In a gripping legal battle that revisits one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in recent history, a Gulfport resident has taken on some of the largest corporations in the oil industry. Gary Frederick filed a lawsuit 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 complaint was lodged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi on February 14, 2025.
The case stems from injuries Frederick claims to have suffered due to exposure to toxic substances following the infamous BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on April 20, 2010. According to court documents, Frederick accuses these companies of negligence and gross negligence leading up to and following the disaster. He alleges that their actions—or lack thereof—resulted in significant health issues for him, including prostate adenocarcinoma. The plaintiff contends that BP Exploration was designated as a "responsible party" by the U.S. Coast Guard for its role in managing clean-up activities across several Gulf states and directing operations at the Macondo Well where the spill originated.
Frederick's lawsuit highlights a series of failures by these corporate giants, such as inadequate safety measures, poor management decisions, and an alleged cover-up regarding the severity of the spill's impact. The document cites Judge Barbier's findings from previous litigation related to this incident, which apportioned liability among BP (67%), Transocean (30%), and Halliburton (3%). Frederick’s complaint argues that despite knowing about the hazardous nature of crude oil and chemical dispersants like Corexit used during cleanup efforts, these companies failed to warn or protect residents like him from exposure.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $75,000 for past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from his exposure to harmful chemicals released during the spill. Additionally, he demands punitive damages specifically against BP Defendants for their reckless conduct that prioritized profit over public safety. Frederick also requests medical monitoring due to his increased risk of developing serious latent diseases caused by prolonged exposure to toxic substances.
Representing Gary Frederick is attorney Terris C. Harris from The Cochran Firm-Jackson LLC based in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The case is presided over by judges identified under Case ID 2:25-cv-00413-CJB-DPC.