South Dakota Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The South Dakota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit is a significant legal battle that goes beyond just contaminated water.

The effects of this contamination have reached far beyond the borders of the Marine Corps base in North Carolina, impacting the lives of South Dakota residents and leading to a collective legal response from the affected community.

If you or someone close to you has endured harm due to exposure to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our devoted team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to lend a helping hand.

As a law firm with national recognition and a specialization in plaintiff’s cases, our main objective is to secure the justice you deserve and the rightful compensation you are entitled to.

South Dakota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

A disturbing story of water pollution is unraveling at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base located in Onslow County, North Carolina. Yet, its ripples extend far beyond its borders, reaching the lives of South Dakota residents.

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are legal proceedings initiated by these residents, victims of a silent disaster who seek to bring awareness to the issue and receive financial amends.

South Dakota residents who have been touched by the contaminated water and diagnosed with a related health condition can file Camp Lejeune claims. It’s not just about pointing fingers; it’s about procuring compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering that have become unwelcome guests in their lives.

While it may appear intimidating, with the guidance of seasoned Camp Lejeune attorneys and Camp Lejeune lawyers, South Dakota residents can carve a path toward justice and compensation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

This Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 provides a legal avenue for South Dakota families affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune to pursue compensation for their injuries and illnesses [1]. It’s not just a piece of legislation; it’s a lifeline for victims seeking justice.

Individuals who lived, worked, or were injured in utero at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 can file a toxic water lawsuit. With the guidance of specialized Camp Lejeune attorneys navigating the legal currents, the chances of reaching the shore of a successful outcome increase.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

The process of justice may advance slowly, but assuredly, it is making progress. The new pending law permits individuals to submit a claim and receive a Camp Lejeune settlement payout or jury award for the injury they have suffered. It’s not just about waiting for the law; it’s about being part of a movement that seeks justice for all victims.

The current status of the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit brings a glimmer of hope to victims. The possibility of compensation is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality on the horizon. The legal proceedings are being managed in an organized fashion, bringing a semblance of order to the chaos.

“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

However, the journey to justice is not devoid of obstacles. Plaintiffs must abide by a certain procedure before initiating a civil suit. They must first file a claim with the appropriate federal agency and have that claim denied. It’s not just about filing a lawsuit; it’s about perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

The Role of South Dakota Families in the Contamination Lawsuit

The roots of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit run deep, entwined with the lives of South Dakota families. Over a million individuals consumed and used contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, affecting:

• Marine Corps veterans
• other military personnel
• family members living on base
• civilian workers
• government contractors

The fight for justice is not an individual battle; it’s a collective effort. Specialized attorneys in South Dakota provide crucial representation for South Dakota veterans and their family members, guiding them through the labyrinth of legal proceedings.

The ripple effects of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune have touched every aspect of their lives, underscoring the need for justice and compensation.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The sinister shadow of Camp Lejeune’s contamination looms large, its origins traced to the presence of toxic chemicals in the groundwater. It’s not just about the water; it’s about a silent disaster that seeped into the lives of thousands.

The contamination was fueled by a cocktail of negligence, including:

• A large fuel leakage from an underground tank
• Off-base dry cleaning facilities disposing of chemicals improperly
• On-base personnel using heavy chemicals for cleaning military equipment

It’s not just about the chemicals; it’s about the disregard for environmental safety.

The aftermath of the contamination was not just about environmental damage. The water contamination at Camp Lejeune resulted in long-term health effects, leading to cancer and other grave illnesses among the residents and personnel at the base. It’s not just about the toxic substances; it’s about the lives they’ve irrevocably altered.

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 PCE, TCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride. These were not just chemicals in the water; they were silent killers that infiltrated the lives of those exposed to them [2].

PCE, TCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride were not just toxins; they were harbingers of death and disease. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to various health effects, including cancer.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The health issues linked to these toxic chemicals are not just statistics; they are the lived realities of countless individuals. Exposure to these toxic chemicals has been linked to numerous health issues, including:

• 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 impact of the contamination was not confined to adults alone. Birth defects, such as neural tube defects (NTDs) and oral clefts, including cleft lip and cleft palate, have been reported to be associated with the contamination at Camp Lejeune. It’s not just about the present generation; it’s about the future ones as well.

