Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Begin your Risk-Free Camp Lejeune Claims Process Today

The U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a military base on the east coast located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Currently, it’s part of a combined installation with the New River Marine Corps Air Station. The base camp is home to marine expeditionary forces and other units.

Between the early 1950s and late 1980s, water contamination at this base camp may have exposed thousands of people to serious health risks for decades. Service members and their families who lived on the base were unknowingly drinking contaminated water, and using it to bathe, cook, and wash their clothes.

Veterans who were present at Camp Lejeune during this period who later developed specific diseases may be entitled to disability compensation.

The legal team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is actively helping clients file Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit to seek justice.

With a new pending federal law, victims will soon be able to file a claim and receive a settlement payout for the harm and damages they have suffered if they lived in Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

To learn more about how our class action lawyers can help you, call us at 1-866-CALL-RSD or complete the form on this page to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.

With a new pending federal law, victims will soon be able to file a claim and receive a settlement payout for the harm and damages they have suffered if they lived in Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.

To learn more about how our class action lawyers can help you, call us at 1-866-CALL-RSD or complete the form on this page to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.

Overview of Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit

Causes of Water Contamination

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), multiple contamination sources were identified. They included waste disposal sites and underground storage tanks.

The toxic compounds found at Camp Lejeune are referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and they make up products such as degreasers and dry-cleaning solvents.

A nearby dry-cleaning company was using such solvents, which ended up contaminating the groundwater. The surrounding areas also had waste disposal sites and industrial spills that contributed to the contamination.

The ATSDR says that water wells supplying the base surpassed its set limits. The contamination was first discovered in 1982, though it took over three years for the wells to be shut down.

Later studies showed there are more than 70 other chemicals that cause health risks. The most hazardous and prevalent of these were as follows:

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Perchloroethylene (PCE)

TCE is an industrial chemical used in the manufacture of hydrofluorocarbons. It was commonly used as a degreaser and solvent on metal military equipment. The Hadnot Point facility was found to be highly contaminated with TCE.

Both TCE and PCE have been shown in several studies to raise the risk of developing several cancers, including liver and kidney cancers, along with some support for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s disease.

Exposure to TCE is also potentially associated with cervical cancer. Certain data suggests associations between exposure to TCE with multiple myeloma and colon, prostate, and laryngeal cancers.

Dry cleaning and laundry work, which often involve using PCE and TCE, is also believed to be associated with pancreatic, kidney, esophageal, cervical, and lung cancers. There’s also growing support that they are associated with prostate, bladder, and colon cancers.

Benzene

Benzene is a known carcinogen that usually promotes both acute myeloid leukemia (AML), multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Vinyl Chloride

This is a chemical produced by burning plastics like PVC pipes. It’s highly carcinogenic and can cause several forms of cancer, including angiosarcoma, colon cancer, and testicular cancer.

Exposure to vinyl chloride has been shown to result in up to 5 times higher rates of liver cancer, lung cancer, and angiosarcoma.

Toluene

Studies involving workers exposed to toluene demonstrated an increase in the occurrence of cancers of the breasts, lungs, stomach, esophagus, colon, and particularly the rectum.

Additionally, the substance is known to increase the risk of lympholeukaemia, lymphosarcoma, as well as non-Hodgkins and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in workers exposed to it.

Other Contaminants

While the toxins listed above occurred in the highest quantities in the water at Camp Lejeune, many other highly carcinogenic toxins were found.

Some of these include mercury and other heavy metals, assorted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and others.

If no research exists connecting your cancer to the toxins listed above, there might still be a way to support a connection. Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation with a class action lawyer and find out if you might have a case.

Health Risks of Water Contamination

The hazardous chemicals outlined above have been linked to several debilitating health conditions. These include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Leukemia
• Kidney cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Lung cancer
• Renal toxicity
• Female infertility
• Multiple myeloma
• Miscarriage
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Scleroderma
• Myelodysplastic syndrome
• Neurobehavioral effects
• Hepatic steatosis

If you lived at Camp Lejeune and you or a loved one (family members only) has developed the above conditions, you may be entitled to compensation by the VA, if you had past out-of-pocket costs as a result of medical care not covered by programs like deductibles or copays).

Qualifying family members include those where the sponsor (a qualifying veteran) was:

• On active duty and served at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between August 1 1953 and December 31, 1987 OR
• Lived on the base for 30 days or more within the same dates OR
• A dependent or spouse of the veteran during the same period (This includes the infants born of women who were pregnant on the base during the same period.)

