the $75 million cap and pay for all cleanup. We can only hope that is true as well. Time will tell. Call me naive but I want to remain optimistic on this subject. The plugging of the leak - well, I'm not optimistic there at all. BPs behavior has been negligent in the extreme there.

[USMC-Mom]

11 people died, I am ashamed to say I don't know how many injured, many, many out of work....

BP you have a long way to go to make amends