Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

For decades, military personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina were exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply.

This contamination has led to serious health issues for many, with the ongoing Georgia Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit battle for justice and compensation still underway.

If you or someone close to you has been harmed due to exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to offer you the support you need.

As a law firm with national recognition specializing in representing plaintiffs, our primary objective is to help you obtain the justice and rightful compensation you are entitled to.

Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The ongoing legal struggle in Georgia, known as the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, seeks to compensate those affected by the military base’s toxic water.

With thousands of individuals affected, the quest for justice and compensation is significant and has a considerable impact on many lives.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 marks a significant advancement in the legal struggle for those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune [1]. This Act provides victims with the ability to file lawsuits and pursue compensation for any injuries or losses incurred as a result of the toxic water exposure.

Before filing a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, a prospective plaintiff must submit their claim to the relevant federal agency, which then has a strict six-month period to accept or deny the claim.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act provides the following benefits:

• Allows victims to pursue legal action for damages caused by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune
• Eliminates certain limitation periods that previously blocked the filing of certain lawsuits
• Grants eligibility for VA’s medical care services, including mental treatment and counseling

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Despite the advancements made through the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act, the legal struggle persists in Georgia.

With the Department of Justice now working towards making settlement offers for the 75,000 administratively filed cases related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue, frustration has grown among Camp Lejeune victims due to the slow progress this summer.

Cases related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune have a higher chance of quick resolution, as the federal government is most likely to give in to claims involving injuries.

As of now, over 800 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits are pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina, highlighting the ongoing battle in Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

The enduring legal struggle underscores the significance of advocating for justice on behalf of those affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination of the groundwater at Camp Lejeune, also known as Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, can be traced back to several factors, including waste disposal practices, industrial spills, and leaks from underground storage tanks and drums at dumps and storage lots.

One of the primary events that contributed to the contamination occurred in 1979 when a fuel farm near the base released tens of thousands of gallons of oil into the ground, further contaminating the groundwater.

Despite knowledge of toxic chemicals in the water supply as early as the 1940s, the Navy failed to take adequate measures to prevent contamination.

The Tarawa Terrace Facility and the Hadnot Point Treatment Plant Facility were the main sources of water supply to the residents and workers at Camp Lejeune. Unfortunately, this water was contaminated. This negligence has led to devastating consequences for countless individuals and families who lived and worked on the base.

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

Investigations into the groundwater at Camp Lejeune revealed the presence of several toxic chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE).

These chemicals were found to have originated from leaking underground storage tanks, waste disposal sites, and improper disposal and storage practices.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune has been associated with a wide range of serious health issues. Studies have indicated that exposure to these chemicals may be linked to [2]:

• 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

Who Qualifies For a Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 qualify for a Georgia Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. It also covers those who were exposed to Camp Lejeune’s drinking water for a minimum of 30 days during the timeframe of August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987 [3].

Veterans, family members, and others who were stationed or employed at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station New River (MCAS NR) during the specified period and were diagnosed with certain conditions are also eligible.

“The amount offered by the government will also depend on how long the claimant was exposed to the water. For example, if you were stationed at Camp Lejeune for fewer than 30 days, you would be eligible for the lowest amount available in the Tier that contains your disease.”- Michal Freedhoff, Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention

The settlement extends to survivors of those who passed away as a result of toxic exposure and parents of children born with congenital disabilities due to exposure.

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

Compensation in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses, such as care related to conditions such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, female infertility, and hepatic conditions
• Lost wages, typically determined by assessing the income that the individual would have earned if they had not been affected by the contamination, taking into account factors such as the individual’s profession, earning capacity, and the duration of the lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Georgia

The potential settlement amounts granted in Georgia Camp Lejeune, water contamination lawsuits, can significantly vary, depending on the specifics of each case. Factors that can influence the settlement amount include:

• the severity of the presumptive condition
• the harm caused
• the injury
• the number of years spent at Camp Lejeune

The Elective Option program is a government-initiated initiative designed to facilitate the swift and cost-effective resolution of Camp Lejeune claims.

This program, along with the ongoing legal efforts of affected individuals and their attorneys, aims to bring justice and compensation to those harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Filing a Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, initiating a lawsuit in Georgia is a vital step toward seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.

Collaborating with an experienced attorney is crucial; they can help you comprehend your legal rights, compile evidence to verify your injury caused by the contaminated water, and advocate for your case in court.

Before filing a lawsuit, you must first comply with the following steps:

1. Submit a written claim to the Office of the JAG following 28 U.S. Code 2675.
2. The JAG has a period of six months to review the claim.
3. If the JAG does not respond to the written demand within that time frame, the claim will be considered to have been denied.

The denial triggered a litigation timeline, giving those affected a window of 180 days to file suit in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Action must be taken within this period, or legal recourse may not be available.

Gathering Necessary Documentation

To file a Camp Lejeune claim, claimants must present specific documents such as medical records, evidence of their presence at Camp Lejeune, and proof of exposure to the contaminated water, like utility bills or housing records from the base.

To obtain military records for military personnel, you can fill out a Records Request Form on the MMSB website or visit the Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS) website.

These records may include documents such as utility bills, base housing records, military orders, or tax forms that demonstrate your residence at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River.

Medical records that demonstrate a diagnosis of one of the 15 covered health conditions related to the contamination, including the date of diagnosis and the date of exposure, are also crucial for your lawsuit.

Furthermore, any documented symptoms, test results, medications, surgeries, and other pertinent medical information can assist in the claim.

Related Articles:

• Connecticut Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Delaware Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Florida Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. How can I determine if I qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in Georgia?

To determine if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in Gorgia, you should consult with an experienced attorney who can assess your medical history, residence, or employment records at Camp Lejeune.

2. What is the process for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit?

The process of filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit involves gathering evidence, filing the necessary legal documents, and working with an attorney to prove the link between your health issues and the contaminated water.

3. Is there a deadline to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Georgia?

Yes, there are specific deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing these lawsuits. It’s crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney to ensure you meet the deadlines.

Get Your Free Consultation From Georgia Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the team at Schmidt and Clark, LLP is here to support you. We have extensive experience in dealing with such cases and are ready to guide you through each step of the process.

We believe in your right to be fully informed about your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Please know that our consultations are always complimentary, and we won’t charge any fees unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact 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.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/camp-lejeune-litigation-updates/
2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/tce_pce.html
3. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/