Feinberg says spill claimants would be ‘crazy’ to bypass his compensation fund

Feinberg urges spill claimants to opt for fund

WASHINGTON — The administrator of a $20 billion Gulf oil spill compensation fund says fishermen and others with lost income claims would be “crazy” to bypass the fund and take their chances in court.

Ken Feinberg said at speech Monday that that he will be much more generous than any court — without the complications and delays of a lawsuit.

He also noted that claimants could get emergency payments for six months without giving up their right to sue. He said only people who are offered a lump sum for all present and future injury would have to decide whether to take that and waive filing a lawsuit.

Feinberg made his remarks at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C.