BP to pay biggest U.S. criminal environmental fine ever

A U.S. judge on Thursday approved British Petroleum's agreement to pay $50 million -- the largest U.S. criminal environmental fine ever -- after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers at a Texas refinery.

BP's plea agreement had been held up after families of victims complained the penalty was too lenient, pointing out that regulators found that BP sacrificed safety at the plant to cut costs.

SMSH Partner Matthew D. Shaffer represented multiple Plaintiffs in the BP litigation, obtaining millions of dollars for his clients.  If you or someone you know has been injured in a plant explosion, construction accident, refinery accident, or otherwise hurt on the job, please contact Mr. Shaffer at 1-800-282-2122.