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Details

Lawsuit Updates & Timeline

April 12th, 2024 – 

In a recent legal development at Camp Lejeune, attorneys representing the plaintiffs issued a comprehensive set of discovery demands to the U.S. government, including 20 Requests for Production, 20 Interrogatories, and 129 Requests for Admission, targeting information from several federal agencies such as the ATSDR, EPA, and others. Facing this extensive inquiry, the U.S. has requested a 30-day extension, citing the overwhelming volume of over 12 million pages already provided during discovery. However, plaintiffs’ attorneys are resisting this delay, only willing to consider extensions for specific complications that may emerge, highlighting their concerns about the ongoing stalling potentially derailing the litigation timeline.

The government argues that a delay until May 28th would not impact the overall case schedule, asserting the complexity of the requests justifies the extension. Yet, any slowdown in the discovery phase, like the one requested, risks delaying critical pretrial steps such as depositions and motion filings. This could not only prolong the case but also escalate costs, underscoring the tension between thorough examination and efficient legal progression.

March 20th, 2024 –

Following up on March 20th, a status conference was held to address discovery disputes, indicating ongoing legal processes. The next conference is scheduled for April 23, 2024, signaling a continued effort to resolve the complex legal landscape surrounding these cases.

March 14, 2024 – 

On March 14th, two entities within the government, the Torts Branch and the Department of Justice (DOJ), were reported to be extending settlement offers in relation to ongoing litigation. The Torts Branch confirmed the eligibility of 50 cases for the Elective Option (EO) based on document verification, categorizing them by types of injuries. These included conditions such as Bladder Cancer, Kidney Cancer, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and several others. Settlement offers were extended across these conditions, with 18 being accepted in ranges from $100,000 to $450,000 depending on the illness. Despite this, there were also declines and expired offers, with 13 settlements still pending.

Meanwhile, the DOJ made settlement offers to 59 claimants based on information provided by the Navy, resulting in 24 acceptances and a disbursement of payments totaling $3.6 million for various conditions, again with amounts ranging from $100,000 to $400,000. Despite these efforts, some argue that the Elective Option has not been a complete success, pointing out that only a small portion of lawsuits have been settled. In response, both parties are actively developing tools such as a questionnaire and a roadmap, and have proposed the appointment of a Special Settlement Master to expedite settlement efforts.

March 12, 2024 – Water Modeling

In our update on February 21, we discussed the motion filed by plaintiffs seeking to compel the release of the Camp Lejeune Water Modeling Project files. This project was crucial for understanding the flow and spread of contaminated water at the base, specifically aiming to pinpoint the presence and concentration of toxic substances in the water supply.

Recently, the court has largely ruled in favor of the plaintiffs’ motion, ordering that these particular files be produced in their original, native format. This decision is key to maintaining the integrity and functionality of the documents for further use.

March 5, 2024 -Rules for Pretrial Evidence Gathering Set

In the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits, both parties have reached a consensus on specific protocols to enhance the efficiency of pretrial discovery, as sanctioned by the court through the newly issued Case Management Order #11. This agreement introduces several crucial measures:

To ensure the effective management of the myriad cases, the agreement grants the government the opportunity to request independent medical evaluations of plaintiffs who have undergone medical assessments by experts engaged by the plaintiffs’ legal team for testimony purposes. This provision, known as a “defense medical exam,” is a standard practice in personal injury litigation. However, to expedite proceedings, the government will forego its medical assessments of plaintiffs if they agree not to utilize their examinations for expert testimony in court.

Plaintiffs’ legal representatives have committed to providing the United States with advanced notification of any medical examinations planned for their clients by experts slated to testify. This measure aims to minimize the necessity for defense expert examinations, which tend to delay proceedings.

The plaintiffs are required to notify the Navy promptly upon determining that an expert who has conducted an examination will testify on behalf of a plaintiff. This notification should precede the medical examination if the intention for the expert to testify is already established. Should a consulting (non-testifying) expert later be designated as a testifying expert, the plaintiffs’ attorneys must immediately inform the United States.

The agreement explicitly excludes medical treatments by plaintiffs’ regular healthcare providers and consultations with non-testifying expert witnesses from its provisions.

This arrangement is applicable to any form of physical or mental evaluation stipulated by legal guidelines, irrespective of whether it is court-ordered, with the exception of expert consultations that do not entail such examinations.