Who Qualifies For A South Dakota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

South Dakota residents who suffered the consequences of the Camp Lejeune water contamination or individuals who resided, worked or were otherwise exposed for a minimum of 30 days during the period from August 1, 1953, to December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, qualify for a South Dakota Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

The path to justice is not a solitary journey; it’s a collective effort. Residents of South Dakota who have been diagnosed with a health condition that could be linked to water contamination may qualify for filing a claim. To be eligible, these residents must have lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987.

Qualification for a settlement extends beyond merely living or working at Camp Lejeune. Individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water and developed health problems linked to the contamination might be eligible for a water contamination settlement in South Dakota.

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

A settlement in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can provide victims with compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other associated costs

It’s important to remember that a settlement is not just about financial compensation; it’s also about acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by the victims who seek compensation.

These damages are not just about the bills; they’re about the impact on the victims’ lives. Calculating lost wages and quantifying pain and suffering is not just about numbers; it’s about recognizing the toll the contamination has taken on the victims’ lives.

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, pain and suffering can be quantified based on the medical condition the claimant has been diagnosed with. Settlement amounts can range from $100,000 to $550,000, taking into account the following factors:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Lost income
• Diminished earning capacity
• Past and future medical expenses

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in South Dakota

The journey towards justice is fraught with uncertainty, and the settlement amounts for South Dakota Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are no exception. At present, it is premature to calculate the typical Camp Lejeune settlement value.

This is because a range of criteria affects the amount the federal government will disburse for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, such as medical records and data, the period spent at Camp Lejeune, and other factors.

Calculating settlement amounts goes beyond mere figures; it involves comprehending the effect of the contamination on the lives of the victims. When determining settlement amounts, the type and severity of the disease, the length of exposure, and the anticipated costs of medical treatment are taken into account.

The duration of exposure to the contaminated water is a factor that will influence the value of the settlement in the South Dakota Camp Lejeune lawsuits. There have been examples of South Dakota Camp Lejeune lawsuits where the victims obtained substantial settlements.

The settlement amounts can vary, but cases filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act that have been successful have had a general payout range of $200,000 to $1 million.

Filing a South Dakota Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Initiating a lawsuit extends beyond just filing documents; it’s about standing firm against injustice. To file a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, individuals must:

• Adhere to relevant guidelines and timeframes
• Compile the requisite documentation
• Collaborate with knowledgeable attorneys to manage the intricate legal process.

Journeying through the legal system goes beyond mere knowledge; it requires experience. Attorneys experienced in South Dakota Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits should possess expertise in environmental law, toxic torts, and personal injury litigation.

Furthermore, they should demonstrate a successful track record in handling similar cases and advocating for the rights of victims.

Related Articles:

• Rhode Island Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• South Carolina Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Pennsylvania Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. How Many People Have Filed Camp Lejeune Claims?

Thousands of people have filed Camp Lejeune claims, seeking compensation for health issues caused by contaminated water exposure.

2. Where Did the Toxic Water Come from at Camp Lejeune?

The toxic water at Camp Lejeune came from leaking storage tanks, industrial spills, and improper waste disposal practices contaminating the groundwater.

3. Is Camp Lejeune Still Open?

Yes, Camp Lejeune is still open and operates as a major Marine Corps base, with measures in place to ensure water safety.

4. Who Was at Fault for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

The U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense are held responsible for the water contamination at Camp Lejeune due to negligent practices.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation From South Dakota Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand ready to offer our expertise during these challenging times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, we are here to help. Our team is well-versed in handling such cases and is ready to support you at every turn.

We believe that you should be fully informed about your legal rights and the possibility of pursuing a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit. We offer free consultations, and you will only be charged if we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact Schmidt and Clark today for a thorough assessment of your case. Allow us to be your reliable ally on this path.

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