How To File A Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

You can file a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim lawsuit or mass tort claim if you suffered injury or disease due to your exposure to toxic chemicals and water contamination on this Marine Corps base. As a veteran, reservists, guardsmen, or family member impacted by the water contaminants at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987, you can seek a health care benefits and compensation.

Filing A Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim

If you suffered health effects due to your exposure to toxic substances in the water at Camp Lejeune or Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), do not delay. Call us at 866-434-0014 for a free, no-obligation case consultation to discuss your legal options and find out how filing a lawsuit for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination can help you or your family members.

Find out if you qualify for a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit claim

If you’re wondering how to join a ongoing Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, please review this list of qualifying criteria.

In order to qualify for the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, the following must apply:

• You were present at Camp Lejeune (North Carolina) between 1953 and 1987

• You were a veterans, family member, workers, or temporary visitor

• You developed cancer, lymphoma, neural tube defects, infertilities, ALS, Parkinson's disease, or other injuries

For assistance in filing a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit, please call1-866-434-0014 for a FREE consultation with an experienced Camp Lejeune Lawyer.

Our mass tort attorneys will review your case, help determine your eligibility, and if you decide to hire us, fight tirelessly for you and your family's entitlement to health benefits and monetary compensation.

Call 1-866-434-0014 and we can review your circumstance.

Gather your supporting documents before starting the claim process

Either the sender or the addressee can file a claim in most cases, but it is best to coordinate with each other so that whoever files the claim can provide all the necessary supporting documentation. Before you start the process of filing a claim, make sure you have all the evidence you need.

Legal Grounds for pursing a claim against the U.S. Government and its contractors

From 1953 to 1987, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) used water from Camp Lejeune that was contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are cancer-causing chemicals that can enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption, or ingestion. The USMC and its government contractors are now facing a class action lawsuit from over 10,000 individuals due to the exposure to the contaminated water that resulted in various health problems, including cancer.

The toxic VOCs detected in the on-base water sources and drinking water included:

• Benzene: Benzene is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet smell. It is used in the manufacture of plastics, resins, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, and other chemicals. Benzene is also a component of gasoline and is released into the air during combustion.

• Tetrachloroethylene (also known as ​​perchloroethylene or PCE): A synthetic chemical that is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The primary use of tetrachloroethylene is as a metal degreaser and dry-cleaning agent.

• Trichloroethylene (TCE): Trichloroethylene is a cancer-causing chemical found in many products, including adhesives, cleaning fluids, and paint removers. Exposure to trichloroethylene can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

• Vinyl chloride (VC): Vinyl chloride is a colorless, flammable gas that is used to make pipes, wire coatings, and upholstery. It can also be found in some adhesives and printing inks. Exposure to vinyl chloride can cause cancer.

These VOC's are each classified as cancer-causing chemicals and carcinogenic. Even breathing VOCs can irritate a person's eyes, nose and throat, along with cause permanent decline to the central nervous system and organs.

In August of 2022, the U.S. government passed The Camp Lejeune Justice Act to provide medical care and benefits to veterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated water at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in South Carolina. The bill created a $2 billion fund to be used for research on the health effects of the contamination.

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), though the most contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985.

The lawsuit is currently in the discovery phase, and it is expected to go to trial sometime in 2023. If you or someone you know was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the relevant timeframe, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you or your loved one suffered health issues or cancer from the toxic water sources at Camp Lejeune, you could now be eligible for compensation from the Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Follow the correct timeframe for submitting Camp Lejeune Claim

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act includes a statute of limitations that requires an individual two years from the date of the Statute's enactment to submit claim. Additionally, a claimant must first exhaust their administrative remedies before filing a Camp Lejeune lawsuit claim. The administrative process includes obtaining a final administrative denial before filing in court within 180 days.

Update: As of September 7, 2022, the 180-day rile applies even if the two-year period has expired.

What is the average settlement for a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim?

