Louisiana Oil Spill Lawyers
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From Terrebonne Bay to the marshes of Lafourche Parish, oil spills threaten the way of life that defines this part of the state. The February 26 LOOP spill, which released more than 31,000 gallons of crude oil and forced the closure of over 160 square miles of oyster harvesting waters, is the latest example.
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If your livelihood depends on the Gulf, you know how quickly an oil spill puts everything you worked for at risk. The Louisiana oil spill lawyers at Ory Law Group understand what is at stake for you and your family.
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When crude oil enters coastal waters, the damage spreads far beyond the surface. It seeps into the economy of every fishing dock, every oyster lease, and every family that has counted on clean water to make a living.
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If you or someone in your family has lost income, missed fishing trips, or seen your catch drop because of this spill or any oil contamination event along the Louisiana coast, you may have the right to seek compensation under federal law.
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If the oil spill has affected your income, the time to act is now. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to document your losses and protect your claim.
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Call Ory Law Group today for a free consultation and find out what your case may be worth.
Why Choose Ory Law Group for Your LOOP Oil Spill Claim
Families across Thibodaux, Houma, and New Iberia have trusted Ory Law Group to stand beside them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With more than 15 years of experience and millions of dollars recovered for injury victims, our team understands what Louisiana families are up against when powerful companies put profits ahead of people.
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Here is what sets our firm apart:
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No fees unless we win. You will never pay out of pocket for our representation. We only get paid when you do.
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24/7 availability. Oil spill impacts do not wait for business hours, and neither do we. Our team is ready to take your call any time.
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A client-first approach. Every case we take is personal. We listen to your story, learn about your losses, and build a strategy designed to get you the best possible result.
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Deep roots in the community. Attorney Matthew Ory grew up with the values of discipline and commitment that define how we serve our neighbors in Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Iberia Parishes.
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From the moment you contact our office, you will feel the difference that compassionate, aggressive legal support can make. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to fight for you.
The LOOP Oil Spill: What Happened and Who It Hurts
On February 26, 2026, a cargo transfer hose failed at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) facility, located roughly 18 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. The mechanical failure released an estimated 750 barrels, or more than 31,000 gallons, of crude oil into Gulf waters near the coast of Terrebonne Parish.
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A Unified Command made up of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office (LOSCO), and LOOP was established to coordinate the response. Hundreds of responders, over 100 vessels, and aerial surveillance teams have been working to contain and recover the oil.
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As of late March 2026, more than 30 miles of protective boom had been deployed, and cleanup crews were actively working along barrier islands, including Raccoon Island.
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But for many families who make their living from the Gulf, the damage was already done. The Louisiana Department of Health ordered precautionary closures of oyster harvesting across more than 160 square miles of Terrebonne Bay, affecting over 2,400 private leases and public seed grounds.
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Oyster harvest areas 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21 remain closed, and tissue sampling of oysters, shrimp, crabs, and finfish is ongoing.
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Local fishermen have reported that the spill is already hurting their ability to work and earn a living, even in areas where oil has not been physically observed.
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Each of these devastating economic effects is reason to explore a claim against those responsible. We’re here to help.
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You’ve worked hard to build your livelihood—don’t let an oil spill take it away without a fight. Our team can help you understand your rights, build your claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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Reach out to Ory Law Group today to speak directly with an experienced Louisiana oil spill lawyer.
Who Can File an Oil Spill Claim in Louisiana?
Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), the responsible party in an oil spill can be held liable for economic damages suffered by individuals and businesses. Importantly, you do not need to prove that oil physically touched your boat, gear, or property in order to pursue a claim. If the spill disrupted your ability to earn a living, you may have a valid case.
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Those who may be eligible to file a claim include:
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Commercial fishermen who lost fishing trips or experienced reduced catches
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Oystermen affected by harvest area closures
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Shrimpers facing disruptions during critical seasonal windows
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Charter boat operators who lost bookings
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Seafood processors and distributors who experienced canceled orders or reduced supply
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Coastal businesses that depend on a healthy fishing economy
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Each of these situations involves real financial loss that the law is designed to address. If you fall into any of these categories, the most important thing you can do right now is start building a record of how the spill has affected you.
How the Oil Pollution Act Protects Louisiana Fishermen
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed in response to the Exxon Valdez disaster and gives individuals a clear legal path to recover damages caused by oil spills. Under OPA, responsible parties are required to pay for a range of economic harms, including:
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Lost fishing and harvesting income
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Reduced seafood harvests and canceled orders
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Business interruption losses
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Damage to boats, nets, and other fishing equipment
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Increased operating costs caused by the spill
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Before filing a LOOP oil spill lawsuit, claimants must first submit a claim directly to the responsible party, which then has 90 days to respond. If the response is inadequate or the claim is denied, legal action may follow.
