The unfortunate reality is that the water contamination incident at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina, has impacted thousands. The disaster has resulted in numerous health problems and even deaths among military personnel and their families.
For Michigan residents affected by this incident, understanding their legal rights, such as the Michigan Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, is crucial.
If you or someone you care about has been harmed due to exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to support you.
As a law firm with a national reputation for excellence in plaintiff’s cases, our main objective is to help you obtain the justice and rightful compensation you are owed.
Table Of Contents
- Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
- Who Qualifies For a Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Michigan
- Filing a Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Consultation From Michigan Camp Lejeune Lawyers
Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 plays a significant role in the legal pursuit for compensation among affected Michigan residents. This legislation allows those who have been impacted by Camp Lejeune water contamination to seek compensation through litigation.
The Act covers Michigan residents who developed cancer after residing or performing duties at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, or Michigan family members of such individuals.
Knowing your rights and the legal options available to you is beneficial when dealing with the consequences of toxic water exposure.
As a Camp Lejeune victim, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, such as tests, procedures, medications, and rehabilitation, as well as the cost of hiring a caregiver.
Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, negative impacts on interpersonal relationships, and reduced capacity to enjoy life, may also be recoverable.
Partnering with a law firm experienced in handling Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can help victims, including Camp Lejeune veterans, evaluate their case and navigate the complex legal landscape.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a legal lifeline for victims who have been exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 [1]. This Act enables victims to submit claims to the US government for compensation related to exposure to contaminated water during that period.
The Act sets a lower burden of proof, facilitating the process for plaintiffs to establish their case with the help of a law firm. Plaintiffs may meet their burden of proof with a scientific study demonstrating that their alleged injury could be connected to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune, thus strengthening their Camp Lejeune claim.
Please take note that the Act requires potential plaintiffs to submit their claim to the appropriate federal agency concerning the contaminated Camp Lejeune water before initiating a toxic water lawsuit. The federal agency has a strict policy to process claims.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
Monitoring the latest Camp Lejeune lawsuit updates is necessary for those affected and seeking compensation. The ongoing legal proceedings, settlements, and verdicts can provide valuable insights into the success of similar cases and the potential outcomes for your claim.
Staying informed about the progress of Camp Lejeune lawsuits and understanding how these developments may affect your case is important. As Camp Lejeune settlements are reached, and new information comes to light, it can help you make informed decisions about your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
Understanding the cause of the groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune is crucial for those affected by the toxic chemicals. The contamination at Camp Lejeune was attributed to waste disposal, leaking storage tanks, and industrial spills, which led to the presence of volatile organic compounds in the groundwater.
Knowing the source of the contamination and the toxic chemicals responsible for various health issues can help strengthen your claim and increase your chances of receiving compensation.
The toxic chemicals found in the Camp Lejeune water supply and the health issues associated with exposure to these chemicals will be discussed in the following sections.
This information is vital for understanding the severity of the contamination and the potential long-term impacts on affected individuals.
What Toxic Chemicals Were Found in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune?
Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include Perchloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Benzene, and Vinyl chloride [2].
These chemicals were discovered in the groundwater during the 1980s, posing a significant health risk to those exposed to contaminated drinking water.
Identifying the specific toxic chemicals present in the contaminated water can help you understand the potential health implications and strengthen your compensation case.
Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals
Exposure to the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s groundwater has been linked to numerous 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
For those seeking compensation for damages caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, understanding the health issues associated with exposure to these toxic chemicals is important.
Knowledge of the specific health issues related to the contaminated water can help you make informed decisions about your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
Who Qualifies For a Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
Residents who have resided or performed duties at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, or are a Michigan family member of such an individual, qualify for a Michigan Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.
Consulting with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process is necessary to assess your eligibility, understand the compensation you may be entitled to, and manage legal fees.
“The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of the General Counsel urges Camp Lejeune victims to file claims for VA benefits, which include health care and financial payouts for disability.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center.
