Connecticut Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue has impacted countless military families and civilians, including those from Connecticut.

The situation may seem overwhelming, but understanding the legal options available and potential compensation can provide hope and support for those affected.

This article will help you navigate the complexities of the Connecticut Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and aid you in seeking justice for the harm caused by this tragic event.

Should you or a family member have experienced injuries due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, stands ready to offer support.

With national recognition for our expertise in representing plaintiffs, our foremost objective is to help you obtain the justice and fair compensation you are entitled to.

Connecticut Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only military personnel but also their families, civilian employees, and residents in surrounding areas like Connecticut. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 has been enacted to help these individuals seek compensation through legal proceedings, including the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.

This act serves as a significant support to those who have been affected by the negligence that resulted in the contamination.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a federal legislation that permits Camp Lejeune water contamination victims, including Camp Lejeune victims, to initiate civil proceedings and pursue financial restitution for their damages under North Carolina law [1].

This means that individuals who resided, were employed, or were impacted as fetuses at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 are eligible to file Camp Lejeune claims, including Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit in the US District Court for Eastern North Carolina, potentially leading to settlements.

The progress of the lawsuits has been sluggish. Yet, lawyers representing the victims are striving to secure just compensation for the affected parties.

As of now, there have been no Camp Lejeune lawsuit trials or settlements, but the anticipated range of settlements could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This compensation can help victims cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages caused by the contamination.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

With over 1,300 cases currently before the court, the Camp Lejeune lawsuit has seen a slow progression. However, recent developments have led to a greater push for a response from the Department of Justice, and the creation of a plan for making reasonable Camp Lejeune settlement offers to those affected.

This pressure comes in response to the 900 toxic water lawsuits filed and the government’s lack of settlement offers for any of them.

On April 24, 2023, the Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Court issued a collective order directing the Clerk of the Court to maintain a ‘Master Docket’ as a centralized information source for multiple cases.

This development signifies progress in the consolidation of the lawsuits and the potential for faster resolution for those affected. Connecticut claimants eagerly await updates on the progress of their cases and the potential for compensation.

Impact of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination on Connecticut Families

The impact of Camp Lejeune water contamination on Connecticut families is extensive and severe. Exposure to toxic chemicals in the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to various types of cancer, birth defects, infertility, and other diseases.

The suffering endured by these families is not only physical but also emotional and financial as they cope with the long-term effects of the contamination.

Fortunately, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 offers a glimmer of hope for affected Connecticut families. By filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, victims can seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and other associated costs.

This financial support can help alleviate the burden of these life-altering health conditions and provide some measure of justice for the victims.

The Intersection of Federal Government Responsibility and Connecticut Claims

The U.S. Government holds responsibility for providing compensation to families for harm caused by the contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The Department of the Navy (DON) is accountable for handling administrative claims submitted by individuals seeking compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination [2]. This includes evaluating and processing claims for damages and addressing any appeals for denied claims.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination of groundwater at Camp Lejeune can be traced back to waste disposal practices and leaking underground storage tanks, which led to the presence of toxic chemicals in the water supply.

These chemicals, including benzene, PCE (perchloroethylene), and TCE (trichloroethylene), were detected at concentrations far exceeding safe exposure levels for humans.

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include Trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and other toxic compounds.

These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly used in dry cleaning processes and have been found in the water supply due to improper disposal practices and leakage from storage tanks.

The contamination of the water supply had a wide-reaching impact on those living and working at Camp Lejeune, including military personnel, their families, and civilian employees. The sources of these carcinogenic chemicals include:

• Fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank
• Improper disposal of chemicals from off-base dry cleaning facilities
• The use of heavy chemicals to clean equipment by on-base personnel

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The toxic chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water supply have been linked to a range of health issues, including various forms of cancer, birth defects, cardiac issues, neurological issues, and other diseases.

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 Connecticut Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Connecticut residents who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 qualify for a Connecticut Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. This includes military personnel, their family members, and civilian employees.

Mothers who served, lived, or worked at the base while they were pregnant may be eligible for certain benefits. Unborn children of those mothers could also qualify in some cases.

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

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

• Medical expenses
• Compensation for future medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Other associated damages

These damages can help alleviate the financial burden caused by the contamination and provide some measure of justice for the victims. The amount of compensation awarded in each case varies depending on factors such as the extent of the exposure, the type of illness and injuries suffered, the age of the claimant, and more.

Navigating Disability Benefits and Compensation for Connecticut Veterans

Connecticut veterans affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination can also pursue disability benefits and free healthcare through the VA [3]. This can be done in addition to filing a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, as the eligibility for VA benefits is not affected by pursuing a lawsuit.

To apply for VA disability benefits, veterans can file a VA claim, which can be done online, by mail, in person, or with the assistance of a representative.

Filing a Connecticut Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Connecticut, you must first consult with an attorney who specializes in these types of claims. They can provide legal assistance, offer a complimentary consultation, and help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim.

The attorney will work with you to gather the necessary documentation and evidence to support your claim and ensure that you receive the fair compensation you deserve.

Documentation and Evidence Collection

Gathering the required documentation and evidence is a significant step in filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim. This may include:

• Medical records demonstrating injuries related to water contamination
• A DD214 form
• Evidence of residency at Camp Lejeune
• Documentation demonstrating a dependent relationship to a veteran who served at Camp Lejeune

It is crucial to gather all relevant documentation to strengthen your claim and increase your chances of success.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• California Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Colorado Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. Who can file a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination in Connecticut?

Individuals stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and those who suffered health issues due to the contamination, can file a lawsuit in Connecticut to seek compensation for medical expenses and suffering.

2. How do I know if I qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?

You qualify if you lived, worked, or were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, and have been diagnosed with a related health condition. Legal consultation can help determine eligibility.

3. What is the process for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Connecticut?

The process of filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Connecticut involves consulting with an attorney, gathering medical records and evidence of exposure, filing the claim, and pursuing legal action to secure compensation for damages suffered due to the contamination.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Connecticut Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

During these critical moments, Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to help. If the toxic water at Camp Lejeune has harmed you or someone close to you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experienced team specializes in these cases and will assist you at every step.

You need to know your legal rights and whether you’re eligible for a lawsuit. With us, consultations are always free, and there are no charges until we achieve a positive result in your case.

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

Reference:

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