Camp Lejeune is a former United States Marine Corps base that was located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The base was closed due to water contamination that affected thousands of people who lived or worked there.
At one water treatment plant in Camp Lejeune, PCE levels were found to be 43 times higher than the allowed limit. In another one, TCE levels were found to be 280 times higher.
Now, veterans and their family members who resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 are taking legal action against the government. They claim the government’s negligence is to blame for their exposure to contaminated water. In this article, we will look at the updates on these lawsuits and what settlement amount the plaintiffs can expect.
Historical Background of Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is a Marine Corps Base in North Carolina that was established in 1941. During its early years, Camp Lejeune was home to more than 500,000 Marines and their families between 1941 and 1953. That’s the reason why a lot of people have been affected by the contaminated water supply at Camp Lejeune.
Data from a Time.com article shows that at least 1 million people have been affected due to the contamination. There were other people who were affected as they worked at the camp from 1953 to 1987.
During World War II, Camp Lejeune experienced significant expansion to accommodate the training of Marines for various roles and operations. The base’s location on the North Carolina coast provided access to both the Atlantic Ocean and inland training areas. This made it an ideal location for amphibious warfare training.
After the war, Camp Lejeune continued to be a vital training and operational hub for the Marine Corps. It also served as a launching point for Marines participating in the Korean War and other military engagements during the Cold War era.
An Overview of Camp Lejeune Lawsuits
Till February 2023, 20,000 administrative claims were filed. However, there are no declarations yet. Also, the number of cases has increased significantly since then. Hence, these cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) and have become a part of class action lawsuits.
A class action lawsuit is a way for a group of people injured by the same product or service to sue together. In this case, the plaintiffs are veterans who served at Camp Lejeune and were exposed to contaminated drinking water there.
Legal Actions and Settlement
The legal actions that have been brought against the government include:
- A class action lawsuit brought by service members who were exposed to contaminated well water at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The settlement of this case was approved by a federal court in North Carolina in 2012, but it’s still being appealed.
- Individual lawsuits were filed by veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune during the same period and claimed they suffered illnesses. These cases are still pending in federal courts across the country. Some have been settled out of court while others remain pending before juries or judges.
- To ensure that the veterans get justice the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was signed into law. According to TorHoerman Law, the act ensures all veterans get justice quickly. Through this act, the VA will offer health benefits to the exposed veterans. Additionally, the victims are ensured justice and fair compensation for the damages they have suffered.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation because of the health problems associated with contaminated water. Exposed individuals are facing issues like various forms of cancers and neurobehavioral problems in their offspring. They seek financial compensation for medical expenses to treat these conditions.
Anyone who was exposed for more than 30 days to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water between 1953 and 1987 can claim compensation. The Camp Lejeune lawsuit payout per person has not been decided yet. However, the amount will be different for individual cases.
Who Is Eligible for Compensation?
The following individuals are eligible for compensation:
- Military personnel and their family members, including spouses, children, and parents lived at or visited Camp Lejeune. The condition is that the individual should have stayed for at least 30 days between August 1953 and December 1987.
- Children born to military service members who were stationed at the base during that period.
- Dependents of those who died from illnesses linked to contamination at Camp Lejeune.
In September 2023, the government settled 100,000 claims by veterans and their relatives. Moreover, there are offers between $100,000 and $550,000 from the Navy and the Justice Department. In the meanwhile, others with attorneys are pushing for action on 1,100 lawsuits already filed in Federal courts.
Factors That Can Influence Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Amounts
The amount of compensation in Camp Lejeune lawsuits can vary significantly based on several factors. Lawsuits related to these exposures seek compensation for health problems and damages. Here are some factors that can influence the lawsuit amounts in such cases:
- The severity of health issues: The extent and seriousness of the health problems suffered by the plaintiff play a significant role in determining the lawsuit amount. Medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence may be used to establish the severity of the health conditions and their connection to the contamination.
- Duration of exposure: The length of time an individual was exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can impact the compensation amount. Prolonged exposure is generally associated with a higher risk of health problems.
- Medical costs: The costs associated with treating the health issues caused by exposure. This includes past and future medical expenses, medications, therapies, and other healthcare-related costs, which can be considered when calculating compensation.
- Lost income: If the exposure to toxic chemicals led to a person’s inability to work or resulted in lost wages, claim compensation for the same.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, if the responsible parties acted recklessly or with deliberate disregard for public safety, punitive damages may be awarded. However, punitive damages are not always available in every case.
- Number of plaintiffs: If multiple individuals or families are part of a class-action lawsuit, the total amount of compensation may be higher. It can be more cost-effective to pursue legal action collectively, and the shared evidence can strengthen the case.
How to Find the Right Lawyer for Your Camp Lejeune Lawsuit
When you’re looking for a lawyer, there are several questions you should ask. First, how much experience does the lawyer have with Camp Lejeune water contamination cases? Second, what is their track record of success in these cases? Third, how reputable is this lawyer’s reputation among other attorneys who practice similar law?
You should also ask about the fees associated with your case and whether or not there are any additional costs involved. You will want to know if your attorney will be available when needed.
Communication style is another important consideration because you want someone who can explain things clearly. This means that the lawyer should not use jargon or technical language that might cause unnecessary stress.
Conclusion
If you or someone you love has been affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, know that there is help available. You can reach out to an attorney for guidance on what you should do next. If you hire the right lawyer and he or she helps you build a strong case, you can expect to receive fair compensation.
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