Missouri Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina, you could be eligible for compensation for the harm caused by this environmental disaster.

The pursuit of justice for the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination is a critical step in addressing this devastating issue and holding those responsible accountable.

This article guides the latest updates, legal remedies, and the support available to help navigate the complex Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit process.

If you or a family member have been affected by injuries due to exposure to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to lend a hand.

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

Missouri Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Missouri inhabitants impacted by the Camp Lejeune water pollution have the option to pursue compensation via legal proceedings.

The legal action is available for those who were exposed to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

Attorneys handle these claims, including the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits for Missouri residents, providing the necessary legal aid for those who have been adversely impacted.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 marks a notable progression in achieving justice for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water lawsuit, which was filed due to polluted drinking water [1].

This legislation allows persons who resided, worked, or served at Camp Lejeune, including family members, and sustained injuries due to the water contamination there to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA).

To file a claim under the Comprehensive Land and Justice Act (CLJA), claimants must first file with the relevant federal agency and have the claim denied before initiating a civil suit with the help of Camp Lejeune attorneys. The deadline for filing a claim is August 10, 2024.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Recent progress in the Camp Lejeune water pollution lawsuit is relevant to claimants from Missouri. The United States federal government, as the defendant, is facing increasing pressure to respond to the 900 toxic water lawsuits filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act. There is a strong push for them to make reasonable settlement offers to the victims.

There are currently over 800 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits pending in the Eastern District of North Carolina, subject to North Carolina law. The government has set aside $22 billion for the Camp Lejeune settlement.

This money will also be used to cover jury payout costs. It is estimated that the settlement for Parkinson’s disease cases ranges from $1 million to $1.5 million per individual. On average, a case could be worth up to 1.5 million dollars.

Impact of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Findings on Missouri Cases

The EPA’s determination about the harmful chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply holds great importance for Missouri cases concerning Camp Lejeune’s water pollution.

Camp Lejeune’s designation as a “Superfund” site and its inclusion on the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”) National Priorities List are noteworthy to the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit [2].

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Three primary sources led to the pollution at Camp Lejeune:

1. The use of potent chemicals by on-base divisions for military equipment cleaning
2. A neighboring off-base dry-cleaning establishment
3. A speculated fuel leak of 800,000 gallons from underground fuel tanks

The effects of these substances on the people living or working in the area have been devastating. These factors led to the presence of toxic chemicals in the base’s contaminated drinking water supply, which had devastating consequences for those exposed.

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, PCE, and TCE. PCE, or perchloroethylene, is a common component of dry cleaning solutions [3].

At the same time, TCE, or tetrachloroethylene, is used as a degreasing agent and ingredient in industrial cleaning solutions.

The health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals are significant, with PCE being the primary cause of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The Camp Lejeune water supply was found to contain TCE at a concentration of up to 1,400 ppb, far exceeding the EPA’s maximum safe level of five ppb for potable water.

PCE and TCE contamination in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune was caused by improper disposal and storage, as well as groundwater leakage from off-base sources such as dry cleaners.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Health problems such as cancer, birth anomalies, and neurological conditions have been linked with exposure to harmful chemicals at Camp Lejeune, here is a complete list of health issues caused by this disaster:

• 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

Who Qualifies For a Missouri Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Missouri inhabitants who resided or were employed at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days from 1953 to 1987 qualify for a Missouri Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

This includes those who experienced prenatal exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune while still in utero and any individual who can demonstrate that they were exposed to the contaminated water.

“In accordance with Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, VA provides cost-free health care for certain conditions to Veterans who served at least 30 days of active duty at Camp Lejeune.”- Veteran Affairs Public Health

To demonstrate eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement, claimants need to provide military service records, social security employment history records, or other types of employment verification.

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

Individuals affected by Camp Lejeune water pollution have the potential to receive compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

The average amount for medical expenses recoverable in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may vary, ranging from $10,000 to over $1,000,000, depending on the merits of the case.

It is also possible to seek compensation for emotional distress in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Pain and suffering, which includes emotional distress, may be awarded in these cases.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Missouri

The compensation sums for Missouri’s Camp Lejeune water pollution lawsuits will fluctuate, depending on the severity of the individual’s injuries and the robustness of their case.

The average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Missouri varies, with estimates ranging from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the medical condition of the claimant.

Filing a Missouri Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Missouri inhabitants, with the assistance of seasoned lawyers and appropriate paperwork, can file a lawsuit concerning Camp Lejeune water pollution. The process involves:

1. Gathering the relevant documents
2. Consulting with an attorney to determine eligibility
3. Filing a complaint
4. Adhering to the legal process.

Required Documentation for Filing

Documentation, such as medical records and proof of residence or employment at Camp Lejeune, is required to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

To establish residence or employment at Camp Lejeune, documents such as residence records, military service records, or any other documents that verify residence or employment are required.

Medical records necessary to demonstrate health issues related to Camp Lejeune water contamination should distinctly illustrate the injuries or illnesses associated with water contamination. These records will be essential when filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.

Building a Strong Case

Building a strong case for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit involves gathering evidence, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of the legal process. To build a strong case, you must present proof of your residence at Camp Lejeune and your DD214 form.

Expert testimony plays a pivotal role in a Camp Lejeune water contamination case. Expert witnesses are employed to:

• Establish a causal relationship
• Demonstrate a direct correlation between exposure to pollutants in the water and the associated health effects
• Offer specialized knowledge and experience to bolster the arguments made in the lawsuit.

Constructing a robust case for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may involve numerous challenges, such as:

• The requirement for extensive medical and scientific data
• Demonstrating a causal relationship between water contamination and health issues
• Managing the intricate legal procedure

Litigation Support

Support from skilled lawyers is significant in guiding through the intricate process of a Camp Lejeune water pollution lawsuit.

Attorneys managing Camp Lejeune water lawsuits for Missouri residents offer free, no-obligation case reviews and work on a contingency basis, which means legal fees are only payable if a successful outcome is achieved.

A contingency fee structure provides plaintiffs in Missouri Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits with access to legal representation without having to pay any upfront legal fees.

The attorney’s fees are instead paid as a percentage of the plaintiff’s recovery if they are successful in the case, which is beneficial for those who may not have the financial resources to pay for legal services in advance.

Related Articles:

• Mississippi 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

What Caused the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused by the presence of industrial solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) from dry cleaning waste and benzene from leaking underground fuel storage tanks.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit About?

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is about the claims related to the exposure of military personnel, their families, and others to toxic chemicals in the drinking water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This contamination is alleged to have caused various health issues, including cancer and other serious diseases.

Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit in Missouri?

Individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and who have suffered from health issues potentially linked to the water contamination are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Missouri. This includes veterans, family members, and civilian employees.

What Types of Compensation Can Be Sought Through the Lawsuit?

The types of compensation that can be sought through the lawsuit may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. The exact amount will depend on each case’s specific circumstances.

What Health Conditions Are Associated With the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Health conditions that are associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination include various types of cancer (such as breast, liver, and kidney cancer), as well as other serious illnesses like Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, and birth defects.

Get Your Free Evaluation From Missouri Camp Lejeune Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we’re committed to standing by your side in challenging times. If you or a loved one have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is well-versed in such cases and ready to guide you every step of the way.

You’re entitled to know your legal rights and potential eligibility for a Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuit. We assure you all our consultations are free, and you won’t face any charges unless we win your case.

Get in touch with Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough review of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.

Reference:

1. https://news.va.gov/114142/new-measure-camp-lejeune-file-lawsuits/
2. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-111hhrg58485/html/CHRG-111hhrg58485.htm
3. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html