Minnesota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has garnered significant attention in recent years, with thousands of individuals affected by this environmental disaster seeking justice.

For Minnesota residents impacted by the contamination, understanding the intricacies of the lawsuit is crucial for protecting their rights and pursuing compensation.

Suppose you or someone close to you has experienced injuries due to exposure to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. In that case, you can rely on the expertise of the team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP.

As a law firm with national recognition and a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our main objective is to ensure you receive the justice and rightful compensation you are entitled to.

Minnesota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides a path for Minnesota residents impacted by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination to claim compensation. This act empowers victims to seek legal restitution, including the filing of Camp Lejeune lawsuits, holding those at fault accountable for the damages.

Recent updates and legislative amendments affecting the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits process necessitate affected Minnesota residents to remain updated and proactive. Comprehending the current Camp Lejeune litigation enables improved navigation through the legal landscape, thus improving the odds of obtaining compensation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 serves as a beacon of hope for victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune, enabling them to file lawsuits for compensation under North Carolina state law [1].

Under this act, individuals who were exposed to Camp Lejeune water for thirty days between 1953 and 1987 may file a lawsuit and pursue a Camp Lejeune payout in the Eastern District of North Carolina. This marks a significant milestone in the quest for justice for Camp Lejeune victims.

Filing a Camp Lejeune claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act requires the assistance of seasoned Camp Lejeune attorneys, including Camp Lejeune lawyers, who can navigate the complicated legal process.

Notably, lodging a lawsuit under this act will not affect your present or future VA benefits for Camp Lejeune, offering reassurance to impacted individuals and their families seeking Camp Lejeune claims.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Keeping abreast of the newest updates and developments in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is imperative for affected individuals pursuing compensation. The Department of the Navy is presently scrutinizing over 117,000 administrative claims.

Beyond this, there have been over 1,300 federal lawsuits lodged. Recent legal challenges have seen over 120 plaintiffs submitting claims against the U.S. government’s “barebones” responses to lawsuits, accusing them of poisoning individuals through the water supply at Camp Lejeune.

Despite the growing pressure on the government to respond to the filed toxic water lawsuits, they have been slow in taking action. In May 2023, 25 new lawsuits were submitted in North Carolina. Victims need to seek legal counsel when pursuing compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Given the steadily rising number of claims and lawsuits, keeping abreast of the most recent news concerning the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is crucial for those pursuing justice.

By vigilantly monitoring developments and collaborating with seasoned attorneys, impacted individuals can more adeptly handle the legal hurdles and attain the deserved compensation.

Legislative Changes and Their Impact on Minnesota Residents

Recent legislative changes have broadened the rights of Minnesota residents to seek compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 includes a catch-all term to encompass anyone who may not have lived or worked at Lejeune but can demonstrate exposure to the contaminated water.

The act also extends eligibility to individuals who were exposed to the water at Camp Lejeune while still in utero. These legislative revisions are designed to safeguard the rights and well-being of Minnesota residents impacted by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination. The revisions include:

• Broadening the eligibility criteria for compensation
• Offering more routes for compensation
• Ensuring more victims can access the financial restitution necessary to deal with their exposure’s aftermath.

For Minnesota residents, comprehending these legislative changes and their implications is key to pursuing justice for the damages resulting from the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

“The parties involved in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit primarily include the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Defense, and the veterans and families who lived at Camp Lejeune during the years that the water was contaminated.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

By staying current with North Carolina law and collaborating with seasoned attorneys, affected individuals can skillfully handle the legal process and secure the deserved compensation.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Investigations into the contamination of groundwater at Camp Lejeune revealed that toxic chemicals were the primary cause of this environmental disaster. The sources of these chemicals include:

1. On-base divisions cleaning military gear using harsh chemicals
2. A nearby off-base dry cleaning facility
3. A significant fuel leakage estimated at 800,000 gallons from underground fuel tanks at Camp Lejeune

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous chemicals were identified as the primary contaminants present in the water. Such contamination has to be addressed immediately.

With over a million individuals exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the repercussions of this environmental tragedy are far-reaching and devastating.

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 other volatile organic compounds [2]. These chemicals stemmed from a combination of chemical spills and leaks from on-base and off-base sources, as well as contamination from the Tarawa Terrace plant.

