For decades, Marines and their families at Camp Lejeune suffered toxic water contamination from nearby hazardous waste sites. Now, thousands have joined class action lawsuits seeking justice and compensation. Is a settlement finally on the horizon?
Read on for insights into this massive litigation and their predictions on when the first payouts may come.
An Overview of Lawsuits Concerning Camp Lejeune’s Contaminated Water
According to TorHoerman Law, Camp Lejeune, a large Marine base located in North Carolina, was fed by contaminated drinking water from 1953 to 1987 that may have exposed over one million people. Those who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time period could have been affected.
This includes veterans, family members of service members, civilian workers, and other individuals present at the base. Camp Lejeune is home to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which provides expeditionary forces to the Marine Corps.
Anybody who worked or resided at Camp Lejeune for thirty days or more between August 1953 and December 1987 may file the Camp Lejeune lawsuit regarding the contaminated water.
Specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous substances were detected in the water provided by two of the eight water treatment facilities on the base. This contributed to the contamination.
The chemicals found have been connected to a number of health problems. A new law recently passed by Congress and signed by President Biden, called the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, aims to help those affected seek compensation.
This legislation allows individuals to file a civil suit in federal court to recover damages for illnesses caused by contaminated water exposure. The 30-day exposure period does not need to be continuous.
Importantly, the Act prohibits the U.S. government from claiming immunity in these lawsuits. It also overrides a previous North Carolina state law that prevented similar litigation.
Overall, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act establishes an avenue for qualifying individuals to legally pursue compensation for their medical conditions tied to the contaminated water.
Diseases Linked to Water Pollution at Camp Lejeune
The polluted water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of grave medical issues.
Some of the known associated diseases include various forms of cancer, like bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, and leukemia.
Other illnesses linked to the contaminated water are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, aplastic anemia, and other blood disorders. Some birth defects and neurological disorders have also been associated.
Specifically, the contaminants have been tied to increased risks of cardiac birth defects and Parkinson’s disease. The Veterans Administration has acknowledged some of these health issues as presumed to be caused by the toxic water exposure at Camp Lejeune.
Importantly, the newly passed Camp Lejeune Justice Act establishes legal avenues to seek compensation for individuals who became ill. It does so regardless of the specific diagnosis or whether the ultimate cause of death was related to the disease.
Even if an exposed individual later died of unrelated causes, their family may still potentially pursue damages for illness or conditions. These illnesses or conditions are believed to have resulted from contact with the contaminated water supply during their time at Camp Lejeune.
Update on the Camp Lejeune Settlement Process
As of early 2024, over $9.6 million has been paid out in Camp Lejeune settlements, demonstrating ongoing progress. Here are some key figures:
- More than 190,500 administrative claims were submitted to the Navy.
- Approximately 1,740 Camp Lejeune lawsuits initiated
- 63 offers made through the Elective Option settlement program
- Around 40 actual payouts to plaintiffs to date
One notable legal development is that federal judges recently struck down the right to jury trials specified in the 2022 Camp Lejeune Justice Act. However, plaintiffs’ attorneys intend to appeal this ruling. Without juries, some argue victims cannot have their experiences heard by community peers. Others feel it could expedite the process.
Camp Lejeune settlement timelines vary based on individual circumstances. Government-expedited payments for certain medical issues may be resolved in months.
More complex litigation averages 1-2 years but depends on case specifics. Importantly, any financial settlement will not impact VA benefits received for Camp Lejeune-related illnesses and conditions.
Starting the claim process sooner can potentially shorten the timeline as well. Continued monitoring of legal updates is advised for those pursuing compensation.
FAQs
1. What percentage do lawyers get for a Camp Lejeune settlement?
A: The attorney’s fee for a Camp Lejeune settlement is typically 20% of the settlement amount if the claim is resolved without litigation. Yet, in cases where resolution occurs post-litigation, the typical attorney’s fee amounts to 25% of the total recovered sum.
2. How many victims were affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination issue?
A: At U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, the drinking water sources were tainted with harmful compounds over a thirty-year period. This exposure to contaminated drinking water impacted a total of more than 172,000 Veterans who lived or worked at the base during that time.
3. Who are the Camp Lejeune victims?
A: Between 1953 and 1987, a staggering number of individuals were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune’s military base in North Carolina. This environmental catastrophe impacted a vast population, including at least one million enlisted service members, their families, and civilian personnel stationed or residing on the base during that period. The toxic water left an indelible mark on countless lives, a silent injustice that has echoed through generations.
The Camp Lejeune water contamination crisis serves as a sobering reminder of environmental negligence’s long-lasting and far-reaching consequences. No amount of compensation can undo the suffering endured by the victims and their families. However, the ongoing legal battles underscore the importance of holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring such tragedies never occur again.
As we await the resolution of these lawsuits, we must reflect on the human cost of this catastrophe and renew our commitment to protecting public health and safety. The story of Camp Lejeune is a moving example of the resiliency of individuals impacted and a rallying cry for careful environmental stewardship.
