How much does the Plains Oil Spill Settlement pay?

The total settlement fund is $230M. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.

What is the claim deadline for the Plains Oil Spill Settlement?

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 31, 2022. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.

Is the Plains Oil Spill Settlement notice real, or a scam?

JND Legal Administration is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at plainsoilspillsettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.

When will payments from the Plains Oil Spill Settlement be sent?

Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for September 20, 2022; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.

Claims closedother

Plains Oil Spill Settlement

This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 31, 2022. You can still see what it was about and follow the case in court below. Looking for money you can still claim? Browse open settlements →

What happened

Plains All American Pipeline L.P. and Plains Pipeline L.P. caused an underground pipeline to rupture on May 19, 2015, resulting in an oil spill along the coast in Santa Barbara County. The oil washed up onto coastal properties and beaches, damaging residential homes and the fishing industry.

Do you qualify?

Fisher Class: persons or businesses who owned or worked on fishing vessels landing commercial seafood in specified California fishing blocks from May 19, 2010 to May 19, 2015, or businesses that purchased and resold such seafood. Property Class: owners or lessees of residential beachfront property or property with private beach easement where oil washed up and was categorized as heavy, moderate, or light.

How to file

Submit a claim form online or by mail postmarked by October 31, 2022. (Note: This deadline has passed and claims are no longer being accepted.)

Common questions

How much does the Plains Oil Spill Settlement pay?: The total settlement fund is $230M. Actual amounts depend on how many valid claims are filed — most settlements divide a fixed fund pro rata, so a higher claim rate means a smaller individual check. An "up to" figure is a cap, not a guarantee.
What is the claim deadline for the Plains Oil Spill Settlement?: This settlement is closed to new claims — the deadline was October 31, 2022. Once a claim deadline passes you generally forfeit your share, even if you qualified.
Is the Plains Oil Spill Settlement notice real, or a scam?: JND Legal Administration is the settlement administrator for this case. Claims are filed at plainsoilspillsettlement.com. Filing a class action claim is always free — no legitimate settlement charges you to claim, and no administrator will ask for payment, a gift card, or your full Social Security number by email or text. If a notice asks for any of those, it is not from the administrator. When in doubt, ignore the link you were sent and go to the official settlement website directly.
When will payments from the Plains Oil Spill Settlement be sent?: Class action payouts typically take 12 to 24 months after the claim deadline, and longer if the settlement is appealed. The final approval hearing for this case is set for September 20, 2022; no payments can be issued before a settlement receives final approval.

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New to class actions?

This summary was generated from public settlement documents and may contain errors. Confirm eligibility, deadlines, and payment terms on the official settlement website before filing. ClaimWatch is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Filing a claim is free.

Claim deadline: October 31, 2022
Settlement fund: $230M
Class period: May 19, 2010 – May 19, 2015
Final hearing: September 20, 2022
Case: Andrews, et al. v. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P., et al.
Case number: 2:15-cv-04113-SVW-JEM
Court: United States District Court for the Central District of California
Administrator: JND Legal Administration

Official settlement website →

Case status & court docket

Federal court in CaliforniaMore from California

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Case terminated September 20, 2022

August 2, 2024
Distribution to class
ORDER REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF REMAINING FUNDS TO FISHER AND PROPERTY CLASSES 990 by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez: After consideration of Plaintiffs' Status Report Regarding Settlement Distribution to Fisher and Property Classes, the Declaration of Genevieve Pierce on behalf of the Settlement Administ
August 1, 2024
Distribution to class
STATUS REPORT --Status Report Regarding Settlement Distribution to Fisher and Property Classes-- filed by Plaintiff Keith Andrews. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Genevieve Pierce in Support of Status Report Regarding Rejected Claim Objections and Recommendations for Distribution of Res
July 12, 2024
Distribution to class
ORDER GRANTING COUNSELS' REQUEST TO RENOTE STATUS CONFERENCE REGARDING SETTLEMENT DISTRIBUTION TO FISHER AND PROPERTY CLASSES 988 by Judge Philip S. Gutierrez. Upon presentation of Class Counsels Request to Renote Status Conference Regarding Settlement Distribution to Fisher and Property Classes, it
July 9, 2024
Distribution to class
REQUEST to Continue Status Conference re Settlement Distribution to Fisher and Property Classes from July 18, 2024 to August 15, 2024 filed by Class Counsel Keith Andrews. Request set for hearing on 8/15/2024 at 01:30 PM before Judge Philip S. Gutierrez. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order) (Farris, Ju

View the full court docket on CourtListener →

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