The pursuit of justice, particularly for those impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident, can be a challenging process.
This crisis has had significant effects on many residents of Kansas, making it of utmost importance for them to be aware of their rights and the legal avenues open to them.
If you or someone you hold dear has been negatively impacted due to exposure to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our devoted squad at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready and willing to lend a hand.
As a law firm with national recognition and a specialty in plaintiff’s cases, our main aim is to ensure you receive the justice and rightful compensation you are entitled to.
Table Of Contents
- Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
- Who Qualifies For A Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Kansas
- Filing a Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Kansas Camp Lejeune Attorneys
Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
The Kansas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a pivotal litigation that seeks to bring justice to victims of the water contamination crisis at Camp Lejeune. The lawsuit is primarily focused on helping Kansas residents who were affected by the tragedy, providing them with a platform to voice their grievances and seek compensation for their suffering.
The lawsuit alleges that the federal government was negligent in its duty to safeguard the health and well-being of the people living and working at Camp Lejeune.
It argues that the government failed to test the water supply for contaminants adequately, did not promptly address the contamination once it was discovered, and did not adequately inform residents of the potential health risks associated with consuming the contaminated water.
The Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit. It represents a group of people who were similarly affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
This includes both military personnel who were stationed at the base and their families who lived there, as well as civilian employees who worked at or near the base.
It wasn’t until the year 2012 that veterans from Kansas could finally receive medical treatment for several medical conditions that were linked to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.
For many years, the North Carolina state law kept victims of the Kansas Camp Lejeune from filing any Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims against the U.S. Marines.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 is a beacon of hope for the victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune [1]. This legislative measure provides them with the ability to pursue legal action against the federal government for compensation.
To be eligible to initiate a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit under the CLJA, individuals must demonstrate exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune for at least one month during the contamination period (i.e., 1953 to 1987) and have developed cancer or other health issues.
One important clarification is that only lawsuits related to alleged exposure to toxic water at Lejeune involving physical injuries are permissible for compensation claims.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
Keeping abreast of the developments in the ongoing Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits is beneficial. To date, over 1,300 Camp Lejeune lawsuits have been filed nationwide, with 260 cases filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina alone.
The US government is facing considerable pressure to respond to the 900 toxic water lawsuits filed, and there is a strong impetus for them to make reasonable settlement offers to victims.
Recent developments in the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation include the filing of 25 Camp Lejeune contaminated water lawsuits in North Carolina on May 22, 2023, and an increase in the total number of Camp Lejeune claims filed to over 70,000.
With the new law pending, victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can potentially receive a settlement or jury award for any related cancer or neurologic disorders they may have sustained as a result of living or working near Camp Lejeune between 1953 and the late 1980s, as part of the Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. For legal assistance, victims can turn to Camp Lejeune water lawyers who specialize in these cases.
The Role of Kansas Law in Camp Lejeune Water Lawsuits
The legal framework provided by Kansas law is instrumental in determining the eligibility and compensation for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination. Local authorities and courts in Kansas are integral in addressing the Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis and ensuring that justice is served.
A clear understanding of Kansas law’s role in these cases can aid affected individuals in navigating the legal process efficiently and securing their deserved compensation.
The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
The contamination at Camp Lejeune was a result of toxic chemicals seeping into the groundwater, exposing those living and working on the base to hazardous substances. The primary sources of contamination include:
- Leakage from an underground fuel tank
- Improper disposal of chemicals by off-base dry cleaning facilities
On-base personnel using heavy chemicals for cleaning equipment.
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) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), turning them into contaminated drinking water [2].
“From 1953 to 1987, the water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with dangerous chemicals that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health issues.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center
These harmful substances pose a significant health risk to those exposed to the contaminated water, leading to several severe medical conditions, including cancer.
Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals
Various health issues, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and other serious illnesses, have been linked to exposure to toxic chemicals such as TCE and PCE at Camp Lejeune such as:
- Reproductive issues
- Birth defects
- 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
Neural tube defects (e.g., spina bifida and anencephaly) and oral cleft defects are also linked to the toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune water supply.
The correlation between exposure to these hazardous chemicals and neurological disorders further highlights the gravity of the contamination at Camp Lejeune.
Who Qualifies For A Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
Kansas residents who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and developed health issues as a result may qualify for a Kansas Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.
To be eligible, individuals must have been exposed to the toxic chemicals present in the base’s water supply from 1953 to the late 1980s. Family members of Kansas families affected are also eligible to file a claim.
Eligible claimants under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act include those who can file a Camp Lejeune claim:
- Marines (or other military personnel) who were stationed at Lejeune
- Family members of Marines who resided in on-base housing at Camp Lejeune
- Marines who worked or were assigned to Camp Lejeune
- Civilian employees who worked at or near Camp Lejeune
- Any other individuals who were exposed to the Lejeune water
Damages That You Can Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can recover damages to cover various expenses and losses. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Other associated losses
To determine lost wages in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, the plaintiff’s actual income and the period they were precluded from working due to the contamination are taken into account.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Kansas
In Kansas, the settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are determined by the severity of the injuries and the strength of the evidence that links them to the contamination. The settlement amount for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Kansas can range from $10,000 to more than $1,000,000, depending on the merits of the case.
The criteria used to determine the settlement amount in a Camp Lejeune water contamination case are based on the medical condition of the claimants and the extent of their associated damages. Settlements may range from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on these factors.
Filing a Kansas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Kansas residents, with the help of experienced attorneys, can file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and be guided through the complex legal process. To file a lawsuit, one must:
Collect evidence of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Consult with an attorney experienced in environmental law or personal injury to assess the validity of the claim. The attorney will guide the legal process, including filing the necessary paperwork and representing the individual in court if necessary.
Claimants affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination must pursue legal action. This can be done by filing a civil lawsuit in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Related Articles:
- Indiana Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- Iowa Camp Lejune Water Contamination
- Illinois Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. What Legal Representation Options Are Available for Kansas Residents Affected by Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Kansas residents can seek representation from law firms specializing in environmental and toxic exposure cases, ensuring they receive experienced legal guidance for their claims.
2. What Is the Role of the Veterans Affairs (VA) in Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cases?
The role of Veterans Affairs VA in Camp Lejeune water contamination cases is to provide healthcare and disability benefits to veterans affected by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, offering support for medical treatment and compensation for service-related health issues.
3. What Steps Should a Kansas Resident Take to File a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
The steps a Kansas resident should take to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit include consulting with an experienced attorney, gathering the necessary documentation, such as medical and military records, and following legal procedures to file their lawsuit.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Kansas Camp Lejeune Attorneys
If the water contamination at Camp Lejeune has impacted you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Schmidt and Clark, LLP. Our team is well-versed in dealing with such cases and is ready to guide you every step of the way.
We believe in your right to know your legal standing and potential for filing a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t have to pay a penny unless we win your case.
Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough review of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally on this journey.
Reference:
https://www.navy.mil/clja/#:~:text=Section%20804%20of%20this%20law,the%20Department%20of%20the%20Navy
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html