As the oil slick from the BP oil drilling disaster in the Gulf of Mexico nears the Florida coast and Pensacola beaches, lawyers say the legal issues are numerous and complex.
Experts currently estimate the oil slick damage will reach Pensacola Beach by June 5, if not earlier, severely damaging beaches known for having the whitest sand in the nation. Some analysts say the oil sheen could reach the Pensacola Bay area as early as June 2.
Meanwhile, lawyers in Pensacola and the entire region are working non-stop to stay ahead of BP defensive maneuvers that threaten to limit the amount BP will ultimately pay to those who have been hurt financially and otherwise.
Sources: USA Today (oil slick nears Florida; numerous legal issues) and Pensacola News Journal (oil to reach area as early as June 2).