Nevada Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue has impacted thousands of individuals, including Nevada residents. Understanding the legal process and seeking assistance can make a significant difference in obtaining justice for those affected.

This article will provide valuable information on the Nevada Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, helping you navigate the complexities involved in seeking compensation for the damages caused by this toxic exposure.

If you or someone close to you has been impacted by injuries due to exposure to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, stands ready to support you.

As a law firm with national recognition and a special focus on cases for plaintiffs, our main aim is to help you secure the justice you deserve and the rightful compensation you are owed.

Nevada Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Nevada Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit outlines the legal proceedings available to Nevada residents impacted by the toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

Individuals including civilian workers, veterans, and their families who have been affected by the water contamination may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

“The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Camp Lejeune as a Superfund site (an area with severe and hazardous pollution needing extensive cleanup).”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

In these types of cases, legal fees are only incurred if a successful outcome is achieved against the federal government in Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 permits individuals to lodge claims for compensation for contaminated water exposure [1]. Thousands of former Lejeune residents, employees, and soldiers are eligible to file a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

Victims in Nevada may be eligible for significant compensation once the Camp Lejeune Justice Program commences. The cut-off date for submitting a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is August 10, 2024, and many are already pursuing Camp Lejeune lawsuits for the damages they have suffered.

The Act provides compensation to individuals who have experienced health problems as a result of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Filing a lawsuit under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act gives aggrieved parties a chance to seek compensation and hold the culprits accountable for the damage inflicted.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The new pending law provides relief to individuals diagnosed with cancer or neurologic disorders who either resided or worked near Camp Lejeune. They can pursue a Camp Lejeune claim and possibly receive a settlement payout or jury award for the damages incurred.

All cases must be maintained in North Carolina, regardless of the current residence of the victims. The government has allocated a total of $22 billion for Camp Lejeune settlements.

The US government’s attorneys and plaintiffs are requesting that the cases be consolidated under a single judge or that the Court oversee pretrial proceedings in the litigation in a coordinated fashion.

The Department of Justice is now in the process of making settlement offers for the 75,000 administratively filed cases. It is yet to be determined if the offers will be reasonable.

Dealing with the Federal Tort Claims Act

The Federal Tort Claims Act is legislation that permits individuals to take legal action against the government for damages caused by the government’s negligence.

Military personnel and their families filed multiple lawsuits against the government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging that water contamination at Camp Lejeune caused cancer and other health issues. The litigation is still ongoing.

A Camp Lejeune lawyer from a reputable law firm can then take further action by filing a lawsuit in North Carolina federal court. This means that the case would be heard in federal court instead of the state court.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base and military training facility located in North Carolina, faced a major groundwater contamination issue due to the disposal of toxic waste by the military and related industries, leading to the water contamination crisis. The groundwater at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with PCE from an adjacent dry cleaning business.

In the 1980s, environmental tests revealed that the water provided to the Camp Lejeune residents and personnel was highly polluted. It resulted in drastic implications for their health and well-being. The primary sources of the toxic chemicals were determined to be:

• A significant fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank
• Off-base dry cleaning facilities disposing of chemicals improperly
• On-base personnel using heavy chemicals to clean equipment.

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 (perchloroethylene), and TCE (trichloroethylene) [2]. These chemicals, along with others, contaminated the drinking water supply at Camp Lejeune, posing significant health risks to the residents and personnel on the base.

The primary sources of these toxic chemicals were industrial solvents such as TCE and PCE from dry cleaning waste, as well as benzene from leaking sources. These chemicals found their way into the groundwater, contaminating the drinking water supply and causing severe health problems for those exposed to the contaminated water.

Related Article: What Caused Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to various health issues and illnesses. Research has indicated that exposure to Camp Lejeune’s water contaminants may be associated with:

• 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, research has shown an elevated incidence of specific cancers due to exposure to TCE and PCE. These health issues highlight the severity of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune and the need for affected individuals to seek legal help and compensation for their damages.

Who Qualifies For A Nevada Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the contamination period from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, and have been impacted by the toxic water exposure qualify for a Nevada Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Military service records for veterans and their families, and social security employment records for civilian contractors and non-military personnel are preferable for this purpose.

