NEW : The BP oil spill was ` ` a multiparty affair , '' BP ' argues . Billions of dollars are at stake as a judge determines negligence and financial penalties . BP is fighting to limit fines , while the company 's lawyers hope to see a landmark punishment . The plaintiffs in the civil case that opened Monday include five Gulf states , individuals , businesses and the federal government . A jury will weigh whether BP was grossly negligent and determine how much it owes .
NEW : The BP oil spill was ` ` a multiparty affair , '' BP ' argues . Billions of dollars are at stake as a judge determines negligence and financial penalties . BP is fighting to limit fines , while the company 's lawyers hope to see a landmark punishment . A jury will weigh whether BP was grossly negligent and determine how much it owes .