This collaborative effort is aimed at simplifying the litigation process for the multitude of lawsuits, by curtailing the frequency of medical examinations and expert testimonies, thereby rendering the legal proceedings more streamlined and efficient for all involved parties. This strategy is instrumental in facilitating a quicker progression of cases to trial.

February 28, 2024 – Latest Developments on Camp Lejeune Settlements

The latest update from the government on Camp Lejeune settlements, as of February 27, 2024, reveals that out of the cases in litigation, forty-eight have met the criteria for the Elective Option, supported by documentary evidence. These cases span various types of injuries, including 13 for Bladder Cancer, 12 for Kidney Cancer, and others such as non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Kidney Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma.

Out of these, seventeen settlements have been accepted by plaintiffs, covering various diseases with settlement amounts ranging from $100,000 to $450,000. However, seven offers were declined by plaintiffs, and eight have expired without acceptance. Meanwhile, sixteen offers are still pending consideration.

Moreover, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has made settlement offers to fifty-eight claimants based on Navy-provided information, with twenty-four acceptances and some rejections and expirations. Payments totaling $3,600,000 have been disbursed for accepted offers, covering ailments like Bladder Cancer, Leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Parkinson’s Disease, Kidney Cancer, and Kidney Disease.

Given the large number of claims — 170,000 in total — the Elective Option plan seems to be inadequate. Recognizing this, the government is exploring alternative settlement paths, supported by judges eager to facilitate the process and prevent the court from being overwhelmed with lawsuits. This acknowledgment comes alongside an update that 1,530 lawsuits have been filed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, with various claims and motions being processed to address the water contamination issue comprehensively and expediently.

February 21, 2024 – Request to Mandate Disclosure of Water Modeling Study

Lawyers representing the victims of Camp Lejeune have officially requested that the court mandate the release of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) water modeling project files in their complete, unaltered form. They argue against the government’s proposal to release the files in fragmented pieces according to the guidelines for electronically stored information (ESI), which they claim would alter the structure of the data, rendering it effectively unusable.

The water modeling project in question is a scientific study conducted by the ATSDR to reconstruct the historical conditions of the water supply at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. This study was aimed at investigating the contamination of the base’s drinking water by volatile organic compounds, notably trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), during the period from 1957 to 1987. It represents a thorough documentation of the contamination levels, compiling thousands of interrelated files to illustrate the extent of groundwater pollution.

The attorneys for the plaintiffs have emphasized that this water modeling was a mandatory investigation into the contamination, proving the presence of harmful toxins in the water. While the government has conceded to providing the project files, it plans to do so in a fragmented manner that would compromise the original organization and functionality of the data. This approach is viewed as inconsistent with both the stipulated court order and the objective of maintaining records in a format that remains accessible and practical for stakeholders.

To counteract this, the plaintiffs’ attorneys have proposed that the government generate a “mirror” version of the file in its native format. This would facilitate a direct comparison with the government’s version to verify the integrity of the data. They argue that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, established case law, and logical reasoning all support the release of documents in their original format when the usability of such documents is critical.

The motion concludes with a call for flexibility in the application of the ESI Protocol, suggesting that its terms be adapted to meet the unique needs of this case. The plaintiffs are seeking access to information and express a willingness to collaborate with both the government and the judiciary to achieve a workable solution.

February 15, 2024 – Appeal of Jury Trial Decision

To mitigate the potential slowdown in litigation stemming from the February 6, 2024, order dismissing all demands for jury trials under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, plaintiffs are challenging the ruling. They posit that this legal question—regarding their right to a jury trial—holds significant implications due to its unique and complex nature. The plaintiffs suggest that permitting an immediate appeal could streamline the litigation, conserving considerable time and resources for both the judiciary and the involved parties.

The appeal’s strategic limitation to only two cases is a critical aspect of this approach. It aims to prevent the broader right of other plaintiffs to seek an appeal upon final judgment from being affected. This tactic ensures that the court’s reconsideration is confined to these two instances, allowing it to continue managing trials and keeping the broader litigation on course.

While the government might argue that these rulings should logically extend to all Camp Lejeune lawsuits, prompting a delay in the entire litigation process, this stance is expected to find little favor. The judiciary’s commitment to proceeding with trials within the year underscores a determination to maintain momentum in these cases, likely rendering the government’s argument ineffective in halting progress.

