Wyoming Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a complex issue with numerous facets. This article will guide you through the labyrinth of legalities, from the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to the specifics of filing a Wyoming Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. Knowledge is power, and understanding the situation is the first step towards achieving justice.

If you or someone you care about has experienced harm due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, the committed team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to support you.

We are a nationally renowned law firm with a focus on representing plaintiffs. Our primary mission is to help you achieve justice and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Wyoming Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

From the tranquil landscapes of Wyoming, the echoes of a struggle ripple out, a battle against the insidious impact of the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Many residents have been afflicted with severe illnesses, their lives disrupted, and their sense of justice tarnished. Through the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, those affected can pursue justice and compensation.

The distinct considerations of local jurisdictions can influence the claims process. Awareness of the local laws and strategies optimized to their nuances can be the difference between stumbling and striding confidently toward justice.

Local legal professionals are important here; their knowledge of Camp Lejeune water lawsuits helps guide claimants through the legal process.

Legal fees, the specter that haunts many a claimant, need not deter Wyoming residents from seeking justice. Camp Lejeune lawyers specializing in Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims often work on a contingency basis. Their fees are only imposed if compensation is secured for the claimant.

Filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit is an effort to secure compensation for losses incurred due to exposure to toxicants and carcinogens in Camp Lejeune’s polluted drinking water. This includes Camp Lejeune lawsuit claims for various health issues and damages.

Also Read: Toxic Water Served for Decades

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Justice Act of 2022

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022:

• Permits victims to pursue legal action and remuneration with a diminished burden of proof
• Represents a significant shift in the tides of justice
• Is a beacon of hope for victims of water contamination

The Act extends the right to file a lawsuit to any individual exposed to Camp Lejeune water for at least thirty days between the years 1953 and 1987 [1].

This includes those initiating wrongful death claims on behalf of former residents or employees who have passed away. The Act’s wide net allows for a range of Camp Lejeune claims to be filed, opening new avenues for justice.

“The Eastern District of North Carolina has been designated as the exclusive jurisdiction and venue for cases filed under Section 804 of the Act, known as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022.” – United States District Court

Plaintiffs under the Act enjoy a decreased burden of proof, necessitating only the citation of scientific studies to demonstrate a potential relationship between their illness and the water contamination at Camp Lejeune rather than the provision of substantial evidence.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Updates

As justice progresses, the number of Camp Lejeune lawsuits and claims is on the rise. As of July 5, 2023:

• Over 800 civil lawsuits are currently pending
• More than 70,000 administrative claims have been filed
• The Eastern District of North Carolina has seen 1,067 cases since the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) was enacted

Although the rate of new filings has decreased each month since claimants first became eligible in February, the fight for justice remains strong.

However, the path to justice is not without obstacles. The Navy is grappling with a lack of resources and personnel to review compensation claims promptly.

This has resulted in an increased workload for their claims unit without any additional congressional funding. While the initial projected timeline for settlements was 2023, a more realistic expectation is 2024.

A sizable portion of CLJA claimants remain in a state of anticipation, awaiting government settlement offers, delaying the progression of lawsuits. But with the support of a reputable law firm, claimants can navigate this complex process.

The Cause Of the Contamination in the Groundwater at Camp Lejeune

The contamination at Camp Lejeune was not a sudden event but the result of a series of practices that led to the improper disposal of toxic chemicals. Like a slow poison, these chemicals seeped into the groundwater, tainting the life-giving resource with harmful substances.

The contamination in Camp Lejeune’s water was a consequence of several practices that were deemed acceptable at the time but were detrimental to the environment. These practices primarily involved irresponsible waste disposal methods. The origins of this contamination can be traced back to three key sources.

Firstly, a substantial amount of fuel leaked from an underground tank. Secondly, dry cleaning facilities located off-base improperly disposed of chemicals. Lastly, heavy-duty chemicals were used by on-base personnel to clean equipment.

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 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) [2]. These chemicals, usually used in industrial processes, had no place in the water consumed by residents and military personnel.

But PCE and TCE were not the only harmful substances lurking in the water. Additional contaminants like vinyl chloride and benzene were discovered in the water at Camp Lejeune. Each of these chemicals, known for their harmful effects, contributed to the toxic brew that flowed from the taps at Camp Lejeune.

Health Issues Due To Exposure to These Chemicals

Exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has severe and varied health consequences. It is associated with a variety of health issues, including cancer, neurological disorders, and congenital disabilities.

The types of cancers associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination are numerous. Reports have linked the following cancers with exposure to the contaminated water:

• 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 some of the long-term effects of exposure to contaminated drinking water, which is a type of contaminated water.

Who Qualifies For a Wyoming Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Settlement?

