California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

For decades, the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune has haunted thousands of people who lived and worked at the Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The toxic chemicals lurking in the groundwater have put countless lives at risk, causing severe health issues and leaving families devastated.

The California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit aims to provide closure and compensation to the Camp Lejeune victims of this environmental disaster. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was a significant step in this legal battle, allowing affected individuals to claim compensation.

This legislation has opened the door for many who were previously unable to seek justice, offering a means to hold accountable those responsible for the contamination.

If you or someone you know has been harmed due to exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to provide support.

As a law firm recognized nationwide for our expertise in plaintiff’s cases, our main objective is to fight for the justice you are entitled to and secure the rightful compensation you deserve.

California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit aims to compensate damages resulting from water contamination at Camp Lejeune, targeting primarily the affected veterans. The contamination occurred between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Also known as the PACT Act, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides a legal framework for individuals affected by contaminated water to claim compensation. These lawsuits are consolidated for pre-trial and discovery purposes, with a court designated to determine procedures for:

• discovery
• motions concerning expert testimony
• motion filing
• arrangement of bellwether trials
• settlement negotiations for each Camp Lejeune claim.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The legal response to the Camp Lejeune water contamination has been substantial and ongoing. Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of the victims, seeking compensation for the health issues caused by the toxic chemicals.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA) is a pivotal piece of legislation that enables veterans, civilian personnel, and family members to submit Lejeune claims for compensation concerning the water contamination at Camp Lejeune [1]. The CLJA extends the ability to file Camp Lejeune lawsuits to individuals who:

• Resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
• Were employed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
• Were adversely affected as a fetus at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987

August 10, 2024, is the deadline to file a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit. Don’t miss it! Submitting a claim to the relevant federal agency forms a significant component of the administrative process for Camp Lejeune’s toxic water lawsuits. This agency is mandated to either accept or deny the claim within 6 months.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act presents an opportunity for restitution for individuals previously unable to file a lawsuit or those who received no compensation from the Veterans Affairs (VA). It is an opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The Department of Justice has recently requested that North Carolina federal judges expedite their legal processes in response to the increasing amount of Camp Lejeune litigation related to water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 plays a significant role in enabling victims to pursue compensation for damages arising from the water contamination.

All claims of injury under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act will be grouped together and then presented in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The yet-to-be-published “cancer incidence study” has revealed higher cancer rates among individuals who resided at Camp Lejeune, potentially prompting additional Camp Lejeune claims.

These lawsuits were merged into a single multidistrict legal proceeding in North Carolina federal court. Still, they were later dismissed due to North Carolina’s ten-year statute of repose.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune stemmed from underground storage tanks, on-base U.S. military activities, and a nearby privately owned dry cleaning business, which led to chemical infiltration into the water supply.

The water supply to Camp Lejeune was heavily contaminated with volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemicals, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE).

Tens of thousands of gallons of oil were spilled at the Hadnot Point Fuel Farm in 1979. This caused the contamination of the Hadnot Point water well and, as a result, contaminated the drinking water at Camp Lejeune.

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include Benzene. Vinyl chloride (VC), Trichloroethylene (TCE), and Perchloroethylene (PCE).

Such substances can be hazardous for humans and cause severe illnesses. These chemicals are known to cause serious health problems and are hazardous to humans. PCE and TCE, in particular, were the two chemical compounds that contaminated the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

The presence of these dangerous chemicals in the groundwater has had severe consequences for those exposed to them.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Numerous health issues have been associated with exposure to the toxic chemicals found in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Some of these health issues include:

• Children born to mothers who resided on Camp Lejeune or ingested the water supply had a four-fold higher rate of birth defects, such as spina bifida.
• The chemicals have also been linked to liver and kidney injuries, kidney cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Individuals can also develop health conditions such as:

• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Parkinson’s disease
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Renal Toxicity
• Esophageal cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• Hepatic steatosis
• Prostate cancer
• Miscarriage fetal death
• Neurobehavioral Effects
• Lung Cancer
• Scleroderma
• Aplastic Anemia
• Cervical Cancer
• Wrongful death

Camp Lejeune veterans who served or resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may be eligible for financial compensation to cover medical bills, assistive devices, home health care, and other related costs.