February 7, 2024 – Muster Rolls and Files on Water Modeling

The Department of Justice persists in adopting the defensive stance typical of corporate entities, vigorously contesting the claims brought against it. There remain unresolved disputes regarding the access to critical documents.

Firstly, at the heart of one dispute are the water modeling documents from Camp Lejeune. These include various records, data, and analyses concerning how water flow and pollution were modeled within the base’s water supply network. Such models were developed to trace the path and spread of hazardous substances found in the base’s water during the decades spanning from the 1950s to the 1980s.

The second contention involves muster rolls, which are pivotal across all military installations, including Camp Lejeune. These muster rolls are essential records that track the presence, absence, or specific assignments of military personnel at their posts.

The government insists on plaintiffs specifying the exact dates of their stay at Lejeune, a detail often absent or hard to pinpoint in military records. The muster rolls, however, can bridge this gap. The solution seems straightforward: just ensure the transparency and availability of these records.

February 6, 2024 – There Will Be No Jury Trials for Camp Lejeune Cases.

Today, we received a significant setback in the Camp Lejeune litigation, with a ruling that has implications. The court decided that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA) does not grant plaintiffs the right to a jury trial for actions under the Act, despite allowing them to bring claims in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

The ruling was based on the interpretation that Congress did not deviate from its standard practice of disallowing jury trials against the United States. Despite a provision in the CLJA mentioning the protection of the right to a jury trial, the court ruled that it was intended to safeguard existing rights rather than create new ones.

While an appeal could be an option, it might prolong the process for victims seeking swift resolution. However, expedited trials could potentially lead to a quicker path to a global settlement, with the judges appearing willing to award substantial damages if warranted by the case.

January 17, 2024 – What We Have Learned

Here’s what we’ve gathered:

• • There have been 1,483 lawsuits related to Camp Lejeune.
  • Administrative claims have reached 158,252.
  • Prostate cancer constitutes around 14% of all claims, followed by kidney disease at approximately 10%, based on the Navy’s documentation of roughly 29,000 claims.
  • Four settlements have been reached regarding Camp Lejeune cases, with an average settlement amounting to about $242,000.

December 4, 2023 – New Study 

A recent study by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reveals heightened cancer rates among military and civilian individuals who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune.

The study, submitted in April but not yet released, connects these elevated cancer rates to the base’s contaminated drinking water between 1953 and 1987, indicating a strong link between the contamination and cancer.

The delay in disclosing the report has sparked frustration and accusations of evidence suppression from Camp Lejeune lawyers and senior epidemiologist Frank Bove, who was involved in the study.

The study’s significance lies in its comprehensive use of data from all U.S. cancer registries, comparing Camp Lejeune’s cancer rates with those of Camp Pendleton, which had uncontaminated water. Despite having a draft of the report, government lawyers are withholding it, citing privilege, prompting the North Carolina judges to intervene in the dispute.

November 27, 2023 – Camp Lejeune Settlement Updates

The judges in charge of the Camp Lejeune cases are demanding settlement updates, which the government must submit. Today, the Department of Justice disclosed that sixteen cases are eligible for settlement out of a total of 130,000.

Four settlements have been reached, each amounting to $1 million. These include $250,000 for a Parkinson’s Disease case, $300,000 for non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and two settlements for Leukemia cases, one for $300,000 and the other for $150,000.

November 22, 2023 – Government Seeks to Remove Jury Trials for Camp Lejeune Victims

The U.S. government has requested federal judges in North Carolina to prevent jury trials for Camp Lejeune water contamination cases. They argue that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the legal foundation for these lawsuits, does not explicitly grant the right to a jury trial against the federal government.

The government suggests that such cases should follow the procedures of the Federal Tort Claims Act. However, it’s evident that Camp Lejeune cases are distinct from Federal Tort Claims Act claims. This motion is likely to be unsuccessful.

October 30, 2023 – Status Report Shared

Lawyers for Camp Lejeune updated the court about their ongoing talks. They’re working on a questionnaire to understand the damages and decide compensation. They’re prioritizing the most urgent cases and deciding what evidence is needed.

Both sides are figuring out the value of each claim and considering a database to store all the data.

However, there are disagreements about sharing certain data. They’re trying to settle many toxic water lawsuits and have made progress, but there’s more work ahead.

October 29, 2023 – $3.33 Trillion in Claims

The Department of Justice mentioned a total demand of around $3.3 trillion for 117,000 Camp Lejeune claims. This might be an exaggerated figure, but even just 1% of it would be $33 billion.

