Published by The water contamination at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base, led to a health crisis affecting many lives. This incident highlights the importance of legal justice and compensation for victims. This article will discuss the Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit.
Suppose you or a family member have been adversely affected due to exposure to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. In that case, you can count on the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP.
As a law firm with national recognition and a specialty in plaintiff’s cases, our primary objective is to ensure you receive the justice and rightful compensation you are entitled to.
Table Of Contents
- Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
- Who Qualifies For an Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
- Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Oklahoma
- Filing an Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Consultation From Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers
Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps base and military training facility located in Onslow County, North Carolina. It has been in operation since 1942, covering an area of 250 square miles. However, the contamination was not identified until 1982, a staggering 40 years later.
The extent and duration of the contaminated Camp Lejeune drinking water significantly increased the number of people affected and the severity of the health issues they experienced, leading to numerous Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 stands as a significant legal milestone in the fight for justice. This law allows military personnel and their family members to pursue a Camp Lejeune lawsuit against the government for injuries resulting from the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Partnering with experienced Camp Lejeune attorneys dedicated to upholding justice for veterans and their families impacted by the toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune, is of utmost importance.
Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, an important legal advancement, provides victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune the right to seek legal redress and compensation, overriding the restrictions of North Carolina state law [1]. This act has been instrumental in providing a legal pathway for numerous victims seeking justice.
The Act specifies certain eligibility criteria to file a Camp Lejeune toxic water lawsuit. Those who are eligible to file a toxic water lawsuit against the federal government in the US District Court in Eastern North Carolina are:
- Those who resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
- Those who were employed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
- Those who suffered injury as an unborn child at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987
The Act provides victims with the possibility of financial compensation for any injuries sustained from the contaminated Camp Lejeune water. Claimants have two years to file suit, commencing from the date the law is passed.
“The Eastern District of North Carolina has been designated as the exclusive jurisdiction and venue for cases filed under Section 804 of the Act, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.”- United States District Court
Accepting a settlement offer from the Department of Defense could provide a more practical solution for victims to obtain financial compensation.
Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates
Keeping up to date on the latest developments is necessary as the Camp Lejeune water lawsuits continue to unfold. These updates offer insights into the evolving legal landscape, highlighting recent settlements and ongoing litigation.
While the details of these updates are confidential, they serve as important indicators of the legal journey undertaken by numerous Oklahoma Camp Lejeune water contamination victims.
They provide a glimpse into the legal proceedings and the potential outcomes of these lawsuits, offering hope and guidance to others who are on the same path.
Individual Lawsuits vs. Class Action
In legal action, distinguishing between individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits is key. Individual lawsuits are submitted by a single person or a limited number of people. In contrast, class action lawsuits are submitted by a substantial number of people who have experienced comparable injuries or losses.
In a class action lawsuit, the court determines if the collective of plaintiffs is eligible to receive compensation as a whole rather than each plaintiff. This approach can be beneficial in cases where a large number of people have been affected, allowing for a collective legal action that can save time and resources.
The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune
Grasping the cause of the groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune is key to understanding the extent of the damage and the foundation for the lawsuits. The sources of toxic chemicals in the groundwater include:
- Heavy chemicals used for cleaning military gear on-base divisions of Camp Lejeune
- A nearby drycleaning facility
- An underground fuel tank leakage of 800,000 gallons
Understanding these sources is crucial in addressing the contamination and seeking justice for those affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
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 Perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These chemicals are not only harmful but also known to have serious health impacts [2].
PCE, also known as tetrachloroethylene, is a clear liquid chemical used in dry cleaning. It effectively cleans many types of fabrics. The origin of the PCE contamination at Camp Lejeune was a proximate dry cleaning company.
On the other hand, TCE, an industrial chemical used in the manufacturing of refrigerants and other hydrofluorocarbons, was habitually applied as a solvent and degreaser on metallic military apparatus at Camp Lejeune. Thus, both on-base activities and off-base facilities contributed to the contamination.
These chemicals not only polluted the water but also lingered in the environment for an extended period, increasing the duration of exposure and the number of individuals affected.
The maximum concentration of TCE contamination in the Camp Lejeune water supply in 1985 was 215 ug/L, far exceeding the maximum safe level for TCE in potable water as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – five parts per billion (ppb).
Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals
Exposure to the toxic chemicals found in the groundwater at Camp Lejeune has led to a range of health complications. Research has indicated that individuals exposed to the contaminated water may be at greater risk of developing:
- 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
These health issues not only represent the physical and emotional suffering experienced by the victims but also serve as critical evidence in the lawsuits.
