USA Today ran an editorial piece this morning (December 29, 2010) lauding praise on Kenneth Fienberg and the BP claims process.  In response to that editorial, USA Today ran a commentary by outgoing Alabama Attorney General Troy King, who charges that Mr. Feinberg is not working for the benefit of those injured by the Deepwater Horizon spill.  Instead, Attorney General King argues that Mr. Feinberg and his firm, which is being paid $850,000.00 per month by BP, is doing all that can be done to limit BP’s expenditures. 

Mr. Feinberg continually encourages Gulf Coast residents to avoid filing lawsuits.  As Mr. King states, “Feinberg has exploited the hopelessness and despair that many Gulf Coast residents feel as they face bankruptcy and live in the shadow of BP’s latest broken promises by telling them they will receive a better deal through the claims process than if they go to court – a statement he cannot substantiate.” 

Attorney General King suggests that the process Mr. Feinberg has put in place is not as consumer friendly as what BP had agreed to do.  He also notes that the State of Alabama has gone so far as to issue a “scam alert” warning consumers to proceed with caution when dealing with the claims process Mr. Feinberg is running, and that consumers should consult with counsel before signing any paperwork. 

Mr. King summarizes his position like this: 

Each citizen must give deep and serious thought to his own situation and what is the best way to proceed.  It is unfortunate, but clear to me, that our citizens cannot simply accept Feinberg’s advice, trusting it to be in their best interest – for it may well not be so.

Consumers should heed Mr. King’s advice and proceed with caution.