People close to case: Gulf oil spill trial delayed

[February 27, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- A federal trial over the nation's worst offshore oil disaster has been delayed for a week to allow more time for settlement talks, according to two people close to the case.

The two people told The Associated Press the decision was made Sunday during a conference call between parties in the case and U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier. They spoke on condition of anonymity because a formal ruling had not yet been issued.

Among other things, the trial that had been set to begin Monday is meant to determine the penalties that need to be paid by BP and other companies involved in the oil spill. Billions of dollars are at stake.

[Associated Press; By HARRY R. WEBER]

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