Tort Updates

Latest Updates on the Toxic Water at Camp Lejeune

From the 1950s to the 1980s, harmful chemicals were “accidentally introduced” into the water supply at the Camp LeJune base in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Since 2009, Marines and their families have filed lawsuits against the Department of the Navy (which the United States Marine Corps falls under) for personal injury or wrongful death from exposure to deadly chemical substances. 

From the 1950s to the 1980s, harmful chemicals were “accidentally introduced” into the water supply at the Camp Lejeune base in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

These chemicals contained contaminants used to clean military equipment. They were also used as solvents for weapons and certain fuels.

Studies have shown that these chemicals are responsible for certain types of cancer, birth defects, and various other ailments. The secretary of the Navy is denying all remaining civil claims by individuals exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, leaving roughly 4,500 plaintiffs with claims of more than $963 billion in damages with no cash payouts.

How to File A Claim for Camp Lejeune Water Contamination 

If you lived or worked on the base or had family who did for longer than 30 days between 1953 to 1985, you may have been exposed to the toxic water present at the camp.

In the past, victims were instructed to contact the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to file for disability benefits. A recent change in the law now allows for financial compensation through class action and other Camp Lejeune lawsuits. 

What Are Camp Lejeune Payouts?

Payouts are just another word for settlements. These are part of a process that happens out of court. Payouts are given by the party being sued to avoid further legal proceedings. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows the close to 1 million people affected by this horrific and widespread contamination the ability to file a claim.

What is the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022?

The Justice Act allows those affected by Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits against the entities responsible for their suffering. Prior to this, veterans would work with the Department of Veterans Affairs to file for disability benefits. Historically, the government has been immune from prosecution concerning military-related accidents and injuries, but this act holds those responsible for military accidents and injuries. 

The number of people who could be eligible, along with the number of years during which claimants can file for compensation, is also a step forward for the victims of other government-related contaminations and pollution.

Who Can File a Claim for the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit? 

As mentioned, anyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune from the above dates provided for 30 days or longer and suffers from a related illness can file a claim. 

Those people include:

  • U.S. Marines and veterans
  • U.S. Navy members and veterans
  • Spouses of personnel and veterans
  • Adult children who lived on the base
  • Civilian contractors and their families

What type of Illnesses are we talking about? 

Cancer is the most prevalent type of illness, including:

  • Leukemia
  • Bladder cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer

The issues don’t end there, though. Also included are birth defects, miscarriages, fetal death, and Parkinson’s Disease. 

Legal Support for Veterans and Civilians

Tort cases like this one against the government are unprecedented. We know the government is at fault, and until now, only disability benefits from the VA were available. The government had previously denied claims submitted by Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune. 

Although no cases have been settled to date, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 offers a new tool to seek financial compensation for those impacted by this contamination. 

Disclaimer: tortx® is not affiliated with the USMC.

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