Maryland Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Many Maryland residents who served at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base unknowingly consumed contaminated water, leading to severe health conditions. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the ongoing Maryland Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has experienced harm due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to offer the support you need.

As a law firm with national recognition and a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our primary mission is to help you achieve justice and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Maryland Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a legal action seeking compensation for those affected by water contamination at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Maryland residents who have developed cancer after residing or working at Camp Lejeune or their family members are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in Maryland.

The lawyers serving Maryland families who are dedicated to Camp Lejeune are committed to attaining justice for veterans and their families. These families have faced harm due to exposure to toxic water at Camp Lejeune, leading to numerous Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

By filing a Maryland Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit, affected individuals can seek compensation for losses incurred due to exposure to hazardous chemicals and carcinogens in drinking water.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 empowers individuals affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination to submit compensation claims [1]. The following individuals are eligible to file a lawsuit under the CLJA:

• Military personnel stationed at Lejeune
• Family members of Marines who resided in on-base housing at Camp Lejeune
• Marines assigned to Camp Lejeune
• Civilian employees who worked at or in the vicinity of Camp Lejeune
• Any other individuals exposed to the Lejeune water

The Department of Defense is the designated federal agency for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits. It is obligated to approve or reject claims within six months.

The CLJA offers new prospects for thousands of families affected by the toxic water, enabling victims to pursue legal action for financial compensation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Recent developments in the Camp Lejeune litigation include judges overseeing the cases and suggesting a consolidation process. However, Judge Terrence Boyle has opted to continue with his cases, creating some discord.

The government is currently addressing the significant undertaking of responding to 663 individual lawsuits, making it one of the largest mass litigations in history.

Recent civil lawsuits have been filed against law firms accused of infringing upon the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) through unsolicited robocalls aimed at acquiring Camp Lejeune cases. This demonstrates the aggressive methods some legal representatives have used in their attempts to profit from the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.

The Role of Maryland Law in Camp Lejeune Claims

Maryland law has a significant impact on the claims process for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims. The state has established a law that permits victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination to bring claims and seek compensation, providing an appropriate channel for those affected by the water contamination to attain justice and obtain the remuneration they are due.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination of the groundwater at Camp Lejeune can be traced back to three primary sources:

1. Divisions on-base utilizing strong cleaning chemicals for military equipment
2. A dry cleaning facility located nearby off-base
3. A large fuel leakage estimated at 800,000 gallons from underground fuel tanks at Camp Lejeune

These sources led to the release of toxic chemicals into the base’s water supply, resulting in contaminated drinking water and affecting the health of countless individuals.

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune were trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) [2].

TCE is an odorless, colorless liquid chemical used for industrial purposes, such as a solvent and degreaser for cleaning large metal weapons and equipment. PCE, on the other hand, is a volatile organic compound used as a cleaning agent in the textile and dry cleaning industries.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals present in Camp Lejeune’s water supply has been linked to a range of health issues, including:

• 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

Those impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune need to be aware of the potential health risks tied to exposure to these toxic chemicals.

“ATSDR identified some of the same diseases and disorders identified in the committee’s review as being of interest. These included kidney cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, scleroderma, liver disease, kidney disease, and spontaneous abortion.”- National Library of Medicine

Who Qualifies For A Maryland Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Residents who have experienced exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, qualify for a Maryland Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Those who meet this requirement and have developed cancer or other severe health conditions as a result of their exposure may be eligible to file a claim.

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

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

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Other related damages

Camp Lejeune victims are recommended to assemble all pertinent documentation, like medical records and proof of residence at Camp Lejeune, to back their claim and optimize their probable compensation.

With the assistance of proficient Camp Lejeune attorneys, victims can maneuver through the intricate legal process and strive for the justice they rightfully deserve.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Maryland

The estimated amount of Camp Lejeune settlements for Maryland residents is not yet defined. Still, it is expected that the government will provide equitable compensation before the Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits advance to trial.

Settlement amounts can range from $100,000 to $550,000, with the duration of exposure to Camp Lejeune water also affecting the settlement offer, potentially up to $150,000 for exposure between 30 and 364 days.

The estimated settlement amounts for different types of cancer in Camp Lejeune lawsuits vary widely, from $142,500 for myelodysplastic syndromes to $1,125,000 for major congenital disabilities.

Affected individuals need to work closely with their Camp Lejeune attorneys to ensure that they receive the compensation they are entitled to for their injuries and hardships.

Factors Influencing Compensation in Maryland Cases

Several factors can impact the compensation awarded to Maryland plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. These factors may include:

• The severity of the health issues experienced
• The duration of exposure to the contaminated water
• The specific medical condition the claimant has been diagnosed with

Any awards to claimants will be accounted for. VA benefit payments received for the same injuries will be taken into consideration when determining the amount awarded.

Filing a Maryland Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Maryland Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, affected individuals must adhere to the claims filing process, which does not require the inclusion of medical records or evidence with the claim. Further information on the specific procedure can be found on the Disabled Veterans website or the Navy’s official website.

Affected individuals must consult with a knowledgeable Camp Lejeune attorney to ensure that their case is correctly filed and to receive assistance throughout the process.

Victims may pursue their claims by initiating a tort lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act in the U.S. The District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which operates under North Carolina law, has jurisdiction over its namesake district.

This district encompasses the entirety of the Eastern District of North Carolina. Filing the lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina allows the case to be heard in the jurisdiction where the contamination took place and may provide access to specialized expertise and experience in handling cases related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Preparing Documentation for Your Claim

When lodging a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, it’s necessary to compile the required documents to substantiate your case. This includes:

• Medical records indicate any injuries resulting from water contamination.
• The DD214 form is issued to military service members upon discharge.
• Evidence of residence at Camp Lejeune.
• Military records demonstrating that you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River for a minimum of 30 days within the applicable time frame.

Working with experienced Camp Lejeune lawyers can help ensure that all the necessary documentation is collected and presented in the most effective manner possible. This can greatly improve the chances of a successful claim and the amount of compensation awarded.

Related Articles:

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

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

FAQs

1. What Contaminants Were Found in the Water at Camp Lejeune?

The contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune included trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. These contaminants are known to cause severe health problems and were present at dangerously high levels.

2. Can I Still File a Claim If I No Longer Live in Maryland?

Yes, you can file a claim if you no longer live in Maryland. The key factors are your presence at Camp Lejeune during the specified period and your subsequent health issues related to the contaminated water.

3. How Long Does It Take To Receive Compensation After Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?

The time it takes to receive compensation after filing a Camp Lejeune Wate contamination claim can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the availability of evidence, and the legal process. Some claims may be resolved in a few months, while others can take several years.

Get Your Free Consultation From Maryland Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand ready to support you in these challenging times. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the polluted water at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team has extensive experience in dealing with such cases and is equipped to guide you at every step of the way.

We believe in your right to be fully informed about your legal options and potential qualifications for a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are always complimentary, and you won’t face any 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 on 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