South Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The ongoing South Carolina Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and legal actions aim to address the grievances of those impacted by this environmental issue.

This legal challenge seeks to ensure accountability and provide compensation for the affected individuals and their families.

The lawsuit underscores the necessity of stringent environmental safety measures and the implications of their oversight. The legal actions taken are an effort to rectify the situation and offer some form of restitution to those affected.

If you or someone close to you has experienced harm due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, the committed professionals at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, are here to offer their support.

As a nationally esteemed law firm with a focus on plaintiff’s cases, our primary mission is to help you attain the justice you deserve and the appropriate compensation for your suffering.

South Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Camp Lejeune, a significant Marine Corps base, faced a serious issue – water contamination. The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit represents not only a legal struggle but also a pursuit of justice for the thousands of military personnel and their families negatively affected by the base’s polluted water.

This battle, fought within the confines of courtrooms, is aimed at addressing the effects of environmental health hazards and providing compensation to those affected at the Camp Lejeune Marine Base.

From 1953 to December 1987, an estimated 150,000 individuals were exposed to chemicals in the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune during their temporary stay. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of individuals who resided or worked at the base have experienced negative repercussions.

The implications for the Camp Lejeune victims and their families are significant. They face a lengthy and complex process through the legal system to claim reimbursement for their losses.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit pertains to the water contamination at the base, which caused service members and their families to be exposed to toxic substances and severe health conditions.

The course to resolution is yet to be determined, and the government may postpone the creation of an expedited system to manage these matters.

However, the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022 has brought a ray of hope for the victims, allowing them to seek redress from the government through legal action for damages and compensation.

The recommended recourse for those affected is to submit administrative claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, a glimmer of hope in these difficult times, expedites the legal process for the victims, including Camp Lejeune veterans [1]. This law permits victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination to seek redress from the government through legal action for damages and compensation, ensuring Camp Lejeune justice.

With the increasing number of Camp Lejeune lawsuits, this act is a crucial step towards justice for those affected by the ongoing Camp Lejeune litigation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

As with any legal battle, the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has seen several twists and turns. From the first lawsuit filed on February 10, 2023, thousands of individual cases have followed suit, with deadlines extended until September 1, 2023.

A significant milestone in this legal battle was the establishment of a centralized location for information relating to multiple cases, known as the “Master Docket,” by the Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Court on April 24, 2023.

However, the government’s delay in resolving these claims has had tragic consequences. Some clients who had retained attorneys have unfortunately passed away, resulting in their personal injury case being converted to a wrongful death claim for their families. To date, three settlements have been accepted, with a combined total of $850,000.

“If the Navy JAG does not adjudicate (validate) a person’s claim within six (6) months of filing, the claimant has the right to file a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.”- United States Navy

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The pollution is traced back to tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a dry-cleaning solvent. The primary cause of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune was an off-base dry cleaner. Before the establishment of the Marine base, this dry cleaner was identified as the primary source of water contamination.

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 trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) [2].

Furthermore, the Environmental Protection Agency has established maximum safe levels for these chemicals in potable water.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The health consequences of exposure to these toxic chemicals are significant. Research has indicated a strong correlation between vinyl chloride exposure and liver cancer, as well as other forms of cancer such as:

• 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

The health conditions linked to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune range from cancers to neurologic disorders, with potential long-term implications for the affected individuals and their families.

Who Qualifies For a South Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who have resided, worked, served, or been present at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 cumulative days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, and have experienced harm due to the base’s contaminated water qualify for a South Carolina Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

Even unborn children whose mother was stationed, resided, or worked at the base during their pregnancy might be eligible.

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

If you qualify to file a lawsuit, you might be curious about the types of damages that can be claimed in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The damages that may be sought in such a lawsuit include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages

These damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the losses they have suffered due to the liable party’s negligence.

Economic damages comprise medical expenses, lost income, and other quantifiable financial losses caused by the contamination.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to damages that are not quantifiable in monetary terms yet still have a considerable impact on a plaintiff’s quality of life.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in South Carolina

The government has allocated an impressive $22 billion for Camp Lejeune settlements, including the noteworthy Camp Lejeune settlement offers. The Department of Justice is now in the process of making settlement offers for the 75,000 administratively filed Camp Lejeune cases, including numerous Camp Lejeune claims.

The government is likely to admit cases with injuries related to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These cases have a greater chance of early settlement.

The settlement amounts are linked to the scientific and medical evidence related to each type of cancer or disease. Pain and suffering, loss of income, medical expenses, legal costs, and other applicable damages may also be included in the settlements.

Nonetheless, the precise amount is case-specific and influenced by factors like the severity of the illness, exposure circumstances, and the effect on the victims’ lives.

Filing a South Carolina Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The path to justice starts with filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. To file a Camp Lejeune claim, the process begins with:

1. Submission of a notice of intention to file a claim to the Department of the Navy, which is responsible for the Marine Corps.
2. After 6 months, the individual has the right to raise their grievance in Federal Court.
3. They can file a formal complaint if they choose to do so.

Time Limitations for Filing a Claim

Time waits for no one, and this is especially true in legal matters. There are stringent deadlines for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in South Carolina. Victims have two years to submit claims to the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.

It is important to adhere to this timeline, as deadlines can not be extended. However, any legal action taken after the deadline of August 10, 2024, will not be accepted.

Related Articles:

• Rhode Island Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Oregon Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Pennsylvania Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. Are There Time Limits for Filing a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in South Carolina?

Yes, there are time limits for filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in South Carolina. It’s crucial to act quickly and consult an attorney to ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.

2. What Legal Support Is Available for South Carolina Camp Lejeune Victims?

South Carolina Camp Lejeune victims can access legal support from specialized attorneys experienced in water contamination cases, offering guidance through the legal process and helping secure compensation.

3. How Does Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Affect South Carolina Residents?

South Carolina residents affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination may suffer serious health issues, including cancers and neurological disorders, requiring extensive medical treatment and significantly impacting their quality of life.

4. Can South Carolina Veterans Seek Compensation for Camp Lejeune Exposure?

Yes, South Carolina veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can seek compensation for health issues linked to the exposure, through VA benefits and legal claims for damages.

Get Your Free Consultation From South Carolina Camp Lejeune Attorneys

If you or a loved one have been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, Schmidt & Clark, LLP are ready and willing to provide the assistance you need. Our team has a wealth of experience in cases like these and is committed to supporting you every step of the way.

You are entitled to know your legal rights and to explore the possibility of filing a lawsuit. We promise that all our consultations are free of charge, and you won’t have to pay a penny unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Don’t hesitate to contact Schmidt & Clark today for a thorough review of your case. Allow us to be your trusted ally in 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