Residents near the Rumaila oilfield in Basra, Iraq are taking action against toxic gas flaring pollution and alleged contamination of their community linked to cancer, respiratory illness and more.
Claimant-focused firm Hagens Berman EMEA Law represents a group of Iraqi individuals who allegedly suffered severe harm as a result of pollution caused by gas flaring in the Rumaila oil field, in Basra, Iraq. The claim is brought against several defendants allegedly involved in the operation of that oil field including BP PLC and two of its subsidiaries.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M AFFECTED?
If you live near the Rumaila oil field and believe you have been affected by its pollution and would like to start a claim, you may register your interest.
Registering your interest in filing a claim allows our legal team to review your specific circumstances and follow up with you about your potential rights. Our legal team reviews every submission personally, and any information you share with us is privileged.
ABOUT THE POLLUTION AT THE RUMAILA OILFIELD
Rumaila is one of the largest producing oil fields in the world and the largest in Iraq. It is also one of the largest producers of gas flaring globally according to the renowned World Bank’s Gas Flaring Tracker. This gas flaring (the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction) from the Rumaila oil field, releases huge amounts of toxic chemicals into the air.
As a result of the referred pollution, communities living near the Rumaila oil field have complained about high rates of cancer, respiratory illnesses and other disastrous impacts on their daily lives. The UN told the BBC it considers these areas, in Iraq, to be "modern sacrifice zones" — where profit has been prioritised over human rights.
HOW HAS BP RESPONDED TO GROWING CONCERNS IN IRAQ?
Recent investigations by the BBC and other respected organisations have exposed the magnitude of pollution and alleged devastation on local communities. In response to those investigations, BP stated that it was “extremely concerned by the issues raised by the BBC”, that it “immediately engaged our partners” and promised to “take urgent action on any necessary interventions.”
Despite the apparent extreme concern, BP has sought to hide behind other entities to avoid accountability, and vast amounts of pollution continue to date.
YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING OIL FIELD POLLUTANTS
Our clients firmly allege that in reality BP and the other defendants have exercised control, direction and/or supervision over the management and operation of the Rumaila oil field and must take responsibility for their actions.
Our clients contend that BP PLC and the other defendants are responsible for the devastation inflicted on their lives and are asking them to take responsibility and provide the compensation they deserve to start rebuilding their lives.
In its letter before action, Hagens Berman EMEA Law attorneys made defendants aware of claims in English law, including negligence, private nuisance, public nuisance and unlawful means conspiracy. In the alternative, equivalent causes of action will be advanced under Iraqi law.
TOP ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS LAW FIRM
Hagens Berman, the US tandem branch of HB EMEA, has a history of success in environmental litigation stemming from a deep understanding of the medical and environmental science that measures potential hazards. That expertise is translated into the courtroom as our attorneys explain those hazards to a judge or jury in easily understood terms. Our firm believes in upholding the rights of individuals to safe and clean natural resources, and seeks to protect and restore our environment from damages caused by irresponsible corporate action, through the power of the law.
NO COST TO YOU
In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. There is no cost or fee whatsoever involved in joining this action. In the event Hagens Berman EMEA or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the class's legal team.