Oregon Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune, a military base in North Carolina, was the site of a significant water contamination issue that affected many lives. Oregon residents who were previously stationed at Camp Lejeune are still dealing with the consequences due to the contaminated drinking water, leading to numerous lawsuits.

These legal proceedings aim to secure justice and compensation for those impacted by the water crisis. If you, or someone you care about, have been negatively impacted by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our committed professionals at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, are ready to stand by your side.

As a law firm with national recognition and a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our primary mission is to fight for your justice and the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.

Oregon Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Oregon Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a glimmer of hope for those striving to rectify the fallout of this crisis. This legal action is rooted in the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which provides affected individuals with the opportunity to seek compensation for the health complications arising from their exposure to contaminated water.

Nonetheless, the quest for justice has encountered many obstacles. For many years, a North Carolina state law posed a hurdle, preventing Oregon Camp Lejeune victims from submitting Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims against the U.S. Marines.

But with the aid of Camp Lejeune attorneys, this obstacle has been overcome, paving the way for victims to pursue legal action. These advancements have resulted in a surge of Camp Lejeune lawsuits, with individuals pursuing justice stepping forward to claim their rightful compensation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 marks a significant milestone in this ongoing struggle. This Act provides victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune with the ability to take legal action against the US government to receive compensation, leading to an increase in Camp Lejeune claims [1].

Those who lived worked or were affected while in the womb at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 can now file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in the US District Court in Eastern North Carolina. If you or a loved one has been affected, it’s crucial to file a Camp Lejeune claim as soon as possible.

The toxic water lawsuit serves as an opportunity for those impacted to seek justice and compensation for personal injuries or death caused by toxic exposure. Navigating this complex legal maze may be challenging, but Camp Lejeune attorneys can offer indispensable guidance and representation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

Diving into the history of Camp Lejeune, we uncover a disturbing timeline of events. In the 1980s, environmental testing at Camp Lejeune unveiled a disturbing truth: the water supply was contaminated to present a danger to those who used it.

Residents and employees were affected as a result. This shocking discovery triggered a wave of Camp Lejeune lawsuits, with 25 new lawsuits being filed on May 22, 2023 alone.

Fast-forward to the present, the legal scenario continues to progress. The Department of Justice has asked federal judges in North Carolina to expedite their plans to handle the swelling lawsuits related to water pollution at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

The rising number of cases has necessitated this appeal. Despite these challenges, the fight for justice continues, with the sheer number of Camp Lejeune cancer claims submitted indicating the magnitude of the issue.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Grasping the root cause of the groundwater contamination at Camp Lejeune is imperative to comprehend the seriousness of the issue.

The contamination can be traced back to a dry cleaner located adjacent to the well field, which released substantial quantities of toxic chemicals, namely PCE, into the water. A massive oil leak from the Hadnot Point Fuel Farm further exacerbated the situation.

In addition to the dry cleaner and the fuel farm, on-base divisions using harsh chemicals for the cleaning of military gear also contributed to the contamination. In essence, the negligence of various parties led to a cocktail of toxic chemicals infiltrating the groundwater at Camp Lejeune.

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) at levels 340-2400 times the safe exposure levels for humans [2].

These carcinogenic chemicals originated from a large fuel leakage from an underground fuel tank, off-base drycleaning facilities disposing of chemicals improperly, and on-base personnel using heavy chemicals for equipment cleaning.

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily used in dry cleaning, cleaning machinery, and weapons, were identified as the primary sources of the contamination.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The health consequences following exposure to these toxic chemicals are severe. Studies have indicated that exposure is linked to various forms of cancer and neurological disorders.

In addition, an increased risk of childhood cancers such as leukemia and elevated rates of adult cancer and birth defects, including spina bifida, have been reported.

Scientific evidence has specifically linked the consumption of the hazardous chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune to the following health conditions:

• 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

This alarming correlation underlines the severity of the situation and the pressing need for justice.

Who Qualifies For an Oregon Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who resided at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between 1953 and 1987 qualify for an Oregon Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. This also extends to individuals who had employment at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days within the same period.

Finally, family members of those who resided or were employed at Camp Lejeune during this period are also included in the eligibility criteria.

Oregon families who have experienced adverse health effects from Camp Lejeune water contamination may pursue compensation by filing Camp Lejeune lawsuits.

Residents can be compensated for many expenses, such as medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, wrongful death damages may also be applicable.

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

When filing a lawsuit, understanding the damages that can be recovered is vital. Victims can seek damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

For those exposed to the contaminated water during fetal gestation, studies have indicated that they may be associated with increased rates of birth defects.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Oregon

The settlement amounts for Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in Oregon can range significantly. Generally, leukemia claims are expected to be around $190,000-$260,000, and tier 1 cancer claims could potentially exceed $500,000.

The settlement compensation is determined by the severity of the victim’s injuries and the lawyer’s ability to link the injuries or death to the contaminated water.

However, the exact settlement amounts have seen fluctuations over time. In October 2023, three victims received a sum of $850,000, while the general payout range is estimated to be between $200,000 and $550,000.

Filing an Oregon Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Initiating an Oregon Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a significant stride toward justice. Securing legal counsel is vital during this process. Lawyers provide invaluable guidance, expertise, and advocacy to assist individuals in seeking justice and obtaining compensation for the damages caused by water contamination.

“The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows those who qualify to file lawsuits for Camp Lejeune water contamination 2 years after the bill was passed in August 2022.”- Camp Lejeune Claims Center

To file a lawsuit, it is important to understand the process, from gathering evidence to presenting your case in court. However, the path to justice is not always straightforward. Typically, it can take several months to a few years for a lawsuit to be concluded.

Challenges Faced by Oregon Veterans in Camp Lejeune Cases

Despite the advancements, Oregon veterans continue to encounter substantial hurdles in advancing Camp Lejeune water contamination cases. These challenges include proving exposure and linking health problems to the contamination.

Proving a link between health issues and the contamination is particularly difficult, yet essential for the lawsuit’s success.

Related Articles:

• Oklahoma 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 Many Victims Did Camp Lejeune Have?

The exact number of Camp Lejeune victims is unknown, but it is estimated that hundreds of thousands were potentially affected by the contaminated water.

2. How Was Camp Lejeune Cleaned Up?

Camp Lejeune’s cleanup involved extensive groundwater treatment, soil excavation, and monitoring to remove harmful contaminants, ensuring the water supply met safety standards.

3. How Much Do Lawyers Get From Camp Lejeune Settlement?

Lawyers typically receive 33-40% of the Camp Lejeune settlement amount, depending on the agreement made with the client and the case’s complexity.

4. Is Camp Lejeune Water Safe Now?

Yes, Camp Lejeune’s water is now considered safe. Rigorous cleanup efforts and continuous monitoring have ensured it meets current safety standards.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation From Oregon Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers

Schmidt and Clark, LLP are here to assist during crucial times. If you or a family member has suffered injuries due to exposure to the contaminated Camp Lejeune water, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is experienced in handling such cases and is prepared to guide you through every stage of the process.

You have the right to understand your legal rights and potential eligibility for a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. Rest assured, our consultations are always free, and you won’t incur any costs unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. Let us be your trusted partner on this journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/veteranservices/learning/pact-act-2022/-pact-act-va-fact-sheets/2022_NVLSP_Camp_LeJeune_FAQ_.pdf
2. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/sites/lejeune/chem_descriptions.html