Who Qualifies For an Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?
Those who resided or were employed at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days during the period of contamination from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, qualify for an Oklahoma Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.
However, eligibility alone is not enough. To file a lawsuit, you would need to furnish evidence, such as medical records demonstrating injuries linked to water contamination. It is essential to show the impact of polluted water while stationed at Camp Lejeune. Demonstrating this is extremely important for receiving benefits.
Damages That You Can Recover From a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Once eligibility is determined, the next step is to understand the damages that can be claimed from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Victims may seek financial compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses that may be covered include past, present, and future healthcare expenses such as hospitalization, doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and other relevant medical costs.
Future medical expenses are included in the damages that can be recovered from a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Victims are entitled to seek compensation for past, present, and future healthcare expenses associated with the contamination.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Oklahoma
Knowing the potential Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts helps provide a clearer outlook of what victims can anticipate from a lawsuit.
The financial compensation for Camp Lejeune cases varies from $50,000 to $300,000 per individual, depending on the severity of the health effects. However, these amounts can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as:
- the strength of the evidence
- the severity of the illness
- the duration of exposure
- the impact on the victim’s quality of life
- any additional medical expenses or lost wages
It is important to consult with a lawyer experienced in Camp Lejeune water contamination cases to get a more accurate estimate of potential settlement amounts.
Recent settlements for Oklahoma Camp Lejeune water contamination victims include $850,000 for three victims and potential payments of up to $450,000 for Tier 1 diagnoses.
These amounts, while significant, are not guaranteed. Each case is unique, and the amount of compensation awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
Factors Influencing Compensation
Numerous factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The intensity of the illness and the reliability of the evidence are two key factors that can impact the compensation.
The average settlement amount for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Oklahoma is between $100,000 and $550,000. Evidence is essential in determining compensation for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Plaintiffs must present evidence demonstrating a link between their exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and their illnesses or injuries. This evidence is necessary to establish liability and illustrate the extent of damage caused by the water contamination.
Filing an Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit
Once the eligibility and compensation factors are clear, the next step is to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Initiating legal action involves working with an experienced attorney to ensure that the proper procedure is followed when filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Oklahoma.
The steps involved in filing a lawsuit include:
- Demonstrating that you were present at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination
- Furnishing evidence of any illnesses or health issues resulting from the exposure
- Submitting a claim to the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy’s Tort Claims Unit
- If the claim is accepted, they may proceed to file a lawsuit.
The legal time limit for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Oklahoma is two years. It is crucial to adhere to these procedural requirements and deadlines to ensure the viability of a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering evidence is a crucial step in filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. It forms the backbone of your case and serves as the primary tool for proving your claims.
The pertinent medical records when compiling evidence for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit encompass medical imaging and test results, official diagnoses, and records that demonstrate injuries related to water contamination.
Military service records, such as DD Form 214, can also be used as evidence to demonstrate an individual’s service at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination in a lawsuit.
Related Articles:
- North Carolina Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
- North Dakota Camp Lejune Water Contamination
- Ohio Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. How Long Will It Take to Settle a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Settling a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can take several months to years, depending on case complexity, evidence availability, and court schedules. Consult an attorney for a more precise timeline.
2. How Many People Have Filed Camp Lejeune Claims?
Thousands of people have filed claims related to Camp Lejeune water contamination, including military personnel, their families, and civilians, seeking compensation for health issues caused by the toxic exposure.
3. What Really Happened at Camp Lejeune?
Camp Lejeune’s water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals from 1953 to 1987 due to industrial spills, leaking storage tanks, and improper waste disposal, leading to severe health problems for residents.
4. Why Is Camp Lejeune Such a Big Deal?
Camp Lejeune is such a big deal due to the severe health impacts on thousands exposed to toxic water, leading to numerous lawsuits and highlighting environmental negligence and government accountability issues.
Get Your Free Consultation From Oklahoma Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, know that help is available. At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we specialize in cases like these and are ready to guide you every step of the way.
It’s your right to be fully informed about your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you won’t be charged unless we achieve a successful outcome for your case.
Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your case. Trust us to be your reliable ally in this journey.
Reference:
- https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/veteranservices/learning/pact-act-2022/-pact-act-va-fact-sheets/2022_NVLSP_Camp_LeJeune_FAQ_.pdf
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html