Individuals who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 qualify for a Wyoming Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement. Furthermore, those who were exposed to the contaminated water for at least 30 days also qualify.

Importantly, eligibility extends to those who were exposed during fetal development, thereby ensuring that even the youngest victims have the opportunity to seek justice.

To establish eligibility for a lawsuit, military personnel must furnish their military service records. Civilian contractors and non-military personnel can utilize social security employment records or other forms of employment verification to demonstrate their association with Camp Lejeune during the pertinent period.

The phrase ‘including in utero’ indicates that eligibility extends to individuals exposed to the water while still in the womb. This means those with congenital disabilities caused by such exposure are also eligible to file claims [3].

Estimating Possible Compensation for Health Conditions

Estimating compensation is complex as it can vary based on numerous factors. These factors often include the intensity of the sickness, medical costs incurred, and other associated losses. Understanding these determinants can provide a clearer picture of the potential compensation that claimants may receive.

The severity of illness due to water contamination at Camp Lejeune for compensation purposes is determined based on the specific health conditions that individuals have developed as a result of exposure to the toxic substances in the drinking water.

The process of estimating compensation takes into account these health conditions, painting a picture of potential compensation that is as unique as each individual’s experience.

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

While the physical and emotional toll of the health issues resulting from the Camp Lejeune water contamination can be overwhelming, the financial impact can also be significant. However, victims may be eligible to seek compensatory damages for both existing and prospective medical expenses incurred due to the contamination.

Lost wages can also be a significant burden for victims. In a Camp Lejeune lawsuit, lost wages are calculated based on the claimant’s specific situation, taking into account the income lost due to illnesses caused by the contamination.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit Settlement Amounts in Wyoming

The process of obtaining compensation for the harm caused by the Camp Lejeune water contamination is multifaceted, with several variables affecting the potential settlement amounts. With a range of health conditions linked to the contamination, the projected recompense amounts can vary greatly.

For Wyoming victims with Parkinson’s disease resulting from the contamination, the individual settlement amounts could range between $1 million and $1.5 million. These figures, while substantial, reflect the severity of the conditions and the devastating impact they can have on victims’ lives.

Victims are not just eligible to receive compensation for their medical expenses and lost wages. They can also seek damages for pain and suffering, as well as other losses associated with their injuries.

Filing a Wyoming Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit can seem like a complicated process. However, with experienced legal representation guiding them through each step, Wyoming residents can navigate this path with confidence.

Lawyers guide throughout the filing process, ensuring that all aspects are managed accurately and promptly. They also offer crucial assistance in transitioning from administrative claims to litigation.

Wyoming claimants must submit their Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits in the US District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Initiating the process involves consulting a legal professional who assists them in filing their civil lawsuit in the pertinent court.

The purpose of submitting a claim is to pursue justice and reimburse for any damages endured due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Transitioning From Administrative Claims to Litigation

The pursuit of justice includes a transition from administrative claims to federal litigation. Here is the process:

1. Wyoming claimants must submit an administrative claim to the relevant federal agency, which is a part of the federal government.
2. Upon submitting an administrative claim, claimants should anticipate a response from the federal agency within a period of six months.
3. This response may consist of an approval, denial, or failure to act on the claim.

Should the administrative claim be denied, the path doesn’t end there. Wyoming claimants may then pursue federal litigation, necessitating formal legal procedures in North Carolina courts, under the supervision of the Department of Justice.

It’s a journey that requires careful navigation but one that can lead to justice for the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Related Articles:

• West Virginia Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit
• Wisconsin Camp Lejune Water Contamination
• Washington Dakota Camp Lejune Water Contamination Lawsuit

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

FAQs

1. What Types of Health Issues Are Linked to the Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune?

Health issues linked to Camp Lejeune water contamination include various cancers, neurological disorders, birth defects, and other serious illnesses due to exposure to toxic chemicals like benzene and trichloroethylene.

2. Who Is Eligible to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit in Wyoming?

Eligible individuals include veterans, their family members, and civilian workers who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune and suffered health issues due to water contamination between 1953 and 1987.

3. What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claim?

Evidence includes medical records proving illness, documents showing residence or employment at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period, and expert testimony linking the health issues to toxic exposure.

4. How Long Do I Have to File a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations varies, but typically, claims must be filed within two years of diagnosis or discovery of the link between the illness and Camp Lejeune water contamination.

Get Your Free Consultation From Wyoming Camp Lejeune Water Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we are ready to stand by your side during these challenging times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is well-versed in handling these types of cases and is fully equipped to support you at every step of the way.

We believe in your right to fully comprehend your legal options and potential eligibility for a lawsuit. We assure you that our consultations are always free of charge, and you won’t be asked to pay anything unless we achieve a positive result for your case.

Get in touch with Schmidt & Clark today for a thorough review 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
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849482/