Compensation funds of the victims of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is open for claims but some rules can block the victims from seeking other compensations via legal action.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the most current guidelines to the $20 billion fund of BP is that the people who are geographically adjacent to the oil spill and the people who are relying on the resources that are given by the Gulf of Mexico will have an increased chance to receive payment.

The guidelines also comes with a secondary rule that is scheduled for release this coming autumn that will require the businesses and the people who will get the payment to forfeit their rights to sue British Petroleum (BP) and other companies that are involved in the oil spill. If the businesses and the people seek compensation under the fund, then they need to forfeit their rights to sue BP. This rule will save big oil billions.

The new rules and claims are released by Kenneth Feinberg, a Washington lawyer who is chosen by President Barack Obama to run the fund that is produced by BP. Many people said that the compensation is unfair but Feinberg states that the claims are ethical and generous compared to what might received if the lawsuits are pursued.

According to the statement of Feinberg, the people must think that it may take years of uncertain protracted litigation if the people will not take the compensation. There is an alternative and they will be properly compensated. The marketplace also said that Feinberg place restrictions on the 9/11 payouts.

According to the fact sheet released by the White House, the fund will pay all the damage claims filed by businesses and individuals who suffered economically during the oil spill crisis.