How Data Analytics Helped Resolve Multi-Million Dollar Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Claims

Background and Challenges

BDO was retained by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (GCCF) pursuant to federal legislation, with oversight and direction by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), to conduct an independent evaluation of the GCCF, the facility established when BP turned over decision-making authority to Kenneth R. Feinberg to review claims and distribute over $20 billion to individuals and businesses harmed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Approach

BDO focused on setting forth an explanation of the GCCF’s formation and operations, reviewed claim outcomes for possible errors, and addressed concerns raised by claimants, public officials, and other stakeholders. BDO analyzed millions of records and developed and deployed an online review platform for claims-review compliance testing.

Client Impact

Coupled with extensive data analytics, BDO used the results of this testing to identify millions of dollars in additional payments to be made to claimants. BDO’s findings were presented to and accepted by the DOJ and five Offices of Attorneys General in a report available to the public.