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This process can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you are already dealing with lost income and uncertainty about the future. That is exactly why having a legal team familiar with oil spill claims matters.
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An experienced attorney can help you understand your options, handle communications with the responsible party, and fight for the full value of what you have lost.
How to Build a Strong LOOP Oil Spill Claim
The strength of your Louisiana oil spill claim often comes down to the records you keep. Taking a few key steps early on can make a real difference when it comes time to seek compensation. Start putting your documentation together.
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Track your lost income carefully. Save trip tickets, catch logs, tax records, and any paperwork that shows what you were earning before the spill. The clearer the picture of your normal income, the easier it is to show what you have lost.
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Write down changes in your catch or fishing conditions. Note dates, locations, and specific details about any disruptions since the spill. Even small changes in your routine can add up to significant losses over a season.
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Hold on to every receipt. Fuel costs, travel to alternate fishing grounds, replacement gear, and any other expenses tied to the spill are all worth documenting.
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Photograph any contamination you encounter. If you see oil, sheen, or damage to your equipment, take photos and record the date and location. Visual evidence can be powerful support for your claim.
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Do not sign anything from the responsible party without talking to a lawyer. Early settlement offers may sound reasonable, but they often do not reflect the full extent of your losses. A quick payout now could mean leaving significant compensation on the table. An experienced oil spill attorney in Louisiana can review your case and explain your options.
Every piece of documentation you gather strengthens your position. Even if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for a LOOP claim, building this record now gives you options later.
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There’s no cost to get answers—and no fee unless we win your case. If you’ve lost income, missed trips, or seen your catch decline, you may have a valid claim under federal law.
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Contact Ory Law Group today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation.
What the LOOP Spill Could Mean for Shrimp Season
Louisiana's shrimp season depends on clean coastal waters and healthy estuaries. Brown shrimp larvae, which develop near the water's surface, are especially vulnerable to oil contamination during their early life stages.
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Even a spill that stays largely offshore can affect water quality and the marine ecosystems that shrimp need to thrive.
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For shrimpers in the Houma and Chauvin areas, any disruption during peak season can create serious financial hardship. Reduced harvests, lower market demand for Gulf seafood, and increased fuel costs to reach unaffected waters all add up quickly.
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If you are a shrimper and have noticed changes in your catch or conditions this season, it is important to start documenting those impacts now.
Contact the Louisiana LOOP Oil Spill Lawyers at Ory Law Group Today
If the LOOP oil spill has disrupted your livelihood, your season, or your family's financial security, you deserve answers, and you deserve to be heard. The legal team at Ory Law Group is ready to listen, review your situation, and help you understand what comes next.
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Call us today for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs, and you will not owe us a thing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Whether you are in Houma, Thibodaux, New Iberia, or anywhere along the Louisiana coast, we are here to fight for you.
FAQs Answered by Our Louisiana Oil Spill Lawyers
How long do I have to file an oil spill claim?
Under the Oil Pollution Act, there are specific time limits for presenting claims. These deadlines can vary depending on the type of damage, so it is important to speak with a Louisiana oil spill attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Why do I need a lawyer to file a claim against LOOP?
Oil spill claims involve complex federal law and large corporate legal teams. Having a legal advocate on your side can help level the playing field and improve your chances of a fair outcome.
What if I did not see oil on my boat or in my fishing area?
You may still have a valid claim. Under OPA, you can seek compensation if the spill affected your ability to fish or sell seafood, even if oil did not physically reach your equipment or fishing grounds.
Can I still file a claim if I already went back to work?
Yes. Returning to work does not cancel your right to seek compensation for income you lost during closures or periods of reduced catch. Your past losses are still recoverable.
Will filing a Louisiana oil spill claim affect my fishing license or standing with state agencies?
No. Filing a claim under OPA is a legal right and has no impact on your commercial fishing license or your relationship with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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Got in touch with Matt regarding a scary situation that happened over the weekend. My wife and I were unsure how to proceed and unsure of the next steps. He responded almost immediately, put our fears at ease, and assured us that he was there to help should anything transpire further. Matt was extremely informative, caring, and honest while at the same time serious, professional, and 100% on top of his game. We are extremely grateful!
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Matt’s outstanding hard work, confidence, and representation speak for themselves from the first moment you step foot in his office until the very last court hearing. His passion and drive make you feel as though there’s an entire army behind you. Thank you, Matt, from the bottom of my heart, for being so savage. If you need a total beast in your corner, call Matt Ory!
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Matt Ory was a beacon of light in helping a member of our family when our options seemed slim. He calmed our fears and addressed all of our concerns with great care. While he was extremely professional throughout the process, he was easy to talk to and made us feel very comfortable.
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