Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit | Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma
Currently, a number of lawsuits have been filed against the U.S. government over the contamination of water at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. The lawsuits allege that the contaminated water caused a range of illnesses, including cancer and birth defects. The lawsuits are still pending, but they have brought much-needed attention to the issue of toxic water at military bases.
The problem of toxic water at Camp Lejeune began in the 1950s when the base was built on top of an old landfill. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), there were specific chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and additional toxic agents discovered in two (2) of the eight (8) water treatment facilities that provided water the Marine Corps Base. The VOC's found in the water included dry cleaning solvents, degreasers, and an additional seventy other harmful chemicals.
The toxic chemical agents were founding the following treatment plants that supplied Camp Lejeune:
Tarawa Terrace Treatment Plant
Hadnot Point Treatment Plant
As a result, chemicals from the landfill began leaching into the ground water. The problem was not discovered until the 1980s, when tests showed that the water was contaminated with a wide range of harmful toxins, including benzene and arsenic. The Marines Corps did not notify residents of the contamination until 1997, and by that time, many people had already been exposed to the toxic water. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) and Veterans Authority determined the long-term effects of exposure to the contaminated water include not only terminal diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and neural tube defects, but also higher rates of birth defects and childhood diseases. This included mothers who drank the water at Camp Lejeune with spine bifida.
On this page you'll learn how the water supply caused soldiers and civil contractors to health impacts at Camp Lejeune, the legal framework involved in these mass tort lawsuits, the latest information regarding ongoing litigation this year for Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, and how to determine if you're eligible to file a claim for injuries caused by water contamination at the United States military training facility.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is a class action suit against the United States government. The suit alleges that the government is liable for injuries suffered by Marines and their families who were exposed to contaminated water at the base. The case is currently pending in federal court.
The plaintiffs allege that the government knew or should have known that the water at the base was contaminated with toxins, but failed to warn or protect those living on the base. They allege that the contamination caused a variety of health problems, including cancer, fertility problems, and birth defects. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for their injuries, as well as for the cost of medical care and treatment.
The case is still in its early stages, and it is not yet clear how it will ultimately be resolved. However, it is expected to be a long and complex litigation process.
Who is responsible for the water contamination at Camp Lejeune?
The parties liable parties or defendants may include, but are not limited to:
The U.S. government
Additional governmental agencies
This party water suppliers
Any other group or agency that was negligent in relation to the tainted water supply
Is the Camp Lejeune lawsuit real?
Yes, a class action lawsuit was filed against the United States government on behalf of thousands of Marines and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water while stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has even released a list of presumptive conditions related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, along with CDC. The lawsuit claims that the government was aware of the contamination but failed to take action to protect the Marines and their families. The contaminants in question are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are found in many household products such as cleaning supplies and paints. Exposure to VOCs has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages. The lawsuit is currently ongoing, and a decision is expected sometime in 2023. In the meantime, the Marines and their families continue to suffer from the effects of exposure to contaminated water and are being asked to contact a mass tort attorney as soon as possible.
Do I qualify to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune at any point between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, and if you have been diagnosed with one of the following illnesses, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit:
Breast cancer
Kidney cancer
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Leukemia
Multiple myeloma
Scleroderma
Lung cancer
Esophageal cancer
Infertility
Misarranging
Bladder issues
In order to file a claim, you must be able to show that you were exposed to contaminated water while stationed at Camp Lejeune. If you have been diagnosed with one of the above illnesses and believe that your illness was caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you should contact a lawyer who specializes in Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
Who can join the water contamination lawsuit?
Marines, sailors, soldiers, and their families who served at Camp Lejeune may be eligible to file a lawsuit for injuries related to exposure to contaminated water. Thousands of people have already filed lawsuits, and many more are expected to do so in the coming months. If you or someone you know served at Camp Lejeune during this time period, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
What if the VA denied my claim for disability benefits?
If the Veteran's Administration denied your disability claim involving water contamination at Camp Lejeune, you are not alone. More than 21,000 disability claims involving water contamination at Camp Lejeune were improperly denied and now have the opportunity to pursue a mass tort claims related to your injuries and the resulting damages.
In response to the VA's actions, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was created as part of the Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022 to aid military veterans and other exposed to the toxic chemicals.
How do I join the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
If you were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with one of the qualifying illnesses, you may be eligible for benefits by joining the ongoing mass tort claim in Texas. Our attorneys will aid you in the process of obtaining the medical evidence necessary to support you claim.
Medical records can be obtained from your doctor, or if you served in the military, from your service medical records. If you do not have copies of your service medical records, we can help request them from the National Archives.