As of September 16, 2022, no claims have been resolved in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit, so there is not yet a settlement or estimated payout that can be averaged. However, early estimates predict that a family's recovery for the injuries in the range of $150,000 to $1,000,000 based upon the type of medical complications caused by actions of the United States government and its contractors. Cancer and Parkinson's disease Camp Lejeune lawsuits will likely yield larger settlement payouts, while other injuries have smaller water contamination settlement compensation estimates.

What to expect after filing your mass tort lawsuit

The four large stages of a mass tort lawsuits include the investigation, case management conference, bellwether trial, and settlement negotiation phase.

Investigation

The investigation phase of a mass tort lawsuit is the process of gathering information about the potential defendants and their role in the injury or death of the plaintiffs. This phase can involve interviews with witnesses, reviewing documents, and conducting research. The goal of the investigation phase is to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a lawsuit. If the lawyers involved feel that there is a strong case, they will file a complaint with the court. The investigation phase can be lengthy and complex, but it is essential for building a strong legal case.

Case Management Conference

A mass tort is a civil action brought by multiple plaintiffs against one or more defendants for injury or damages sustained as a result of the defendants' negligence or wrongdoing. A case management conference (CMC) is a meeting of the parties in a mass tort lawsuit, typically held soon after the case is filed. The purpose of the CMC is to discuss the status of the case and to develop a plan for moving forward. During the CMC, the judge will likely inquire about the parties' progress in resolving discovery issues and setting a trial date. The judge may also issue orders on various procedural matters, such as whether expert witnesses will be allowed to testify. In some cases, the CMC may also be used to mediate settlement discussions between the parties. While every mass tort lawsuit is different, a CMC provides an opportunity for the judge to ensure that the case is proceeding smoothly and that all parties are prepared for trial.

Bellwether Trial

The goal of a bellwether trial is to allow both sides to test their legal theories and gather evidence before moving on to a full-blown class action lawsuit. The results of a bellwether trial are not binding on the other plaintiffs, but they can be persuasive. For example, if the jury in a bellwether trial rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it is likely that any subsequent settlements or jury verdicts will also be in favor of the plaintiffs. Conversely, if the jury rules against the plaintiffs, it is likely that any subsequent settlements or jury verdicts will also be against the plaintiffs. As such, bellwether trials play an important role in mass tort litigation.

Settlement Negotiation

The settlement phase of a mass tort lawsuit is when the parties involved come to an agreement about the terms of the settlement. This can involve negotiating the amount of money to be paid, as well as the distribution of any other assets or benefits such as the injured parties ongoing medical needs or an monetary allotment for ongoing care.

What To Expect After Filing Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

After your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit has been filed, you can anticipate the claim taking about two years to conclude. Mass tort claims can take years to settle for a variety of reasons. First, the court needs to hear each representative case and determine whether the larger group of plaintiffs have been thoroughly represented. This process can be time-consuming, especially if there are a large number of claimants. Second, the medical records must be examined for thousands of veterans and their families that were stationed at Camp Lejeune and exposed to the high levels of toxic chemicals in the water. Third, the courts generally allow an additional time allotment to provide potential plaintiffs to also join in the ongoing litigation action. Lastly, when payout levels have been agreed upon, it takes an extended to to remit payment when cases involve more than 100,000 people, such as in this particular case against the U.S. Government.

Finding the best legal assistance

It is important to hire a seasoned water contamination lawyer to aid your claim in pursing compensation as a victim exposed to toxic water sources at Camp Lejeune. Finding the assistance of a legal professional that understands the Camp Lejeune Justice Act and the administrative claim process that must be completed prior to the filing of your claim in important to the success of your lawsuit. A lawyer cannot file your claim against the U.S. government until compliance is met under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code.

Call to determine whether you can file a claim

Call 1-866-434-0014 today to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer handling Camp Lejeune Water Compensation Claims. Our mass tort lawyers can assist you by filing a claim to join the ongoing lawsuit related to the medical injuries you've suffered due to your time spend living at Camp Lejeune.