Additional collateral damage from the settlement comes from the loss of jobs for most of the consultants hired to do the foreclosure reviews.

FORBES: Settling The Foreclosure Reviews: Winners And Losers

His book, Taxation of Damage Awards and Settlement Payments (4th Ed. 2009 with 2012 Supplement, Tax Institute), is in wide use by lawyers, judges, mediators and courts nationwide.

FORBES: Consider Tax Filing Status Carefully

He says the company would honor the terms of the settlement that covers damage to natural resources if a legitimate claim was made.

NPR: Valdez: The Damage Persists, 17 Years Later