Additionally, a family member of an individual from Nevada who has been diagnosed with cancer after having been exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days may be eligible to pursue a claim.

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

Recoverable damages from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include compensation for both economic and non-economic harm, such as medical expenses and future medical costs.

The compensation amount awarded through a Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement is determined by factors like the severity of the illness or injury and the victim’s current condition.

By filing a lawsuit, affected individuals have the opportunity to seek compensation for their damages and hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they have caused.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Nevada

Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit settlement amounts in Nevada may vary depending on the severity of the medical condition, with the total estimated payout for the Camp Lejeune cancer lawsuits amounting to $21 billion.

Receiving VA benefits unrelated to the water contamination does not affect the settlement award. Nevada residents need to understand the potential settlement amounts and how they may be affected by the outcome of their case.

VA Benefits and Camp Lejeune Claims

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plays a significant role in Camp Lejeune claims, offering benefits and health care for conditions associated with Camp Lejeune water contamination in Nevada.

This includes payment or reimbursement for hospital care and medical services provided by non-VA providers in certain circumstances. Moreover, dependents of veterans who resided at Camp Lejeune during the applicable period may be eligible for reimbursement of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

The VA is responsible for Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims, with no separate agency in Nevada handling these cases. By collaborating with the VA and understanding the available benefits, Nevada residents impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination can secure the support and compensation they require.

Filing a Nevada Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

To initiate a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Nevada, the legal process usually requires completion of the administrative claims process followed by filing a case in federal court. Filing a claim involves determining your eligibility, gathering evidence, and submitting an administrative claim.

Documenting Your Stay at Camp Lejeune

To support your claim, it’s important to document your stay at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period. To do so, you can gather evidence such as medical records, military service records, and witness statements.

Additionally, you may need to provide documentation indicating your presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination.

Some documents that may be useful in demonstrating your residence at Camp Lejeune include:

• Utility bills
• Base housing records
• Lease agreements
• Military orders
• Tax forms
• Any other records that indicate your residency at Camp Lejeune

These documents may be necessary for your claim or lawsuit related to Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Health Screening and Medical Records

Health screening and securing medical records are key elements in substantiating your case. Medical records provide evidence of the individual’s exposure to contaminated water and any ensuing illnesses or health conditions.

These records can assist in demonstrating a causal relationship between water contamination and the individual’s health issues, which is necessary in striving for compensation for damages.

To submit medical records for a Camp Lejeune water contamination claim in Nevada, you will need to:

1. Obtain your military and medical records
2. Gather additional evidence
3. Compile all the necessary documents
4. Submit your claim to the relevant authority

Impending Deadlines for Camp Lejeune Claims

The cut-off date for initiating legal action for Camp Lejeune water contamination is August 2024. Not filing by the due date implies that victims and their relatives will no longer have the possibility to hold the government accountable for the damages caused by the water contamination. It is crucial to act promptly and file your claim before the deadline to ensure your case is considered.

Related Articles:

• Nebraska Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Missouri Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Montana Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. What Is the Current Status of the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits?

The current status of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits is that numerous claims have been filed, with some resulting in settlements or compensation for affected individuals. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and new claims continue to be filed as more people become aware of their eligibility. Legislative efforts, such as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, aim to facilitate compensation for the victims.

2. Are There Specific Support Groups or Resources in Nevada For Those Affected by the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Yes, there are support groups and resources in Nevada for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. Local veterans’ organizations, community health groups, and legal aid societies may offer assistance and support.

3. What Compensation Can Nevada Residents Expect From the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Nevada residents who successfully file claims related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can expect compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Nevada Camp Lejeune Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, Schmidt and Clark, LLP are ready and willing to lend a hand. Our team boasts a wealth of experience in dealing with cases of this nature and is fully equipped to guide you every step of the way.

We believe in your right to fully comprehend your legal rights and the potential to pursue a lawsuit. We offer free consultations and assure you that no costs will be incurred unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark today for an in-depth review of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.navy.mil/clja/#:~:text=Section%20804%20of%20this%20law,the%20Department%20of%20the%20Navy.
2. https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejeune/#:~:text=Camp%20Lejeune%20Families%20Act%20of%202012,-Veterans’%20health%20care&text=In%20accordance%20with%20the%202012,Esophageal%20cancer