The high-stakes Gulf�oil�spill�trial has started with a lawyer criticizing�BP�by saying company executives put enormous pressure on drilling managers to cut costs and rush the job.

Jim Roy is an attorney for individuals and businesses affected by the�spill. He says�BP�repeatedly chose speed over safety.

The federal government and attorneys for a couple of Gulf coast states are also expected to make opening statements Monday.�BP�is also expected to present its side.

The trial is designed to assign blame and help figure out exactly how much more�BP�and other companies should pay for the nation’s worst offshore�oil�spill.

(AP)