Arkansas Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Arkansas Camp Lejeune, water contamination lawsuit scandal, has left a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of individuals. For those affected, seeking justice and compensation is crucial to facing the challenges this disaster brings.

This article will explore the Arkansas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, specifically the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, a federal law that allows Arkansas residents impacted by the contaminated water to file lawsuits against the US Marine Corps, and how to navigate this complex legal landscape.

Suppose you, or someone close to you, have been impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and are dealing with health repercussions. In that case, our committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to help.

As a nationally respected law firm with a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our primary mission is to help you achieve the justice you deserve and secure the rightful compensation you are owed.

Arkansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022:

• Provides a legal avenue for veterans, family members, and civilian employees exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Enables them to pursue compensation through lawsuits against the US Marine Corps
• Acknowledges the suffering endured by these individuals
• Aims to hold the responsible parties accountable for the contamination at Camp Lejeune

Qualified attorneys can assist Arkansas residents affected by the water contamination in preparing their cases and getting legal assistance in filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

The amount of compensation received will depend on the severity of the illness, with those diagnosed with cancer, Parkinson’s disease, or other severe health problems potentially receiving greater sums.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 enables victims to file a Camp Lejeune claim for compensation and health care benefits for medical conditions related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Eligibility requires individuals to have worked or resided at Camp Lejeune for at least thirty days, consecutively or non-consecutively, between 1953 and 1987. If you meet these criteria, it’s time to file a Camp Lejeune claim and seek compensation and the justice you deserve.

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination can seek damages and hold the government accountable for its refusal to grant compensation. The Act outlines the following:

• Eligibility criteria for filing a lawsuit
• Deadline for filing
• Types of damages that can be pursued
• Requirements for obtaining a settlement payout

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit concerns individuals harmed by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, with the United States federal government as the defendant. The maximum TCE and PCE contamination levels in the Camp Lejeune water supply were shockingly high, at 1,400 ppb and 215 ppb, respectively.

Currently, the government faces pressure to address the 900 toxic drinking water lawsuits filed and to formulate a strategy that provides acceptable settlement offers to the victims.

The Camp Lejeune class action lawsuit is currently underway, with a master complaint and answer filed, as well as procedures for consolidating discovery, coordinating motions, and settlement negotiations related to potential Camp Lejeune lawsuits and other Camp Lejeune victims’ lawsuits.

“Over four decades, contaminated drinking water at North Carolina’s U.S. Marine Core Base Camp Lejeune put hundreds of thousands of people at risk for cancer and other serious illnesses.”- Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, was primarily caused by:

• Chemical spills and leaks from both on-site and off-site sources
• A significant fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank
• Off-base dry cleaning facilities improperly dispose of chemicals
• On-base personnel using heavy chemicals to clean equipment

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found contaminating three out of the eight water-distribution plants.

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include TCE and PCE, which were the primary volatile compounds identified in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune. TCE is an industrial chemical used in the production of refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons. PCE is a solvent used in dry cleaning.

The levels of TCE and PCE found in the Camp Lejeune water supply were alarmingly high, with TCE levels reaching up to 1,400 ppb and PCE levels reaching up to 215 ppb, significantly exceeding the EPA’s maximum safe levels for potable water [1].

Exposure to these toxic chemicals has been linked to numerous health risks, including:

• Liver and kidney damage
• Damage to the central nervous system
• Immune system impacts
• Hematologic system effects
• Increased risk of certain cancers, such as bladder and kidney cancer.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water has been linked to a variety of health concerns, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and neurological disorders.

Research has indicated a correlation between unspecified types of cancer and consumption of hazardous chemicals present in the water at Camp Lejeune. Additionally, exposure to TCE at Camp Lejeune has been associated with congenital heart defects in newborn children.

PCE exposure has been linked to the following health issues:

• Liver and kidney injuries
• Leukemia
• Renal Toxicity
• Esophageal cancer
• Breast Cancer

These alarming health issues underscore the dire consequences of the contamination at Camp Lejeune and the importance of seeking justice and compensation for the Camp Lejeune victims who have suffered due to the negligence of others.

Studies have indicated that exposure to TCE may be linked to various illnesses, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, kidney cancer, liver cancer, Parkinson’s disease, end-stage renal disease, scleroderma, multiple myeloma, and cardiac defects [1]. It could also contribute to birth defects and possibly bladder cancer.

Who Qualifies For an Arkansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Arkansas veterans, family members, and civilian employees who lived or worked at the base between 1953 and 1987 and were exposed to the contamination qualify for an Arkansas Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement [2].

To prove eligibility, individuals must present supporting documents such as military service records for veterans and their families or social security employment records for civilian contractors and non-military personnel.

Eligible Arkansas residents under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 can seek free, no-obligation case reviews with Camp Lejeune attorneys handling Camp Lejeune claims.

It is important to act promptly as the Act imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to the water contamination. Consult with Camp Lejeune lawyers to ensure your rights are protected.

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

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, damages that may be recoverable include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• And more

Although the exact average amount of medical expenses recovered in these negligence lawsuits, is unclear, settlement amounts can range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the medical condition of the claimant and the extent of their damages.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Arkansas

Settlement amounts for Arkansas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits will vary depending on the severity of the illness and the strength of the claim. For example, individual settlement amounts for Parkinson’s disease cases could range between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Remember that settlement compensation payouts will not be the same for all individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, as the amounts differ based on the severity of the illness and the strength of the claim.

The total settlement payouts for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are estimated to be over $21 billion.

Filing an Arkansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing an Arkansas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit involves the following steps:

1. Contact a qualified attorney who can provide legal representation and guidance to individuals or groups adversely affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
2. The attorney will guide clients through the legal process and assist in evidence collection.
3. The attorney will initiate lawsuits on behalf of the affected individuals or groups.
4. The attorney will discuss settlements and advocate for their client’s rights and compensation.

Claimants should file their Camp Lejeune water lawsuits against the Department of Defense, the relevant federal agency for the Camp Lejeune water contamination, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to the water contamination [3]. Failure to file a claim within this timeframe will result in the inability to pursue legal action for compensation or damages associated with the contamination.

As of now, there are no identified exemptions to the statute of limitations under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.

Related Articles:

• Alabama Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Alaska Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Arizona Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and have developed health issues linked to the contaminated water may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Family members of deceased victims can also seek compensation.

What Health Conditions Are Associated With Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to various health conditions, including cancers (e.g., leukemia, kidney cancer), birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, and other serious illnesses. Affected individuals may pursue legal action for compensation.

How Can I File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit in Arkansas?

You can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Arkansas by contacting an experienced attorney specializing in environmental and personal injury law. They will guide you through the process, assess your eligibility, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Get Your Free Consultation From Arkansas Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawyers

Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to offer support during critical times. If you or a family member has experienced injuries due to exposure to toxic substances or water at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is skilled in handling such cases and is ready to navigate you through every step of the process.

You have the right to comprehend your legal rights and assess your eligibility for a potential Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always free, and you won’t bear any costs unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Get in touch with Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough evaluation of your case. Allow us to be your reliable partner on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/watermodeling_summary.html
2. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
3. https://news.va.gov/114142/new-measure-camp-lejeune-file-lawsuits/