But…but…sometimes mistakes happen.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp.’s (APC) accusation that BP PLC (BP.LN) committed gross negligence or willful misconduct has consequences far beyond the division of liability between the two companies. If Anadarko eventually presses that position in court–and its survival could depend on it–other plaintiffs could piggy-back on a finding against BP, increasing its exposure and accelerating claims against it.

Anadarko’s charge also signals another potential risk for BP: With the rest of the oil industry publicly questioning BP’s drilling and safety practices, it may become harder for BP to find exploration and development partners.

Why can’t people just leave BP alooooone?