New Jersey Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination incident remains one of the most severe cases of water contamination in US history, with military personnel, family members, and employees experiencing fatalities and sicknesses as a result. For New Jersey residents affected by this tragedy, seeking justice and compensation may seem like an uphill battle.

However, recent legislation, such as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, has opened the door for Camp Lejeune victims to file New Jersey Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits and potentially receive compensation for the damages they’ve suffered.

If you or someone you care about has been affected by the health consequences of exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to step in and help.

As a law firm with a national reputation for handling plaintiff’s cases, our primary mission is to secure the justice you’re entitled to and the compensation you deserve.

New Jersey Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination has had far-reaching consequences, affecting military personnel, family members, and employees alike. From numerous stillbirths to the development of cancers and other health issues, the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has left a tragic legacy for those affected.

Legal action throughout the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a viable option for New Jersey residents impacted by this water contamination. Knowledgeable attorneys are currently accepting cases from water contamination victims. They are dedicated to helping them seek justice. The liable parties in connection with cases concerning Camp Lejeune contamination may include:

• The Federal Government and other governmental or regulatory agencies
• Businesses that could have contaminated the water supplies
• Any other person or entity that could have caused an injury or diagnosis

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base and military training facility established in 1942, discovered the water contamination issue in their Camp Lejeune water supply during the 1980s [1].

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 was enacted to provide legal recourse for victims to pursue claims against the US government for damages related to exposure to contaminated water at both Camp Lejeune and the nearby Marine Corps Air Station.

This Camp Lejeune Act authorizes those impacted by Camp Lejeune’s water contamination, including individuals who resided, were employed, or were in utero between 1953 and 1987, to take legal action.

These individuals can file Camp Lejeune lawsuits in the US District Court in Eastern North Carolina, potentially leading to Camp Lejeune settlements for the affected parties.

Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, the burden of proof is lower for plaintiffs, making it easier for them to prove their case in Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits.

“Camp Lejeune cases have quickly grown into one of the largest mass litigations in U.S. history, and the DOJ is calling for a management strategy and consolidation plan.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

This legislation was prompted by the belief that Marines and their families should not be restricted to VA benefits and, instead, should also have the opportunity to seek financial compensation through civil lawsuits.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Recent developments in the Camp Lejeune lawsuit have seen attorneys representing the US government and plaintiffs request a single judge to consolidate the cases or a coordinated administration of pretrial proceedings in the litigation.

The Navy has received over 93,000 Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims to date. While the Navy has initiated processing of 17,000 of those claims and is endeavoring to hasten the procedure, veterans, attorneys, and judicial officials are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the Navy’s inaction concerning the Camp Lejeune claims.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Investigation into the cause of groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune reveals that the contamination was caused by:

• Leakage of toxic chemicals from waste disposal sites
• Leakage of toxic chemicals from underground storage tanks
• Contamination from businesses near the base
• Contamination from military operations

The contaminants identified in the water at Camp Lejeune were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are known to have severe health repercussions.

The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune originated from two of the eight water treatment facilities: Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and Hadnot Point Treatment Plant.

The presence of these harmful chemicals in the water supply has led to a multitude of health issues for those exposed, including various forms of cancer and congenital disabilities.

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 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene. These chemicals are known to have severe health effects, including cancer and other serious illnesses [2].

The presence of these chemicals in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune has had devastating effects on those exposed to them, leading to a variety of health issues and prompting numerous lawsuits.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water supply has led to various health issues, including [3]:

• 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

Scientific research has indicated that prolonged exposure to the toxic chemicals in Camp Lejeune’s water has resulted in higher rates of cancer and harm to fetuses.

Who Qualifies For a New Jersey Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

New Jersey residents who had resided or been employed at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987. Exposure to the contaminated water during that time qualifies for a New Jersey Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Family members of military personnel and employees are also eligible to seek compensation.

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, documentary evidence of residency or employment at the base is required, which might include military service records for veterans and their families or social security employment records for civilian contractors and non-military personnel.

Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have one of the 15 covered health conditions related to exposure to the contaminated water.

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

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, recovery of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering can be pursued. Medical expenses can include costs for treatments, medications, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation services related to health conditions caused by the contaminated water.

Lost wages are typically determined by:

• Ascertaining your average weekly wage before the contamination
• Calculating the amount of lost wages based on the duration of the contamination
• Considering the effect it had on your capacity to work.

Pain and suffering, on the other hand, is defined as:

• The physical and emotional distress experienced due to the contamination
• Recompense for physical discomfort
• Emotional anguish
• Diminishment of the quality of life.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in New Jersey

Potential Camp Lejeune settlement amounts for New Jersey Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can fluctuate based on various factors, such as the severity of the victim’s injuries and the attorney’s ability to prove a link between the injuries or death and the polluted water.

It is currently estimated that settlement amounts may involve up to 20-25% attorney fees. However, the actual payouts may vary as the litigation progresses.

The average individual settlement for Parkinson’s disease cases, for example, is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million. However, the overall process of settling claims and distributing payments may take up to ten years.

Disability Benefits for Military Personnel

Disability benefits may be available for military personnel affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination.

To apply for these benefits, military personnel can file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), with the main eligibility requirement being that they live in an area served by the contaminated water system and have medical conditions related to the exposure.

Filing a New Jersey Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in New Jersey, an attorney specializing in such cases should be contacted. An experienced lawyer can provide support in the lawsuit process by aiding in the collection of evidence of exposure to contaminated water, preparing the necessary legal documents, and representing you in court.

Potential challenges for New Jersey residents filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination lawsuit include:

• Proving causation
• Dealing with government agencies
• Gathering evidence
• Handling legal complexities
• Complying with the statute of limitations

Preparing Your Claim: Documentation & Evidence

Appropriate documentation and evidence are key to supporting your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. To initiate a lawsuit, you will need to provide medical records demonstrating injuries associated with water contamination, as well as your DD214 form or other evidence of your presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of contamination.

Related Articles:

• Nebraska Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Nevada Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• New Hampshire Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. How Does the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Impact New Jersey Residents?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, if enacted, would streamline the process for filing claims and seeking compensation for those affected by the water contamination. It provides a federal cause of action for victims, allowing New Jersey residents to file lawsuits in federal court and potentially increasing the compensation available to them.

2. How Can New Jersey Residents Determine If Their Health Issues Are Linked to Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

New Jersey residents can determine if their health issues are linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination by reviewing the list of conditions recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as related to toxic exposure.

3. How Has The Federal Government Responded To The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Issue?

The federal government has responded to the Camp Lejeune water containment issue by conducting investigations, shutting down contaminated wells, and enacting legislation like the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, which provides healthcare benefits to affected individuals.

Get Your Free Consultation From New Jersey Camp Lejeune Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand ready to lend a helping hand during these challenging times. If you or a family member have been affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, we encourage you to get in touch with us. Our team has the necessary experience to handle such cases. It is committed to guiding you at every step of the way.

It’s your right to be aware of your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. Be assured that our consultations are completely free, and you won’t face any charges unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough examination of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally in this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.camplejeuneclaimscenter.com/camp-lejeune-litigation-updates/
2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html
3. 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