A split decision of a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday upheld a lower court decision approving a multibillion-dollar settlement with BP of private claims stemming from the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill…[T]he panel dismissed BP's contention that the settlement agreement should be thrown out because the U.S. Constitution prohibits paying claimants who have not suffered an injury, or cannot prove their injuries were caused by the spill…"Today's ruling is an enormous victory for the Gulf, and an important step forward in ensuring that every eligible claimant is fully compensated…" said a statement released by attorneys…who head the Plaintiff Steering Committee representing those who sued BP. BP's website on Friday noted: "…BP is assessing its legal options and the further implications of the 5th Circuit's decision."