Mississippi Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Mississippi Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit issue has left a lasting impact on the lives of many, particularly those in Mississippi.

With the recent introduction of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and ongoing legal battles, it is more crucial than ever for affected individuals to understand their rights and seek justice.

If you or a loved one has suffered from injuries as a result of your exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, the dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is prepared to provide you with assistance.

As a nationally recognized law firm specializing in plaintiff’s cases, our primary goal is to secure the justice and rightful compensation you deserve.

Mississippi Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina has been the subject of numerous Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits leading to the settlements.

Between 1953 and 1987, thousands of individuals living and working at the base were exposed to toxic chemicals in the Camp Lejeune drinking water, resulting in severe health issues and long-lasting consequences.

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 has provided a pathway for Mississippi residents impacted by the contamination to pursue legal compensation. However, due to ongoing multi-district litigation, the path toward justice may not be linear.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 has made it possible for individuals affected by the Camp Lejeune contaminated water to file lawsuits against the federal government for any damage caused [1].

Eligible individuals include veterans, their families, and those who were harmed due to exposure to toxic water at the base. Before filing a lawsuit, an administrative claim must be filed with the Judge Advocate General for the Department of the Navy. Camp Lejeune attorneys can help guide you through this process.

A significant legal hurdle for Mississippi claimants comes from the U.S. government’s stance that Camp Lejeune claims, including the Camp Lejeune claim, fall under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).

The plaintiffs argue that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is not encompassed by the FTCA, resulting in a lower burden of proof.

With a reduced burden of proof, plaintiffs have an easier time showing a correlation between illnesses and polluted water despite the existence of other potential risk factors. Consequently, more plaintiffs should be able to establish their Camp Lejeune cases and recoup their damages.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Progress in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has been slow, leaving affected individuals frustrated. The Department of Justice is currently developing a plan to evaluate settlement claims. Still, the six-month administrative period has provided them with additional time.

A class-action suit, often referred to as the Camp Lejeune litigation, is expected to be lodged in North Carolina. Affected individuals should consult with attorneys to stay updated on the latest developments in the ongoing litigation process.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination of Camp Lejeune’s drinking water can be traced back to the wells utilized by the water treatment plants. These wells were contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemicals such as TCE and PCE.

Exposure to these toxic chemicals led to severe health issues for those stationed at the base between 1953 and 1987.

Related Article: What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

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

Toxic chemicals that were found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune include benzene, vinyl chloride (VC), trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE). These chemicals are highly hazardous to health [2].

“PCE was the primary contaminant found in the wells serving the Tarawa Terrace system. The chemical was used by an off-base dry cleaner (ABC One-Hour Cleaners), and the groundwater became contaminated with PCE as a result of spills and improper disposal practices.”- National Library of Medicine

Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various forms of cancer. TCE, for example, has been connected to several types of cancer and Parkinson’s disease. Vinyl chloride has been associated with liver cancer, liver cirrhosis, brain, lung, and soft tissue cancer.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to the following health issues:

• 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

Furthermore, studies have revealed that children born to mothers who resided at Camp Lejeune or consumed the water supply have a four-fold higher rate of birth defects, including spina bifida.

The long-lasting health consequences caused by exposure to these toxic chemicals highlight the importance of seeking justice and compensation for affected individuals and their families.

Who Qualifies For a Mississippi Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Mississippi residents who have suffered an injury or illness due to their exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, as well as their families, qualify for a Mississippi Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Others may be eligible to receive compensation for damages, provided that they meet the following criteria:

• Camp Lejeune veterans
• Service members
• Their families
• Civilian contractors present during the contamination period

Relatives of those who succumbed to diseases triggered by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune may qualify for financial redress. This could include expenses such as funeral costs, loss of income, and parental guidance.

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

Claimants in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit could potentially receive restitution for medical expenses, assistive equipment, and in-home healthcare costs. Any other related damages can also be potentially recovered.

Economic damages may include medical expenses such as surgeries, medications, hospital stays, mobility aids, and home health aides, as well as job-related damages such as lost wages and loss of earning capacity.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to those losses that are not tangible but still have a significant impact on a plaintiff’s quality of life.

VA Benefits and Camp Lejeune Lawsuits for Mississippi Veterans

The Veterans Affairs provides Mississippi veterans with benefits such as:

• Disability compensation
• Health care benefits
• Education
• Home loans
• And more

Mississippi veterans seeking VA disability benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination illness who do not qualify for presumptive service connection must present evidence, such as medical records, that demonstrate a connection between their injury and exposure to contaminated Camp Lejeune water.

The potential amount of monthly payments for VA disability benefits for Camp Lejeune water contamination illness is $3,000 per month.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Mississippi

Residents affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Mississippi could receive compensation ranging from $25,000 to an exceptional $1 million or even more. Each person’s settlement amount will be determined by the degree of their harm.

The settlement amount for Camp Lejeune lawsuit is contingent upon factors such as the severity of the illness or injury, as well as the status of the Camp Lejeune victims.

The proposed settlement structure is two-tiered and takes into account the type of illnesses experienced by each claimant and the extent of their exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

Filing a Mississippi Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Those who satisfy the eligibility criteria under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act may proceed with their civil lawsuit by seeking legal counsel. The Lejeune water lawsuits are exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

This district holds the authority to settle such legal disputes. Engaging the services of a seasoned attorney is the most efficient and practical way to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

Legal Challenges Faced by Mississippi Camp Lejeune Claimants

Legal claimants in Mississippi may encounter various challenges, including:

• Proving a solid correlation between their health issues and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune
• Coping with steep attorney fees that could affect their compensation
• The statute of limitations imposes a time limit on when they can file their claims

Scientific proof plays a key role in Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Mississippi. It involves utilizing medical and scientific evidence to demonstrate a connection between exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and the health issues experienced by the claimants.

This evidence may comprise diagnoses from healthcare providers and scientific studies linking the claimants’ conditions to the water contamination.

Gathering Evidence and Medical Records

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, it is advisable to obtain the following relevant documents:

• Medical records from the time of residence at Camp Lejeune and any subsequent treatment for illnesses or conditions related to the water contamination.
• Documentation proving residence at Camp Lejeune.
• Military records.

To ensure that all the necessary documents are provided, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer specializing in Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.

Related Articles:

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

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

FAQs

1. How Can A Mississippi Resident File A Claim or Lawsuit For Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

A Mississippi resident can file a claim or lawsuit by contacting an attorney who specializes in Camp Lejeune water contamination cases. The attorney will help gather the necessary documents, medical records, and evidence to support the claim. It’s important to file within the designated time frame as specified by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to ensure eligibility for compensation.

2. What Evidence Is Needed To Support A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim in Mississippi?

Evidence needed to support a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination claim includes military records showing their presence at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, medical records documenting health issues linked to the toxic water, and any other relevant documents that establish the connection between their health problems and the water contamination.

3. Are Family Members of Mississippi Veterans Affected By Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Eligible For Compensation?

Yes, family members of Mississippi veterans affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination are eligible for compensation. This includes spouses and children who resided on the base and may have been exposed to the toxic water. They can file claims for health issues related to the contamination.

Get Your Free Consultation From Mississippi Camp Lejeune Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been adversely affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us at Schmidt and Clark, LLP. Our team of Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys has a wealth of experience in dealing with these types of cases, and we are ready to guide you every step of the way.

It’s crucial to understand your legal rights and the potential for Camp Lejeune lawsuit eligibility. We offer free consultations and assure you that you won’t face any charges unless we win your case.

Get in touch with Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your case. Let us 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/chem_descriptions.html