Louisiana Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

For decades, thousands of individuals were unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The consequences of this contamination have been devastating, with countless people suffering from severe health problems.

As Camp Lejeune victims seek justice and compensation for the harm they’ve endured, the Louisiana Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit continues to unfold, shining a light on the negligence that led to this tragedy.

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

As a law firm with national recognition and a specialization in representing plaintiffs, we are dedicated to helping you obtain the justice and rightful compensation that you deserve.

Louisiana Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The objective of the Louisiana Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is to secure compensation for those who have suffered health issues resulting from the toxic chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water supply.

Although the exact source of the contamination has yet to be determined, industrial activities and fuel storage are believed to be responsible. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings intend to reach Camp Lejeune settlements for the affected individuals.

Individuals who had exposure to toxic substances at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, may be eligible to receive a Louisiana Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Consulting with Camp Lejeune attorneys is recommended to ascertain eligibility and guide you through the legal proceedings.

This can be done under the Federal Tort Claims Act, which allows individuals to sue the federal government for damages caused by negligence.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, a bipartisan bill, offers victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination the chance to submit claims within two years, regardless of how much time has passed since the exposure [1]. This legislation aims to provide health care benefits and compensation to those affected by the contamination.

Anyone exposed to Camp Lejeune water for 30 days between 1953 and 1987 is eligible to file a lawsuit under the CLJA. Surviving family members or legal representatives of a person who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune can file a wrongful death claim if the individual has passed away. This is possible even after the death of such individuals.

Personal representatives may bring survival claims under the CLJA, provided they satisfy certain conditions. To do so, they must demonstrate that the claim seeks pre-death damages from separate and distinct actions.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates bring up-to-date news and advancements in the Louisiana Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The cases are being handled in the North Carolina federal court, where the Marine Corps Base is located.

Recently, a federal judge in West Virginia has made an order dismissing a Telephone Consumer Protection Act lawsuit against a law firm. The law firm attempted to appeal this order. However, their motion was declined.

In the coming month of June, the formation of a plaintiff’s steering committee and continued pressure from lawmakers are expected to be seen concerning the Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

U.S. Terrence W. also serves as a District Judge. He presides over cases in this jurisdiction. Boyle has strongly supported the Navy’s claims in 122 water contamination lawsuits.

He upheld their right to keep running affirmative defenses as a response to these charges. The Department of Justice is under pressure to respond to the 900 toxic water lawsuits filed and formulate a plan to make reasonable settlement offers to victims.

At present, over 800 Camp Lejeune claims are pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina, highlighting the ongoing pursuit of Camp Lejeune justice for Camp Lejeune veterans.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The pollution of Camp Lejeune’s water supply has been traced back to the disposal of toxic waste and leaks from storage tanks. The ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation aims to hold responsible parties accountable and provide compensation to those affected by the contamination.

The Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant was primarily contaminated due to the waste disposal practices at ABC One-Hour Cleaners.

In contrast, the Hadnot Point water treatment plant was contaminated primarily by leaking underground storage tanks, industrial waste, and other disposal sites, leading to contaminated drinking water. Most of the contaminated wells were closed in 1985 when remediation efforts commenced.

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include PCE, TCE, and benzene. The water supply at Camp Lejeune was highly contaminated with TCE. The levels were as high as 1,400 ppb [2].

DCE, another contaminant, was detected in the water supply at the Hadnot Point plant, with a maximum amount of 407 ppb recorded in January 1985.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The health issues associated with exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are diverse and severe, with studies indicating correlations between exposure and various illnesses. Some of the most common health problems linked to the toxic chemicals found in the water include:

• 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

“Doctors have linked the toxins to several severe health conditions, including cancer. Although those affected suffered tremendous losses and expenses, the courts in North Carolina barred them from seeking financial recovery from the federal government.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

Who Qualifies For a Louisiana Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the contamination period or have been “otherwise exposed” to the drinking water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, qualify for a Louisiana Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Military service records for veterans and their families, as well as social security employment records for civilian contractors and non-military personnel, are preferable for demonstrating eligibility.

The CLJA sets a reduced burden of proof for plaintiffs, enabling them to prove their case with a scientific study that establishes a connection between their alleged injury and water exposure at Camp Lejeune. If a claim remains unresolved after the 180-day waiting period, the individual is then eligible to pursue legal action.

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

Recoverable damages in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit may include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Medical bills, assistive devices, home health care, and other related costs may be covered by a Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement.

Lost wages refer to the income lost due to the illness or injury caused by the contaminated water. This may include wages from missed work, reduced work hours, or the inability to work at all due to the health effects of the contamination.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Louisiana

The compensation for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination in Louisiana may depend on personal circumstances and the severity of health conditions. Some possible forms of compensation include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of income
• Medical expenses
• Legal costs
• Other associated damages

These may be included in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit settlement.

The average compensation for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can be more than $500,000 per person for a tier 1 cancer. The extent of the illness and the duration of stay at Camp Lejeune are two of the primary factors that are considered when determining the settlement amount for individual lawsuits.

Filing a Louisiana Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can seek legal recourse by consulting an attorney and lodging a claim with the Department of the Navy.

To file a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination, the individual must have resided or been employed at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the contamination period, and those who were “otherwise exposed” to the drinking water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, are also eligible.

The new law stipulates that all cases must be held in North Carolina, regardless of the victims’ current residence. After a six-month waiting period, the claimant may initiate legal action by filing a lawsuit in a federal court.

Related Articles:

• Kentucky Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Iowa Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Kansas Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. How Do I Prove My Exposure To Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune?

To prove your exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you will need to provide evidence such as military service records, employment records, housing records, and any other documents that show you lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination (1953-1987). Medical records linking your health condition to the toxic exposure are also essential.

2. Are There Any Deadlines For Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Yes, there are deadlines for filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. These deadlines vary by state and the specific circumstances of your case. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.

3. What Are the Potential Challenges in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The potential challenges in a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit include proving the link between your health condition and the water contamination, gathering sufficient evidence, navigating complex legal procedures, and overcoming potential defenses from the responsible parties.

Get Your Free Consultation From Louisiana Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

If the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has negatively impacted you or someone you care about, don’t hesitate to contact us at Schmidt and Clark, LLP. Our team possesses the necessary expertise to handle cases like these.

We believe in your right to be fully informed about your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t be charged unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark now for an in-depth review of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/faq_chemicals.html