Tennessee Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you or a loved one experienced cancer, neurological disorders, birth defects, or other serious health conditions following exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to this environmental disaster. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Overview

The Camp Lejeune lawsuit centers on water contamination that occurred at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.From 1953 to 1987, military personnel, their families, and civilian employees were exposed to drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals at levels far exceeding safety standards.The contamination has been linked to numerous serious health conditions including various cancers, neurological disorders, and birth defects.

Latest Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

• March 4, 2023 – The Department of Justice has reportedly settled the first Camp Lejeune lawsuit, with compensation exceeding $500,000 for a veteran who developed multiple myeloma after serving at the base.
• February 2023 – Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as part of the PACT Act, allowing victims to bypass previous limitations on filing claims against the government’s military facilities in this case, and the Camp Lejeune lawsuit filing window officially opened.
• January 2023 – Over 100,000 administrative claims related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination between 1953 and the late 1980s had been filed through the Navy’s process, with experts estimating the total potential settlement amounts could reach $3.3 billion over the coming years.
• August 2022 – The PACT Act passed the way for Camp Lejeune victims to seek justice for illnesses caused by exposure to contaminated water, overriding North Carolina’s statute of limitations that previously barred such claims.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to records from the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration, over 1 million military personnel and their families were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.The VA has approved disability benefits for more than 3,000 veterans based on exposure to the toxic water. Health assessment studies have identified more than 70 diseases potentially linked to the contamination.The economic impact is substantial, with estimated medical costs exceeding $2 billion and lost wages and decreased productivity adding another $3.5 billion to the total damages.Also Read

: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Injuries & Side Effects

The contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to numerous serious health conditions affecting thousands of veterans, family members, and civilian workers.Serious conditions associated with Camp Lejeune water exposure include:

• Cancer-Related Conditions: Leukemia, Multiple Myeloma, Bladder Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Liver Cancer, Esophageal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Prostate Cancer
• Blood Disorders: Aplastic Anemia, Renal Toxicity, Hepatic Steatosis
• Neurological Conditions: Parkinson’s Disease, Neurobehavioral Effects
• Reproductive Issues: Miscarriage, Fetal Death, Birth Defects
• Other Severe Outcomes: Wrongful Death, Emotional Distress

Do You Qualify for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit if:

• You lived or worked at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987
• You were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days
• You have been diagnosed with one or more qualifying health conditions linked to the contamination
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the water contamination

Between 1953 and 1987, the eligibility requirements for this CLJA (Camp Lejeune Justice Act) include both military personnel and civilians exposed to the water. The person’s current age is irrelevant, but with the right guidance and legal support from an attorney specializing in this case, they can receive the compensation deserved.

Evidence Required for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, you’ll need to gather:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis
• Proof of residence or employment at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period
• Military service records (if applicable)
• Documentation showing the duration of your exposure to the contaminated water
• Evidence connecting your illness to the toxic chemicals found at Camp Lejeune

Damages You Can Recover

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, victims may recover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial expenses (in cases of wrongful death)
• Emotional distress

Additionally, punitive damages may apply in cases where future medical costs related to the contamination are eligible for recovery.

Toxic Chemicals Found in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Tests conducted in the early 1980s identified the groundwater at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at levels as high as 3,400 times what safety standards allow. The main contaminants included:

• TCE (Trichloroethylene): A degreasing solvent used in military equipment maintenance
• PCE (Perchloroethylene): A dry-cleaning chemical used at the on-base facility
• Vinyl Chloride: A known carcinogen
• Benzene: A component of fuel that is a known carcinogen

The contamination of the camp’s water supply affected numerous areas. The Camp Lejeune water contamination occurred in two key locations – the Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant and the Hadnot Point Water Treatment Plant, where TCE and PCE levels were above safety thresholds over the years.

Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 has allowed much-needed relief for those affected by the contamination. This act enables individuals impacted by the water contamination to file claims against the government, overriding previous limitations.Plaintiffs filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit must observe under the CLJA that if compensation has been already received through VA benefits or other federal programs, this may offset potential recovery. However, receiving VA disability compensation related to Camp Lejeune water contamination between their claimed injury and exposure is the basis of qualification for further legal action.To be eligible under this act:

• You’re eligible to file a suit
• The deadline to file
• What victims may be able to seek as settlement
• The criteria for receiving compensation

Statute of Limitations for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits

The deadline for filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit in Tennessee is two years from the enactment of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, which ends in August 2024.Despite the normal statute of limitations having long passed, this special legislation provides victims a limited window to pursue justice.Individual court filings deadlines must have ended in March to meet all procedural requirements for administrative claims filing.It’s critical to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires as missing this crucial timeframe means you will have a period of 24 months to either pay or deny the claim.Related Articles

:

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

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

FAQs

1. How Much Will Camp Lejeune Settlement Be Paid?

Settlement amounts vary greatly, with cases being expected to be in the $300,000 to $1,500,000 range depending on the severity of injuries and individual circumstances.

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

The U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense are responsible for the contamination, as evidence indicates base leadership knew about the dangerous chemicals but failed to take appropriate action.

3. What Happened to the Camp Lejeune Water Supply?

The Camp Lejeune Tarawa Treatment center’s water system being filled with PCE (perchloroethylene) from an off-base dry cleaner contaminated the water for years, causing severe health issues to countless families.

4. Has Anyone Received Money From Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Yes, some individuals have received compensation from the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, with amounts reported to exceed $500,000 in at least one case. However, many cases are still in progress.

5. What Kind of Injuries Qualify for Compensation?

Qualifying conditions include numerous cancers (leukemia, bladder, kidney, liver, breast, prostate), blood disorders (aplastic anemia), neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease), and reproductive issues (miscarriages, birth defects).

6. How Long Does the Lawsuit Process Take?

While each case is unique, most Camp Lejeune lawsuits are expected to take 12-24 months from filing to resolution, with some potentially resolving faster through settlements.

7. What Documentation Do I Need to File a Claim?

Required documentation includes proof of residence/employment at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, medical records confirming diagnosis of qualifying conditions, and evidence linking your condition to the water contamination.

8. Can Family Members of Deceased Veterans File Claims?

Yes, surviving family members can file wrongful death claims if their loved one was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and subsequently died from a related condition.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Camp Lejeune water contamination victims. With the filing deadline of August 2024 approaching quickly, it’s crucial to act now to preserve your right to compensation.Our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Experienced attorneys specializing in Camp Lejeune claims

Don’t let time run out on your chance to seek justice. Our team is ready to review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the legal process.[START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW]