Massachusetts Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Massachusetts Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless military personnel and their families. This complex legal battle raises numerous questions and concerns for those affected.

If you or someone close to you has been adversely affected by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, our committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to stand by your side.

As a law firm with a national reputation for handling plaintiff’s cases, our topmost aim is to help you secure the justice you’re entitled to and the compensation you rightly deserve.

Massachusetts Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Established in 1942, Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps installation and military training facility located in Onslow County, North Carolina. The base provided residence and employment for thousands of military personnel, their families, military service members, and civilian workers.

Unfortunately, the Camp Lejeune water supply became contaminated with toxic chemicals, leading to a multitude of health issues and subsequent lawsuits, which eventually resulted in the Camp Lejeune settlement.

The lawsuits related to Camp Lejeune, also known as the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits, assert that the Navy was aware of the pollutants entering the water supply and did not communicate this to the Marines and their families once they detected the toxins.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 is a critical piece of legislation that enables victims to submit legal claims and pursue remuneration for medical issues caused by water contamination [1].

Individuals who resided, operated, or were affected as unborn children at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 are eligible to file a toxic water lawsuit under the Act.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Keeping up to date with the most recent developments in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is key for residents of Massachusetts who are affected. Here are some important updates:

• The Department of Justice has asked for more time to answer the many court cases and official complaints open in North Carolina. This request was made due to the large amount of claims currently being processed.
• Legislators are pressing for an explanation regarding the lack of progress in resolving the toxic water contamination cases at Camp Lejeune Marine Base.
• The government is under pressure to respond to the 900 toxic water lawsuits that have been filed and to formulate a strategy to present fair settlement offers to the victims.

The Camp Lejeune judges have decided to push the deadline for any responsive pleadings, discovery, and other associated timelines in every Camp Lejeune Justice Act case back to September 1, 2023. This gives lawyers more time to prepare for their cases.

There is an increasing level of discontent among Camp Lejeune veterans, lawyers, and judges due to the Navy’s inactivity to the Camp Lejeune claims. The government claims that most Camp Lejeune lawsuits lack specificity, thus necessitating generalized responses.

“Experts predict even more claims will be filed due to an unpublished study by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) linking higher cancer rates to Camp Lejeune’s water.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

The U.S. The District is presided over by Judge Terrence W. He is well known for his fair judgment. Boyle strongly supported the Navy’s position to enforce their affirmative defenses when responding to the 122 water contamination lawsuits. He insisted that such a defense should remain valid.

The Role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Camp Lejeune Cases

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a vital role in examining and resolving the water contamination issue at Camp Lejeune [2]. In the 1970s, the EPA identified Camp Lejeune as a major source of pollution and conducted investigations into the disposal of waste during that period.

Furthermore, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) conducted a study to ascertain the health effects of exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1968 and the 1980s.

The EPA’s investigation into the water contamination at Camp Lejeune revealed that:

• The wells supplying Tarawa Terrace were polluted with PCE due to accidental spills and improper disposal of PCE at an off-base dry-cleaning facility.
• It is believed that the contamination likely began in 1953.
• The EPA has taken action under the Superfund Program to compel responsible parties to remediate contaminated sites or reimburse the EPA for cleanup costs.
• They have also ruled in favor of Camp Lejeune victims and supported their compensation claims.

Additionally, the EPA has put forward a proposal to ban the use of trichloroethylene (TCE), a cancer-causing chemical linked to the water contamination problem at Camp Lejeune.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination at Camp Lejeune was attributed to industrial solvents and chemicals, leading to the issue of contaminated Camp Lejeune water.

Significant fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank, improper disposal of chemicals by off-base dry cleaning facilities, and the usage of heavy chemicals for equipment cleaning by on-base personnel have been identified as the sources of contamination.

This exposure to toxins has resulted in various health problems for the Marines and their families.

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, benzene, and vinyl chloride [3].

Studies indicate that the levels of these chemicals in drinking water were among the highest ever recorded in American history. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to several cancers, along with congenital disabilities and other conditions.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s water can lead to severe health issues, including cancer, birth defects, neurological disorders, and other illnesses.

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a wide range of health complications, 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

Treatment for these secondary health complications is available to military veterans through VA benefits, even if the primary conditions have been resolved or effectively treated.

