UPDATED: Crawford Confirms New Role in Oil Spill Claims

Editor's Note: This article was updated and edited Aug. 12, 2010 at 5:08 p.m.

Crawford & Company has confirmed that GCG has been retained to assist Feinberg Rozen, LLP with Mr. Ken Feinberg's role as the administrator of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility.

"GCG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crawford & Company, has been engaged by Ken Feinberg of Feinberg Rozen, LLP, as a vendor to assist in the creation and management of the independent gulf coast claims facility," confirmed a spokesperson from Crawford, who said all further questions should be referred to Mr. Feinberg's office.

Mr. Feinberg has been retained by President Obama and BP to administer the Fund. His selection received strong approval and support from the Obama Administration.

According to its web site, GCG -- formerly known as Garden City Group -- is a recognized leader in class-action, legal settlement administration. Crawford also offers other services, including property/casualty claim management and workers' compensation claims and medical management. GCG has past experience handling large, complex cases, including the $6.2 billion WorldCom Securities litigation. It also handled General Motors' bankruptcy efforts.

According to Mr. Feinberg's spokesperson, Worley Catastrophe Response Company will continue to work with his office to assist with the administration of the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, including the staffing of 36 claim office facilities throughout the affected Gulf region. ESIS continues to work with BP but will not be directly involved with the GCCF once the transition to the new facility has occurred..

More information to follow as it becomes available.