October 27, 2023 – 3% Fee Proposal

Leaders of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit want a 3% fee for their work. This will come from the lawyers’ fees, not the affected people.

October 26, 2023 – Document Handling Update

For the Camp Lejeune lawsuits, a new case management order ensures the protection of private information. Key points:

• • • Mistakenly shared private information doesn’t void attorney-client privileges.
    • Parties can keep privileged documents.
    • If private documents are shared by accident, they must be returned or deleted.
    • If there’s a dispute over privileged documents, the court can decide.

This shows how the lawsuits are moving forward.

October 25, 2023 – Call to Ban TCE

The EPA wants to stop the use of Trichloroethylene (TCE) completely. It was a major pollutant in Camp Lejeune’s water from 1953 to 1987. Studies show it can cause serious health issues, including cancer.

October 23, 2023 – First Hearing Scheduled

The first meeting for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is set for Monday, October 30th. Similar meetings will be held twice a month. At these meetings, lawyers and the judge will discuss updates, agreements, and progress towards a solution.

Understanding Federal Claims for Camp Lejeune

Since its founding in 1942, Camp Lejeune has been a permanent or temporary home for thousands of military service members and their families. It’s been a place of work or home for thousands more civilian contractors and employees.

In the 1980s, environmental testing at Camp Lejeune unveiled that the water supply going to these soldiers and civilians was dangerously contaminated. The water was contaminated with chemicals from a dry-cleaning company and the base water treatment facilities in the area.

The Hadnot Point and Tarawa terrace water treatment plants are among those in question. The contamination exposed residents to over 3,000 times the ATSDR recommended safe limit for such toxic chemicals.

The Veterans Administration may have denied claims for disability or illness, but a new law referred to as the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, may allow you to file a claim and receive compensation if you lived at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and developed cancer or other health conditions years later.

Deadlines for Filing under CLJA

When considering legal action related to the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, understanding the deadlines established by the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) is vital. The CLJA specifies strict time frames within which victims or their families must initiate their claims to be eligible for compensation.

• • • Statute of Limitations: Typically, there’s a limited period after discovering a health issue linked to the water contamination or after the CLJA’s enactment to file a claim. Missing this window could forfeit one’s right to compensation.
    • Claim Notification: Victims should be proactive in notifying responsible parties about their intention to sue, often a requirement before initiating legal proceedings.
    • Documentation Submission: Once the decision to sue is made, victims must adhere to set deadlines for submitting essential evidences and documents supporting their claim.

It’s crucial for potential claimants to consult with legal professionals familiar with Camp Lejeune cases to ensure compliance with all CLJA deadlines. Adherence to these time frames increases the likelihood of a successful claim and just compensation.

Compensation and Settlements

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination have legal avenues to seek restitution for the harm inflicted upon them. The process of acquiring compensation revolves around understanding eligibility, determining potential compensation amounts, and recognizing specific health conditions like cancer and Parkinson’s disease linked to the contamination.

With Camp Lejeune lawsuits and the Camp Lejeune Justice Act as guiding precedents, victims can navigate the intricate landscape of Camp Lejeune claims. The goal is not only justice but also the appropriate financial support that addresses the medical and emotional toll exacted by this environmental tragedy.

Eligibility and Proving Eligibility

When considering a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, the first step is to ascertain eligibility. Those who resided or were stationed at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1987 may have been exposed to the contaminated water, making them potential victims.

To file a Camp Lejeune claim, victims need to provide evidence of their residency or service during the said period. Medical documentation linking ailments to the water contamination is crucial for eligibility.

Additionally, under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, specific criteria and conditions are highlighted, and meeting these standards is essential. Collaborating with a Camp Lejeune lawyer can streamline the process, ensuring all required proofs are duly submitted, further bolstering the legitimacy of the claim.

Compensation Amounts and Projections

Compensation for Camp Lejeune victims varies based on the severity of the health conditions and the connection to the water contamination. While some victims have secured substantial Camp Lejeune water lawsuit settlements, it’s essential to understand that each case is unique.

Projections can be gauged based on past verdicts, but they should be approached with caution. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act and previous Camp Lejeune lawsuits set certain precedents, but the outcome largely depends on the provided evidence and the legal representation’s efficacy.

