Texas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Texas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is a significant legal event involving thousands of Marines, their families, and civilians who served, lived, or worked at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987. These individuals are now seeking justice and rightful compensation for the harm they’ve endured due to water contamination.

If you or someone close to you has experienced harm due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, our dedicated team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is ready to assist you.

As a law firm with a national reputation and a specialization in representing plaintiffs, our main aim is to ensure that you receive the justice and rightful compensation you are entitled to.

Texas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit comprises several legal actions taken against the U.S. government, which are collectively referred to as Camp Lejeune lawsuits. The lawsuit arises from the contamination of water at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.

The polluted water supply has negatively impacted many individuals who were stationed or worked at the base during that time, resulting in reported cases of cancer, fatalities, and other illnesses due to the contamination.

The plaintiffs in the Camp Lejeune cases argue that the government was aware, or should have been aware, of the toxins in the base’s water supply and did not adequately warn or protect those residing on the base.

They claim the contamination caused numerous health issues, including cancer, infertility, and birth defects. As the legal battle continues, many Camp Lejeune claims are being filed by those affected, with a resolution anticipated in 2023.

The Camp Lejeune litigation refers to a series of legal actions taken against the U.S. government by individuals who were stationed, lived, or worked at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina from 1953 to 1987.

The plaintiffs argue that the government knew or should have known about the toxins in the water supply and failed to warn or protect those on the base adequately. The litigation is ongoing, with a resolution expected in 2023.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 serves as a beacon of hope for those impacted by the base’s water contamination. This act enables victims to initiate legal proceedings to seek compensation for the water contamination issues they encountered at the base [1]. Thousands of former Lejeune residents, employees, and soldiers are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit under this act.

The Act offers a legal pathway for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination to seek a settlement from the government under the PACT Act. It also allows for the estate of any former residents or employees of Camp Lejeune to bring wrongful death claims if they died as a result of exposure to the contaminated water.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

As the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit progresses, there have been significant updates. Attorneys representing the U.S. government and plaintiffs are requesting that the cases be consolidated under one judge or that the Court manage pretrial proceedings in the litigation in a coordinated manner.

The new law enables victims who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and the late 1980s and who have since been diagnosed with cancer or neurologic disorders to pursue a Camp Lejeune claim for a settlement payout or jury award. The projected lower range of the average Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement is estimated to be $150,000.

The average amount of money paid to settle a case related to Parkinson’s disease can vary between $1 million and $1.5 million. This is an estimate based on previous settlements.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

Peeling back the layers of the Camp Lejeune water contamination reveals a cocktail of volatile organic compounds and carcinogenic chemicals, including TCE and PCE. The contamination originated from both on and off the Marine base. The primary source of the water contamination and the subsequent injuries and fatalities at Camp Lejeune was PCE.

The water at Camp Lejeune contained toxic substances. These were traced to the water treatment plants of North Carolina Marine Corps Air Station and Marine Corps Base.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a maximum safe level of five ppb for TCE in potable water and five micrograms per liter for tetrachloroethylene in drinking water.

The exposure to these harmful substances has resulted in severe health problems for those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune. Research has indicated that children born to mothers who had resided in Camp Lejeune or consumed the water supply had four times the rate of birth defects, including spina bifida.

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, and other chlorinated solvents. These toxic chemicals pose a serious health risk to those who are exposed to them [2]. The drinking water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated with PCE from November 1957 to February 1987 (346 months).

The EPA has established the maximum limit of PCE in drinking water to be five parts per billion. This is a stark contrast to the levels of PCE found in the water at Camp Lejeune. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, congenital disabilities, and miscarriages.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

The health effects of the Camp Lejeune water contamination have been extensive and devastating. Studies have shown that exposure to the toxic chemicals present in the water supply can lead to a variety of illnesses, diseases, disorders, and defects. Some of the health effects include:

• 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 are just a few examples of the health effects that have been linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination. The full extent of the health impacts is still being studied.

Additionally, exposure to TCE during pregnancy may be linked to congenital heart defects in newborn children. The exposure to these toxic chemicals has left a trail of suffering and health issues, impacting between 20,000 and 30,000 pregnant women who resided at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of one month during the contamination period.

Who Qualifies For a Texas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who served or resided at Camp Lejeune for a minimum of 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987 and have experienced losses as a result of water contamination qualify for a Texas Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement.

This includes veterans, civilian workers, and their families, who are eligible to file a Camp Lejeune water lawsuit under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The deadline for initiating legal proceedings related to Camp Lejeune water contamination is August 2024.

Before bringing a civil suit, plaintiffs must first submit their claim to the pertinent federal agency and have it denied. This process can be complex and overwhelming, which is why many individuals choose to seek the assistance of experienced Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit attorneys.

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

In a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, economic and non-economic damages may be sought. This includes reimbursement for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Other related damages

The typical Camp Lejeune settlement amount for medical expenses in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can vary from $25,000 to $1 million or more per person, depending on the severity of the medical condition.

Compensation for pain and suffering in a Texas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is determined based on the medical condition the claimant has been diagnosed with.

Camp Lejeune settlement may vary from $100,000 to $550,000, depending on the severity of the condition. There is no limit on compensatory damages, and victims can also seek compensation for pain and suffering.

Health Care Benefits and VA Assistance for Affected Texans

Apart from the legal recourse, there are also health care benefits and VA assistance available to Texans affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination. The Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 was enacted to support Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the period of high water contamination.

Qualifying individuals are entitled to receive VA medical care, including compensation related to illnesses caused by the contaminated Camp Lejeune water and other health care needs.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Texas

The settlement amounts in the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can vary greatly, ranging from $25,000 to $1 million or more per person. The severity of injuries sustained, the amount of evidence presented, the costs of litigation, and the strength of the defendant’s case may all influence the final amount of the settlement.

“Any person who believes they qualify for relief under the CLJA must first submit a claim to the Department of the Navy.”- U.S. Navy Office of Information

The projected lower range of the average Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlement is estimated to be $150,000. The average amount of money paid to settle a case related to Parkinson’s disease can vary between $1 million and $1.5 million.

This is an estimate based on previous Camp Lejeune settlements. However, it is important to remember that each case is unique, and these figures are merely estimates.

Filing a Texas Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Initiating a Texas Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can be a complex and overwhelming process. Engaging the services of a Camp Lejeune lawyer can increase the likelihood of obtaining the compensation you are entitled to. An experienced attorney can:

• Assess the conditions you experienced
• Identify proof of their probable origin
• Assemble your claim
• Represent your interests
• Present your medical records

Choosing an experienced attorney or law firm with the necessary financial resources and expertise to handle claims of any size is key in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. The legal battle can be long and arduous, but with the right legal guidance, the journey towards justice can become smoother.

Related Articles:

• Tennessee 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 Do I Start a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit in Texas?

To start a Camp Lejeune lawsuit in Texas, contact a specialized attorney, gather medical records, proof of residence, and evidence of exposure to contaminated water, and then file a claim.

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

Texas 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. Can Texas Veterans Seek Compensation for Camp Lejeune Exposure?

Yes, Texas 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 Texas Camp Lejeune Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been impacted by the toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune, Schmidt & Clark, LLP are here to support you. Our experienced team is ready to guide you at every step of the way.

You deserve to be fully informed about your legal rights and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We assure you that our consultations are always free of charge, and you won’t face any costs unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a thorough evaluation of your case. Allow us to be your reliable 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