Who Qualifies For a Massachusetts Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Massachusetts residents who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the period of contamination (August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987) and have experienced health complications as a result of water contamination qualify for a Massachusetts Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Individuals who lived or worked on Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 have experienced medical issues related to water contamination. They may be eligible for compensation under the Promise to Adress Comprehensive Toxins Act (PACT).

Military personnel, civilians, contractors, former camp occupants, and their family members affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination can submit either personal injury claims or wrongful death claims.

Compensation could be available to those who qualify. Individuals impacted by Camp Lejeune water contamination are eligible to pursue a settlement from the government.

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

Those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination may seek damages for:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Other losses related to their health problems

Recoverable damages under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act include short-term medical expenses and long-term disabilities.

The amounts of settlements in toxic exposure cases, such as Camp Lejeune, can vary based on the diagnosed medical condition and the extent of damages incurred. Generally, settlements can range from $100,000 to $550,000.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Massachusetts

Settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Massachusetts will vary depending on factors such as medical conditions and exposure duration. It is advisable to engage an attorney to file a Camp Lejeune claim to maximize the chances of receiving fair compensation.

The potential value of Camp Lejeune settlements payout per claimant has been reported to be more than $500,000.00.

Filing a Massachusetts Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Massachusetts involves understanding the Federal Tort Claims Act and navigating disability benefits. To file a lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act, one must comply with the eligibility requirements set by the Act.

These requirements include adhering to the procedural requirements promptly and meeting the criteria for coverage. Moreover, one has the right to file a lawsuit in a U.S. District Court should they be unsatisfied with the settlement offer made by a government agency.

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Massachusetts, one must follow these steps:

1. Collect the necessary documentation.
2. Complete the claim form.
3. Submit the claim.
4. Provide the required medical documentation.
5. Consider obtaining legal assistance.

It is recommended that Camp Lejeune lawyers file a Camp Lejeune claim to maximize the chances of receiving fair compensation.

Understanding the Federal Tort Claims Act

The Federal Tort Claims Act is a law that permits individuals to bring lawsuits against the federal government for negligence, such as the Camp Lejeune water contamination case.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is responsible for processing the claims related to Camp Lejeune water contamination. The components of the Federal Tort Claims Act include:

• Notification of the incident
• Demand for a sum of certain
• Filing a claim with the appropriate federal agency
• Awaiting a response from the agency before filing a lawsuit
• Adhering to the procedural requirements on time and meeting the criteria for coverage

Navigating Disability Benefits and Camp Lejeune Claims

Understanding how disability benefits relate to Camp Lejeune’s claims is key to maximizing compensation. Claims brought by The Pact Act and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act form a distinct legal action.

The Camp Lejeune Family Member Program provides benefits to family members of veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to contaminated water.

It is related to disability benefits as it may provide reimbursement for out-of-pocket healthcare costs incurred by family members who have developed certain medical conditions resulting from the exposure.

Comprehending the connection between disability benefits and Camp Lejeune’s claims is of utmost importance for attaining the highest possible compensation.

Related Articles:

• Maryland Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Maine Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Louisiana Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. What Steps Should I Take If My Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim Is Denied?

If your Lejeune Water Contamination claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. It’s advisable to seek legal assistance to understand the reasons for the denial, gather additional evidence, and navigate the appeals process effectively.

2. Can I File a Claim For Camp Lejeune Water Contamination If I Lived Off-Base But Worked At The Camp?

Yes, you can file a claim if you worked at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to the contaminated water, even if you lived off-base. Your eligibility depends on the duration and nature of your exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.

3. What Impact Does the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Have on Veterans’ Benefits?

The Camp Lejeune water contamination may qualify affected veterans for additional VA healthcare and disability benefits. Filing a claim can help secure these benefits, which are separate from the compensation sought through the lawsuit.

Get Your Free Consultation Massachusetts Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

If the water contamination at Camp Lejeune has impacted you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Schmidt and Clark, LLP. Our team has a wealth of experience dealing with cases like these, and we’re ready to guide you through each step of the process.

You deserve to be fully informed about your legal rights and potential eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. That’s why we offer free consultations, and you won’t have to pay a penny unless we achieve a successful result for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough evaluation of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-and-department-navy-announce-voluntary-elective-option-more-efficient
2. https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/SiteProfiles/index.cfm?fuseaction=second.cleanup&id=0403185
3. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html