Exposure to these toxic chemicals has been linked to various health issues, including cancer and neurological disorders. In the next section, we will discuss the health issues associated with exposure to these chemicals and their impact on the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals found in Camp Lejeune’s groundwater 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

Prolonged or repeated exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) has been linked to kidney cancer and other health issues.

Pregnant women exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune are at a higher risk of bearing newborns with birth defects. Research studies have indicated these health risks related to this possible exposure.

Research has shown that veterans who served at Camp Lejeune have a 70% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than non-veterans. This is a particularly concerning finding, as the implications extend beyond those individuals affected.

Who Qualifies For A Minnesota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Minnesota residents who have experienced exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and have since developed health issues qualify for a Minnesota Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. To qualify, individuals must have resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between 1953 and 1987.

Family members of Minnesota residents who have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days may also file a claim.

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

Victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination can recover damages for various losses, including:

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

Understanding the types of recoverable damages and collaborating with seasoned attorneys enables victims to ensure they receive the deserved compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships induced by the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Minnesota

Settlement amounts for Minnesota Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits depend on various factors, including the severity of the health issues and the strength of the case.

Compensation for specific health conditions associated with exposure to contaminated water can range from $100,000 to $550,000. For example, claims involving bladder cancer may have an estimated settlement value ranging from $170,000 to $220,000.

Factors Affecting Compensation Amounts

Factors affecting compensation amounts in Camp Lejeune water lawsuits include:

• The type and severity of the health issue.
• The strength of the evidence.
• The skill of the attorney.

The strength of evidence in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can have a significant impact on the compensation amount. An experienced attorney can help victims by:

• Gathering the necessary evidence
• Building a compelling case
• Negotiating with the liable entities or their insurance providers to secure a more favorable settlement amount.

Understanding the factors influencing compensation amounts and collaborating with proficient attorneys helps victims boost their chances of receiving the required financial restitution to manage the consequences of the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Filing a Minnesota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Minnesota entails the following steps:

1. Lodge an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy.
2. Compile evidence to establish a robust case.
3. Wait for the government to decide on the claim within a six-month window.
4. If the claim is rejected, the Camp Lejeune lawyer may then opt to file a lawsuit in a federal court in North Carolina.

Filing an Administrative Claim

To file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, victims must follow these steps:

1. Submit an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy.
2. The government has six months to make a decision.
3. They can either accept or reject the claim.
4. If the claim is rejected or the six-month deadline has passed, the victim can proceed to file their lawsuit in federal court.

The administrative claim process is a vital step in pursuing compensation for the Camp Lejeune case. By submitting a claim and working with experienced attorneys, victims can ensure that they are taking the necessary steps to secure the compensation they deserve.

Gathering Evidence and Building a Case

Building a strong case for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit requires gathering evidence, such as medical records and proof of residency or employment at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period.

Medical records should include documentation of the diagnosis of one of the 15 health conditions associated with the contamination, as well as the date of diagnosis and exposure.

To obtain medical records for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, victims can contact the National Personnel Records Center, which can provide medical records related to their time at Camp Lejeune.

Related Articles:

• Maryland Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Michigan Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Massachusetts Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. Are There Any Community Resources in Minnesota To Assist With Filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?

Yes, there are community resources in Minnesota to assist with filing Camp Lejeune Water Contamination claim. These include veterans’ service organizations, legal aid societies, and non-profits dedicated to assisting veterans and their families with the claims process and providing necessary support.

2. Can Spouses of Deceased Victims File a Claim For Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Yes, spouses or legal representatives of deceased victims can file a wrongful death claim for Camp Lejeune Water contamination if the deceased lived or worked at the camp during the specified period and died due to health conditions related to the contaminated water.

3. What Is the Role of the ATSDR in the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Issue?

The role of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is to conduct extensive research on the contamination and its health effects, providing scientific evidence and reports that support claims and legal actions.

Get Your Free Consultation Minnesota Camp Lejeune Lawyers

Suppose you or a loved one has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. In that case, the experienced team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is ready to help. We are well-versed in these cases and are committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We believe in your right to understand your legal options and potential eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. We provide free consultations, and you won’t face any costs unless we achieve a positive outcome for your case.

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

Reference:

1. https://news.va.gov/114142/new-measure-camp-lejeune-file-lawsuits/
2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html