BP Asks for Review of ‘Grossly Negligent’ Ruling

BP has requested a review of the recent judge’s ruling that found the company “grossly negligent” in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

The oil giant filed a motion in Louisiana court, saying U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier’s ruling was based on evidence that the judge had agreed to exclude from trial. BP requests that the ruling be amended or a new trial be granted.

The evidence referred to in the motion is expert testimony that was given regarding how weaknesses in the Macondo well’s casing contributed to the blowout and subsequent explosion.

Barbier’s ruling in September said that BP was subject to enhanced civil penalties under the Clean Water Act, which increased the company’s potential liability by about $18 billion.  BP already agreed to penalties and fines of $4 billion in connection with the offshore accident.