Who Qualifies For a California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who stayed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days during the period between 1953 and 1987 are thought to be more prone to cancer and other serious diseases and qualify for a California Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement [2]. This is believed to be due to their increased exposure to toxic substances present in the area.

Suppose you were a member of the Marine Corps, a child, or born in Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987. In that case, you may qualify for compensation if you later develop cancer or another serious health problem. To find out if you are eligible, please get in touch with Veteran Affairs for further information.

To be eligible for a Camp Lejeune settlement payout under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), prospective plaintiffs must produce documentary evidence that proves they lived or worked there for at least 30 days during the relevant period. This evidence could include pay stubs, orders, and other official documents.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in California

In California, victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination may be eligible for compensation. The settlement amounts can vary widely, depending on several factors, including the severity of the health issues, the duration of exposure to the contaminated water, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Expected settlements for people claiming compensation for Parkinson’s disease have an average estimated range of $1 million to $1.5 million. These values have been established through consultancy and analysis.

It is estimated that the value of Camp Lejeune water contamination claims could be over $500,000.00 per injured claimant. The potential settlement range for victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination in California is 20-25% of attorneys’ fees.

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

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may be eligible to claim damages for their losses, including wrongful death claims, such as:

• Funeral expenses
• Lost income contribution
• Loss of parental guidance
• Medical expenses
• Disability compensation

Attorneys with relevant experience can assist in calculating damages and pursuing compensation for claimants. Obtaining justice for those affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is vital, as it enables victims to secure compensation for health conditions, including:

• cancer
• birth defects
• Parkinson’s disease
• infertility
• other severe medical conditions

“Contamination of water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and military installations near Camp Lejeune [e.g. Marine Corps Air Station New River (MCAS NR)] occurred over a span of 35 years, exposing an estimated one million people to chemicals linked with diseases like Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, fertility problems, and several types of cancer.”- Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

Filing a California Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Those who meet the requirements set forth by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act may pursue a civil lawsuit by consulting with an attorney. The deadline for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is two years from the date the Act was signed into law or two years from August 10, 2022.

Securing justice for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is paramount as it provides victims the opportunity to secure compensation for health conditions related to the contaminated water.

Gathering Necessary Documentation

To initiate a lawsuit pertaining to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, the following documents are necessary:

• Evidence of employment
• Pay stubs
• Tax returns
• Military service records for veterans and their families
• Other documents, such as social security employment records for civilian contractors and non-military personnel

These documents are needed to satisfy the residency criteria. The necessary medical records must demonstrate injuries or health conditions associated with water contamination at Camp Lejeune, encompassing the date of diagnosis and the date of exposure.

Navigating the Statute of Limitations

Comprehending the time constraints for filing a lawsuit in the Camp Lejeune water contamination case is essential. The deadline for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is two years from the date the Act was signed into law or two years from August 10, 2022.

Failure to file a lawsuit before the deadline will preclude the possibility of securing compensation for health issues related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas 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

1. What Contaminants Were Found in Camp Lejeune’s Water?

Camp Lejeune’s water was contaminated with hazardous chemicals like trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride, which are known to cause serious health issues including cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions.

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

Individuals who lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and have been diagnosed with illnesses linked to the contaminated water, may be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation.

3. How Can a California Resident File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

California residents affected by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination should consult an experienced attorney who specializes in environmental lawsuits. The attorney will guide them through the process, from filing the claim to seeking compensation.

Get Your Free Consultation From California Camp Lejeune Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we’re committed to supporting you in these challenging moments. If you or a loved one have been harmed due to the toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team has a wealth of experience in dealing with such cases and is ready to guide you at every step. You deserve to know your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit.

Rest easy knowing that our consultations are always free, and you’ll face no charges unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

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

Reference:

1. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-department-navy-announce-voluntary-elective-option-more-efficient
2. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/