A Mississippi resident has filed a lawsuit against several major corporations, alleging exposure to toxic substances following the catastrophic BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Jayson Brian Ladner, the plaintiff, filed the complaint on February 11, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi against BP Exploration & Production Inc., BP America Production Co., Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., and Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
The lawsuit arises from injuries that Ladner claims to have suffered due to exposure to toxic chemicals released during and after the oil spill. The complaint details how BP Exploration was designated as a "responsible party" by the U.S. Coast Guard for its role in the disaster. According to Ladner's filing, BP Defendants were involved in managing clean-up operations across Gulf States and engaged in commerce that further polluted these areas. The document also implicates Transocean entities for their involvement with the Deepwater Horizon rig that exploded and sank, causing millions of gallons of crude oil to spill into the Gulf of Mexico over an 87-day period. Additionally, Halliburton is accused of negligence related to cementing operations intended to seal off hydrocarbons at the Macondo Well site.
Ladner's complaint seeks relief exceeding $75,000 exclusive of interest and costs, asserting claims under general maritime laws and Mississippi state laws. He accuses BP Defendants of gross negligence and willful misconduct while attributing negligence to both Transocean Defendants and Halliburton. The lawsuit highlights Judge Barbier’s previous findings which apportioned fault among these companies: 67% to BP Defendants, 30% to Transocean Defendants, and 3% to Halliburton.
In addition to financial compensation for his injuries believed linked to chronic exposure during recreational activities near affected zones or through contaminated seafood consumption from Gulf waters—Ladner seeks punitive damages against these corporations. His legal team argues that defendants engaged in fraudulent concealment regarding spill severity and misrepresented post-spill conditions—allegations supported by prior guilty pleas entered by BP acknowledging obstruction of Congress among other charges.
Representing Ladner are attorneys from various law firms specializing in environmental litigation. The Case ID is: 225cv369.