Damages That You Can Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Suppose you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. In that case, there are several types of damages that you may be able to recover. These include:
- Medical expenses related to tests, procedures, medications, and rehabilitation
- The cost of hiring a caregiver
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, negative impacts on interpersonal relationships, and reduced capacity to enjoy life
Working with an experienced Camp Lejeune attorney to help determine the full extent of the damages you may be entitled to and to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is important.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Michigan
The Camp Lejeune settlement amounts for lawsuits in Michigan can vary based on several factors. These factors may include the extent of the victim’s injuries and the ability of their lawyer to link the injuries or death to the toxic water exposure.
Having a clear understanding of the potential settlement amounts and the factors that may influence these amounts is important to make decisions about your legal options.
While the maximum settlement amount for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Michigan is estimated to be approximately $550,000, the minimum settlement amount is estimated to be approximately $100,000.
By understanding the potential settlement amounts and the factors that may influence them, you can better assess your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
VA Benefits and the PACT Act
In addition to lawsuit settlements, the PACT Act plays a critical role in providing compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims.
This Act provides extended VA benefits and healthcare benefits for military veterans and their families who have been impacted by exposure to toxic substances or burn pits, including Camp Lejeune water contamination victims.
When seeking damages for the harm caused by the toxic water exposure, understanding the role of VA benefits and the PACT Act in providing compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims is important.
By taking advantage of these benefits alongside a successful lawsuit settlement, affected individuals can ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve.
Filing a Michigan Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Suppose you are a Michigan resident affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination and wish to pursue legal action. In that case, there are several steps you need to follow.
These include gathering evidence to support your claim, consulting with an experienced attorney, and filing your lawsuit in federal court. Understanding the legal process and the necessary steps to file a lawsuit is important for achieving a successful outcome.
By following these steps and working with an experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for the damages caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. This situation involved the federal government.
Gathering Evidence for Your Claim
When preparing your Camp Lejeune water contamination claim, gathering the necessary evidence to support your case is crucial. This can include:
- Medical records that demonstrate injuries or illnesses related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune
- Military service records indicating dates and locations of service at Camp Lejeune
- Housing records or other information that proves exposure to toxic water contamination at the base
Securing testimonies or affidavits can also be beneficial for your case. To do so, follow these steps:
- Gather relevant documents.
- Identify potential witnesses.
- Contact witnesses and ask if they are willing to provide a testimony or affidavit.
- Document testimonies or affidavits from willing witnesses.
- Consult with an attorney to ensure you are following the proper legal procedures.
By compiling a strong body of evidence, you can bolster your claim and increase your chances of receiving compensation for the damages caused by the contaminated water.
Filing in Federal Court
Once you’ve gathered the necessary evidence and consulted with an attorney, the next step is to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in federal court.
To do so, you must follow the general steps provided by the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. These steps include:
- Logging in to the EDNC-CM/ECF system as an attorney filer.
- Initiating the case opening process by submitting the initiating document electronically.
- Paying the filing fee in advance or online using a credit card during the filing process.
Working with an experienced attorney who specializes in Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can help guide you through this complex process and ensure that your case is filed correctly.
By following the proper legal procedures and working with skilled legal representation, you can increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for the damages caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
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FAQs
1. What Are the Most Common Cancers Linked To Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The most common cancers linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia. These cancers have been associated with exposure to the toxic chemicals found in the water.
2. Can I Join a Class-Action Lawsuit For Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Yes, you can join a class-action lawsuit for Camp Lejeune water contamination. Joining a class-action lawsuit can provide collective legal representation and may increase the efficiency of the legal process for affected individuals.
To prove your health condition is related to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you will need medical records showing your diagnosis, documentation of your time at Camp Lejeune, and expert medical opinions linking your condition to the contaminated water.
Get Your Free Consultation From Michigan Camp Lejeune Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, don’t hesitate to contact us at Schmidt and Clark, LLP. Our team is well-versed in these types of cases and is ready to support you at every step.
It’s your right to be informed about your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t be charged unless we obtain a successful result for your case.
Get in touch with Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough review of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally on this journey.
Reference:
- https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html