On February 26, 2026, a mechanical failure at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port released approximately 31,500 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico near Port Fourchon and Grand Isle. If your business, property, or livelihood was affected, you may have legal options. A free case evaluation costs you nothing.
The Louisiana Offshore Oil Port (LOOP) is the only deepwater port in the United States capable of receiving fully loaded supertankers, located approximately 18 miles offshore near Port Fourchon and Grand Isle. On February 26, 2026, a cargo transfer hose at the facility failed during a crude oil transfer operation, resulting in the discharge of approximately 31,500 gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. A Unified Command — comprising the U.S. Coast Guard, the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator's Office, and LOOP — was established to coordinate the response.
The spill was caused by a failure involving a cargo transfer hose during routine operations at the LOOP facility. Initial estimates placed the discharge at approximately 12,600 gallons. Further investigation revised the figure upward to approximately 31,500 gallons, or roughly 750 barrels of crude oil.
By late March 2026, cleanup operations involved approximately 677 responders, 107 vessels, and more than 158,000 feet of containment boom. Cleanup at Raccoon Island was declared complete, though marsh remediation remained ongoing. The Unified Command acknowledged in March 2026 that some oil in marshland areas would not be fully recovered.
Oil reached barrier islands near Grand Isle, Terrebonne Bay marshes, and Barataria Bay oyster lease areas. On March 14, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Health closed six Molluscan Shellfish Areas in Terrebonne Parish covering approximately 106,299 acres. The areas were reopened on April 3, 2026, though monitoring has continued.
The spill occurred immediately before the opening of Louisiana's inland shrimping season and during the peak of crabbing and oyster spawning season. Crude oil can harm marine life by contaminating food sources and disrupting coastal ecosystems. Over 2,400 private oyster leases were affected, with impacts felt across commercial fishing, charter operations, and seafood-related businesses.
LOOP established a claims process for individuals and businesses affected by the spill. If you were contacted or visited a claims location, there are important legal considerations you should be aware of before taking any action.
If you were presented with a settlement offer or release, it is important to understand what rights you may be waiving. A release signed with LOOP may affect your ability to pursue additional compensation in the future, including for losses you may not yet know you have.
Under the Oil Pollution Act (33 U.S.C. § 2714(b)), claimants have the right to seek interim or partial settlements without giving up the right to pursue additional compensation later. You should understand these rights before settling any claim related to the spill.
Whether or not you have already submitted a claim or signed any documents, consulting with an attorney can help you understand the full value of your claim and your available options. An initial consultation is free and carries no obligation.
Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA), individuals and businesses that suffered economic losses as a result of the LOOP spill may be entitled to compensation. This includes losses from restricted access to fishing grounds, harvest area closures, and reduced business revenue — even in cases where property was not directly covered in oil.
Lost income and reduced catch resulting from restricted access to fishing grounds, including impacts during shrimping and crabbing season.
State closures of Molluscan Shellfish Areas in Terrebonne Parish affected more than 2,400 private oyster leases across over 106,000 acres.
Lost bookings, cancellations, and reduced revenue resulting from oil contamination in operating waters during peak season.
Supply disruptions and lost revenue tied to reduced availability of locally sourced seafood following harvest area closures.
Property damage, cleanup costs, and diminished property value resulting from oil reaching barrier islands, marshes, and adjacent coastal areas.
Businesses in Terrebonne and Lafourche Parishes that experienced revenue losses related to reduced fishing, tourism, or coastal activity following the spill.
Oil spills in U.S. waters can give rise to claims under several legal frameworks. The following is a general overview of the laws that may apply to losses resulting from the LOOP spill. This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
OPA establishes strict liability for the responsible party of an oil discharge into U.S. navigable waters. Under OPA, claimants may recover for lost profits, lost subsistence use of natural resources, damage to real or personal property, and certain other economic losses — without needing to prove negligence. OPA also sets specific timelines and procedures for presenting claims.
Incidents involving offshore equipment failures often raise questions about maintenance practices, inspection procedures, and operational safety standards. Investigators typically review maintenance records and operational logs to assess how a mechanical failure occurred. Where negligence is established, affected parties may be entitled to additional categories of damages beyond those available under OPA alone.
Because the spill originated in offshore navigable waters, federal maritime law governs many aspects of these claims. Under general maritime law, commercial fishermen and maritime businesses may seek compensation for lost profits, loss of earning capacity, and property damage resulting from a facility operator's negligence.
Louisiana's civil and environmental statutes provide additional avenues for recovery, including for damage to privately held oyster leases, coastal property, and economic losses sustained by businesses and residents in affected parishes. State law claims may complement or extend federal recovery options in certain circumstances.
Note on Deadlines: Claims under the Oil Pollution Act and applicable maritime law are subject to filing deadlines that run from the date of the spill. Documentation of your losses — including records of lost income, canceled bookings, and increased costs — can be important to the claims process. The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Consulting with an attorney can help you understand your specific options.
If your business, property, or livelihood was affected by the LOOP oil spill, an attorney can help you understand what compensation may be available and what steps to take. There is no cost for an initial consultation, and no fee unless a recovery is made on your behalf.
Blake E. Corley
Trial Lawyer — LA Bar No. 39848
400 Poydras Street, Suite 1900
New Orleans, LA 70130
No upfront cost. No fee unless
we recover for you.
Confidential. No obligation. Takes 2 minutes.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. All submissions are confidential. Attorney advertising — prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.