Alabama Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The “Alabama Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit” is drawing attention as many individuals seek compensation for injuries caused by polluted water.

Knowing the details of the case, the involved chemicals, and the legal procedures can aid you in navigating and asserting your rights.

Suppose you or a loved one has suffered from injuries as a result of your exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water contamination. In that case, the dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is prepared to provide you with assistance.

As a nationally recognized law firm specializing in plaintiff’s cases, our primary goal is to secure the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.

Alabama Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, grabbed the public’s attention when it was discovered that the water supply system was contaminated with toxic chemicals between 1953 and 1987. This contamination posed serious health risks for all personnel on the base and nearby civilian populations.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was enacted to provide compensation for Alabama residents who were affected by this contamination.

The act’s goal is to ease the burden of those who suffered due to governmental negligence by providing compensation for damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Alabama residents can benefit from legal assistance to understand their rights and receive deserved compensation while navigating Camp Lejeune lawsuits. Camp Lejeune attorneys can guide those affected through the intricacies of filing a claim, maximizing their chances of success, and securing a just settlement.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 grants Camp Lejeune victims the right to file lawsuits against the United States government to obtain compensation for water contamination at Camp Lejeune. This legislation applies to individuals who:

• were employed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
• resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
• were exposed in utero to polluted water containing toxic substances at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987

Victims have the opportunity to pursue financial compensation for their injuries under the CLJA, which were caused by toxic volatile organic compounds in the water supply.

To obtain a settlement payout, claimants must demonstrate exposure to contaminated water supply systems at Camp Lejeune and have a related health condition.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is currently in the process of selecting “Track 1” cases for bellwether trials, which are test trials that allow the parties to assess the merits and shortcomings of a case, as well as to determine the value of cases through jury verdicts.

The trials are anticipated to be set for 2024. The United States federal government, as the defendant in the lawsuit, is being held accountable for the negligence that allowed contaminants into the water supply and for not alerting people of the potential health risks.

Recent developments in the case include:

• The Department of Justice is requesting federal judges in North Carolina to hasten their plans to manage the increasing amount of legal proceedings concerning water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
• Judges managing the cases suggest a consolidation process
• Judge Terrence Boyle chose to carry on with his cases, causing some discord.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination of the groundwater at Camp Lejeune can be traced back to multiple sources, including leaking underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites.

One of the most prominent causes of water contamination was the toxic chemical PCE. This alarming pollution was discovered during environmental testing in the 1980s, leading to the shutdown of the most polluted wells in 1985.

Identifying the cause of contaminated drinking water is key to holding responsible parties accountable and seeking justice for the victims of this negligence. Identifying contamination sources helps prevent similar future incidents and guarantees the safety of our water supply.

What Toxic Chemicals Were Found in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, Methylene chloride, and Vinyl chloride. These chemicals pose serious health risks to those who are exposed to them, with the potential to cause cancer, congenital disabilities, and other illnesses [1].

For instance, the maximum level of TCE contamination in the Camp Lejeune water supply in 1985 was recorded to be 215 ug/L, which is 43 times the safe level for TCE.

Recognizing the presence of toxic chemicals in the groundwater empowers the affected individuals to seek compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable. Understanding the threats these chemicals pose allows us to grasp the extent of the harm and strive to prevent similar future incidents.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders, and congenital disabilities.

For example, exposure to PCE in Camp Lejeune’s water supply has been linked to liver and kidney injuries, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Identifying the health complications linked to exposure to these toxic chemicals is key for the affected individuals to seek compensation and justice.

Understanding the potential health risks due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune enables victims and their families to defend their rights more effectively and fight for deserved compensation for these life-altering illnesses.

“Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals can remain in the environment and our bodies for long periods of time, which makes it particularly important that the Environmental Protection Agency ensures protections are in place for these chemicals.”- Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

Who Qualifies For an Alabama Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Residents who must have resided or been employed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the period of contamination, spanning from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, qualify for an Alabama Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Establishing their connection to Camp Lejeune, either through social security employment history records or other employment verification forms, allows claimants to seek compensation for their injuries [2].

Even if prospective plaintiffs cannot provide documentation to support their connection to Camp Lejeune, a claim can still be pursued; however, they may experience difficulty in establishing their eligibility without sufficient records.

In such cases, their Camp Lejeune lawyer will endeavor to locate these records for them, assisting with their Camp Lejeune claims.

Damages That You Can Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Potential damages that may be sought in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The average medical cost for treatment of illnesses linked to Camp Lejeune’s toxic water contamination can vary depending on the specific condition and the strength of the case.

Settlement amounts range from one hundred thousand to five hundred and fifty thousand dollars and estimates for settlement amounts range from ten thousand to over one million dollars.

Calculating lost wages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Alabama involves determining the individual’s average weekly wage for the 52 weeks before the incident. The precise calculation may differ depending on the particular conditions of the case.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Alabama

Though the settlement amounts for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit are yet to be determined, attorneys will refine and narrow the projections as the Camp Lejeune litigation advances.

The severity of the victim’s injuries and the capability of their legal representative to connect the injuries or death to the contaminated water will be taken into consideration when determining settlement compensation.

The amount of money awarded to a claimant in a Parkinson’s disease case can vary significantly. For example, it may range between $1 million and $1.5 million. Understanding potential settlement amounts enables those affected to estimate their possible compensation and collaborate with their legal team to construct a robust case.

Filing an Alabama Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Alabama, claimants must follow these steps:

1. Submit their claim to the “appropriate federal agency” as part of the administrative claim process outlined in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
2. The federal agency is mandated to accept or deny the claim within six months.
3. Claimants must await a decision or the expiration of the six-month deadline before filing their lawsuit in federal court.

Statute of Limitations

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 has established a two-year statute of limitations for filing water contamination lawsuits related to Camp Lejeune in Alabama [3]. This means that claimants have a limited window of time to initiate legal action and seek compensation for their injuries.

In some cases, the statute of limitations may be extended based on specific conditions. Still, in general, claimants must file their lawsuit within two years from the date the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was enacted.

Related Articles:

• Toxic Water Served for Decades
• Illnesses Caused by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
• VA Benefits Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

How Does the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Affect Residents in Alabama?

Residents of Alabama who were stationed or lived at Camp Lejeune may suffer health issues due to contaminated water. They may be eligible for compensation through legal claims.

What Legal Options Are Available for Alabama Residents Affected by Camp Lejeune Contamination?

Affected Alabama residents can file a lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting an experienced lawyer is crucial to navigate the legal process.

Can Family Members of Alabama Veterans File a Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Yes, family members of Alabama veterans who lived at Camp Lejeune and suffered health issues from water contamination can file claims. Eligibility includes dependents and spouses exposed to the toxic water.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation From an Alabama Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyer Today

Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to assist during crucial times. If you or a family member has suffered injuries due to exposure to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is experienced in handling such cases and is prepared to guide you through every stage of the process.

You have the right to understand your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Rest assured, our consultations are always free, and you won’t incur any costs unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Let us be your trusted partner on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/tce_pce.html
2. https://news.va.gov/35977/vas-rule-establishes-presumption-service-connection-diseases-associated-exposure-contaminants-water-supply-camp-lejeune/
3. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title28-chapter171-front&num=0&edition=prelim