Thousands of victims of BP's 2010 Gulf oil spill will participate in a new process for economic-loss and
medical claims associated with the accident.

The Deepwater Horizon Claims Center, run by court-appointed administrator Patrick Juneau, will open 18 intake centers across the Gulf Coast next week to accept such claims that will be paid based on the strict terms of a negotiated settlement.

The Times-Picayune reports a separate center also will open to handle claims from coastal residents and cleanup workers who say they were injured from exposure to the spill.

Beginning Monday, anyone who suffered spill-related losses or injuries and hasn't already accepted a final settlement from BP through the former Gulf Coast Claims Facility will be able to apply under the new process.