It’s advisable to consult with experts familiar with Lejeune water contamination lawsuits to get an accurate estimate tailored to individual circumstances.

Cancer and Parkinson’s Disease Settlements

The aftermath of the water at Camp Lejeune contamination has been devastating for many, with some victims developing severe health conditions like cancer and Parkinson’s disease. These specific ailments have received significant attention in Camp Lejeune litigation due to their life-altering implications.

Victims suffering from these diseases stand to receive higher compensation due to the intense medical care, pain, and suffering associated with them. There have been notable Camp Lejeune lawsuit settlements in such cases, showcasing the gravity of the situation.

Anyone affected by cancer or Parkinson’s disease due to the water contamination is strongly encouraged to pursue a claim, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they rightly deserve.

 

What Is the Janey Ensminger Act and How Can it Help the Suffering Caused By the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?

Following the disturbing discovery of the contamination of the Camp Lejeune water supply system from multiple sources, the U.S.

Government and Marine officials understood prompt action needed to be taken. After several attempts by the members of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committees and the Senate requesting healthcare be provided to the victims, Jerry Ensminger joined the fight.

Jerry Ensminger essentially initialized a petition to be sent to the U.S. Government requesting that healthcare be provided to the veterans who had been exposed to the toxins.

Jerry Ensminger was particularly connected to the terrible consequences of the contamination as his daughter, Janey, had developed cancer after spending some time in Camp Lejeune. Cancer took Janey’s life in 1985 while she was only 9 years old.

Jerry Ensminger’s petition didn’t go unnoticed by the the federal government either. In fact, on 18th July 2012, the U.S. Senate passed the Janey Ensminger Act, which honors both Jerry and his daughter Janey. The bill officially authorized the provision of medical services to both the veterans and their family members who had lived on Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1987.

People who developed any form of disease or condition after staying at the Marine Base are entitled to healthcare. The bill is said to apply to more than 750,000 people. The House approved the Act on 31st July 2012, and it was signed by President Obama on 6th August 2012.

The Act applies to specific diseases and ailments that are said to be linked to the contaminants present in the water at the camp. The medical care is provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

If you or a family member falls under the specific requirements and restrictions outlined by the Janey Ensminger Act, you should consider contacting a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit attorney at Rueb Stoller Daniel Law firm.

What Is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by 4 Republicans and 5 Democrats meant to ensure the people who suffered any illnesses or conditions after spending time at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period get compensated.

The bill has grown to become the Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022, which essentially allows veterans and their families to seek justice for the different injuries and damages resulting from exposure to various toxic substances and conditions.

The new law would ideally override the previous barriers to compensation for many veterans and their families who had been barred from pursuing compensation.

It should also override the existing statute of limitations in eastern district of North Carolina for such cases, and provide a new deadline for filing a claim (two years) once the bill passes into law.

Filing a Toxic Water Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Claim

Filing a lawsuit for the water contamination at Camp Lejeune can be a complex process, but it’s a necessary step for many victims seeking justice and compensation.

The origin of this contamination stems from toxic chemicals that were identified in the base’s drinking water, leading to a myriad of health care issues including cancer, birth defects, and other illnesses.

If you or a loved one were stationed at Camp Lejeune and believe you have suffered due to the water contamination, it’s crucial to understand the lawsuit process.

Start by gathering proof of water contamination exposure and any medical records linking your health conditions to the contaminants. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) provides guidelines on eligibility and filing. Ensure you meet the criteria and adhere to these guidelines meticulously.

Seeking legal expertise is advisable. Connect with the lawyers at Rueb Stoller Daniel who specialize in water contamination cases, as they’ll be familiar with the intricacies of the Federal Tort Claims Act and the specific details of the new federal law for Camp Lejeune victims.

Their guidance can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of the lawsuit, ensuring you file correctly, and increasing your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Wrongful Death Claims

The tragic aftermath of the water contamination at Camp Lejeune has led not only to severe health conditions but, in unfortunate instances, to the untimely passing of victims.

Families grieving the loss of their loved ones may consider pursuing Camp Lejeune Wrongful Death Claims to seek justice and reparations.

Wrongful death claims arise when a death occurs due to the negligence or misconduct of another party. In the context of Camp Lejeune, the toxic chemicals present in the base’s drinking water have been linked to numerous deaths, paving the way for such claims.

If you suspect that your loved one’s demise was directly caused by exposure to this contamination, gathering evidence and medical documentation is essential. This will serve as the foundation of your claim.

Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial; families must file their claims within a specified time frame after discovering the contamination link to their loved one’s death.

Collaborating with a seasoned attorney specializing in wrongful death claims, especially those related to Camp Lejeune, can offer invaluable insights. Their experience will guide you through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring every procedure is meticulously followed.

In filing a wrongful death claim, you help to highlight the gravity of the issue, pushing for accountability and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Additional Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Information

Who is Eligible and Who Can File a Lawsuit?

The Janey Ensminger Act essentially presumes a “presumptive service connection” for certain conditions and illnesses associated with the water contamination at Camp LeJeune.

This means that you are not required to prove that your condition was caused by exposure to the toxins. You only need to show that you lived on the Camp Lejeune base during the contamination period for at least 30 days and developed a condition.

All the people who resided at the base from 1953 to 1987, including those who were in utero during the period (the mother resided at the base) are eligible for medical services, hospital care, and nursing home care through the VA, for any illness or condition caused by exposure to these contaminants.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best way to know if you’re eligible is to contact us today for a free case evaluation.

What Victims Can Sue For?

Victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination tragedy have the right to seek legal redress for the significant harms they’ve endured. Primarily, these claims focus on compensating for the physical, emotional, and financial toll experienced. Specifically, victims can sue for:

• • • Medical Expenses: Covering both past and future costs associated with treating conditions resulting from exposure.
    • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work, as well as potential future earnings.
    • Pain and Suffering: For the physical discomfort and emotional trauma endured.
    • Loss of Consortium: Reflecting the negative impact on familial relationships, particularly between spouses.
    • Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence, victims might be awarded damages to punish and deter such behaviors.

Engaging with legal experts familiar with Camp Lejeune cases ensures victims comprehensively understand their rights and the types of damages they can pursue, optimizing the chances of rightful compensation.

Proof Required for Settlement or Verdict in the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit

In pursuing a legal case related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, victims need to present compelling evidence to support their claims, ensuring a favorable settlement or verdict. Key proof elements include:

• • • Exposure Documentation: Records or testimonies confirming the victim’s presence at Camp Lejeune during the period of water contamination.
    • Medical Records: Demonstrating the onset and progression of health conditions linked to the contaminated water.
    • Expert Testimonies: Medical professionals and toxicologists can attest to the link between the victim’s ailments and the toxic exposure.
    • Financial Impact: Documents like pay stubs or employment records can highlight lost wages or diminished earning capacity due to health issues.
    • Eyewitness Accounts: Fellow service members or residents can corroborate details about the victim’s exposure and subsequent health struggles.

A comprehensive compilation of these evidences strengthens the victim’s case, increasing the likelihood of a just settlement or verdict. Seeking legal counsel knowledgeable in Camp Lejeune cases is crucial to guide victims in gathering and presenting the required proof.

Camp Lejeune Lawsuit FAQs

What is the average payout for the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

The average payout for a Camp Lejeune lawsuit varies based on the specifics of the claim and the severity of the health conditions involved. While exact figures fluctuate, victims can consult with legal professionals to get a clearer picture of the potential compensations associated with their particular Camp Lejeune lawsuit.

Has anyone been compensated for Camp Lejeune water contamination?

Yes, numerous victims have been compensated due to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. The Camp Lejeune lawsuit has paved the way for many affected individuals to seek justice and receive compensation for the harm they’ve endured.

Has anyone received compensation from the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

Indeed, many victims have received compensation from the Camp Lejeune lawsuit. The legal actions surrounding the Camp Lejeune water contamination have resulted in numerous settlements and verdicts in favor of those adversely affected.

Who is entitled to the Camp Lejeune lawsuit?

Individuals who resided or worked at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period and developed health conditions related to the tainted water exposure are generally entitled to file a Camp Lejeune lawsuit. It’s crucial to consult with a legal expert familiar with the specifics of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit to determine individual eligibility.

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Reach Out to Our Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawyers

If you or a loved one is suffering from a health condition linked to the Camp Lejeune water contamination, a lawyer can help make sure you receive the medical care and disability benefits you’re entitled to.

The class-action lawyers at Rueb, Stoller, Daniel can provide the research and expert opinion on the link between your condition and the water contamination, and work to help you receive the benefits you’re eligible for. If you applied for VA disability benefits and were denied, our team can help you file an appeal.

Contact us at 1-866-CALL-RSD to learn more about how we can help.