Do I have to be diagnosed with cancer to join the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
No, you do not need to have been diagnosed with cancer to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. While cancer is the most commonly cited condition in these lawsuits, other health problems have also been linked to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. These include liver damage, kidney damage, infertility, birth defects, and numerous types of cancers. If you believe that your health has been adversely affected by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Is it worth it to file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
If you've been injured by a defective product, you may be wondering if it's worth it to file a mass tort claim. While every case is different, there are some general principles that can help you make a decision. First, it's important to understand that mass tort claims can take years to resolve. In addition, you may be required to participate in extensive discovery and litigation. However, if your injuries are significant and you have a strong case, filing a mass tort claim may be the best way to get the compensation you deserve. Before making a decision, be sure to speak with an experienced mass tort attorney who can help you evaluate your case.
What is the average settlement in a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit?
Although it is impossible to estimate the average trial value of Camp Lejeune cases, prior awards and settlements in like cases provided a monetary return ranging between $50,000 and $300,000 per person. depending on the degree of health impacts.
Damages to be included in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit may include:
Medical costs
Pain and suffering
Lost income
Lost wages
Disability benefits
Loss of companionship
Loss of consortium
Loss of enjoyment of life
Lost earning capacity
Permanent disability
Death
How long will the Camp Lejeune lawsuit take to settle?
The camp Lejeune cases are expected to take several years to settle. The first step in the process is for the victims to file a claim against the U.S. government. These are cases seeking compensation for how exposure to the toxic water has impacted victims and their families. The lawsuit will likely take several years to resolve, and it is possible that it could go all the way to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, our attorneys will continue to fight for justice and wait for our day in court.
What factors can effect my settlement?
If the plaintiffs are able to reach a settlement in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit, the amount of money that each plaintiff receives will be determined by a number of factors. The first is the severity of their injuries. plaintiffs who have suffered more serious injuries will typically receive larger settlements. The second factor is the amount of evidence that the plaintiff has to support their claim. If the plaintiff has strong evidence, they will be in a better position to negotiate a higher settlement. The third factor is the costs of litigation. If the case is expected to be very costly or time-consuming, the plaintiffs may be willing to accept a lower settlement in order to avoid going to trial. Finally, the fourth factor is the strength of the defendant's case. If the defendants have a strong defense, the plaintiffs may be willing to accept a lower settlement in order to avoid going to trial and risking a verdict in favor of the defendants. By taking these factors into account, plaintiffs can determine how much money they are likely to receive if they are able to reach a settlement in their mass tort case.
How to find a Camp Lejeune attorney in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana
Finding the right mass tort attorney to handle your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit should be of great importance to you. Who you choose as legal counsel effects you getting compensation and amount you ultimately receive.
You can call 866-434-0024 to speak directly to an experienced Camp Lejeune lawyer.
Here are some additional strategies and things to look for to create a list of potentially good attorneys to handle your Camp Lejeune Case:
Free Case Evaluations: You should not pay money to consult with a Camp Lejeune attorney. The case consultations should be free. This also allows you to ask all of the questions and concerns regarding the litigation process without feeling committed to a law firm. During a consultation you should note whether that the attorney is effectively communicating with you by listening to your on-base experiencing and providing their professional opinion on your legal options.
Mass Tort Claim Knowledge: When interviewing lawyers, make sure the legal professional has an in-depth understanding of mass tort claims. A mass tort claim is a civil action taken against one or more individuals or organizations in which numerous plaintiffs allege they have been harmed by the defendants' actions. Mass tort cases can be complex for a number of reasons. First, there may be large numbers of plaintiffs involved, each with their own individual experiences and damages. This can make it difficult to determine commonalities between the cases and to prove that the defendants' actions were the cause of the plaintiffs' injuries. Additionally, mass tort cases often involve complex legal issues, such as causation, that can be difficult to prove. Finally, mass tort cases often involve large sums of money, which can add to the complexity of the case. For all these reasons, mass tort cases can be complex and difficult to litigate, so ask the potential attorney all of your tough questions.
Years of Experience: There is no substitute for years of experience litigating mass tort claims. Make sure your the lawyer they frequently handled multidistrict litigation.
Award-Winning Results: You should always look for attorneys with winning records against powerful corporations. High settlements or trial awards indicates that the law firm has the potential to obtain similar results on your behalf. A firm is great resources knows how to tackle these Goliaths and help you secure full and fair compensation.
Contingency-Fee Model: Do not hire an attorney that requires upfront costs to process your mass tort claim. Most mass tort lawyers do not require a fee to file your mass tort claim. Instead, the attorney should only get paid if you win your case, which is also known as a "No Win, No Fee" basis.
Here at Sneed & Mitchell LLP, we believe our award-winning mass tort attorneys are amongst the best in the field, and many fellow attorneys agree with us. Contact Sneed & Mitchell LLP to discuss your claim against the U.S. government and it's third party contractors for for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination. We understand the administrative process and a judicial process in bringing justice to those harmed while stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
If you or a loved one was injured by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and you live in Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana, reach out to Sneed & Mitchell LLP today by calling 866-434-0014. You can also fill out our quick contact information form and one of our legal professionals will call you immediately.
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