Washington, May 24, 2010 -

WESTWEGO – Oil spill victims can get BP checks cut on the spot for property damage, personal injury or lost wages at the Claims Fair sponsored by Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-02) today at the Alario Center, 2000 Segnette Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To qualify for a check, applicants must bring with them the following:

• Social security number or tax I.D.;
• The name and address of your attorney if you have legal representation;
• The name, phone and fax numbers, address, hours and claim number for any insurance claim you may have;
• Your occupation;
• Precisely how you are affected by the oil spill;
• Your salary;
• Whether or not you work full-time.

Anyone claiming lost income must produce:

• A picture I.D.
• Federal Income Tax Returns (2007-2009)
• Daily sales journals (2008-2010 by month)
• Vendor Sales Receipts (2008-2010 by month)

Boat owners or operators claiming lost income must produce:

• Pay stubs;
• Copy of Commercial Fisherman’s License;
• Copy of Commercial Gear License;
• Copy of Commercial Vessel Registration;
• Catch tickets/Trip tickets (2008-2010 by month);
• List of continuing expenses.

Deckhands claiming lost income should produce:

• Vessel name;
• Vessel registration number;
• Captain’s name;
• Captain’s phone number;
• Pay stubs;
• Copy of Commercial Vessel Registration.

Owners or operators of rental or charter boats must produce:

• Log books;
• Current cancellations with contact information;
• List of continuing expenses.

Anyone wishing to claim damages to a boat must provide:
• Vessel license number and state of license;
• Vessel name;
• Commercial fisherman license number;
• Commercial gear license number;
• Captain license number and state of license;
• Locations of fishing, charter, crab traps, etc.;
• Whether vessel was driven through oil, ingested oil, etc.