Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragedy that’s still far from over. It is estimated that over 3,500 people received water contaminated with chemicals such as TCE, PCE, and benzene. The contamination was found in the drinking water supply of Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base located in North Carolina.

What Are The Details Surrounding The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The lawsuit filed by the victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination is still ongoing. The original lawsuit was filed in May of 2016 and was amended several times since then. The amended lawsuit was filed in March of 2018 and added more plaintiffs to the case.

The first amended lawsuit was filed in May 2018. It added more plaintiffs to the case and added a new defendant, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ was added as a defendant because the state agency has a duty to protect the public’s health and safety from environmental hazards.

The second amended lawsuit filed in March of 2019 added more plaintiffs and made several changes. The lawsuit was also expanded to include any persons who were exposed to contaminated water during their military service.

The original lawsuit filed in 2016 named as defendants the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Marine Corps, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The DEQ was added as a defendant because the state agency has a duty to protect the public’s health and safety from environmental hazards.

Who Qualifies For Compensation Under The Lawsuit?

The original lawsuit named all military members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune as plaintiffs. However, the amended lawsuit expanded the list to include all military members who worked at Camp Lejeune or who were stationed there during the time that the contamination occurred, which is any person who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and September 30, 1987.

The lawsuit also includes all military service members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between October 1, 1987, and December 31, 1987, who were exposed to contaminated water during their military service. This includes both active duty and retired military members.

If you are a current or former military member who was stationed at Camp Lejeune and you believe you may be eligible for compensation under the lawsuit, you should contact your attorney as soon as possible.

What Kinds Of Damages Can Be Recovered From The Lawsuit?

The original lawsuit sought to recover compensatory and punitive damages for each plaintiff. Punitive damages are awarded when a defendant’s actions have shown a blatant disregard for the safety of others.

Compensatory damages are awarded when the plaintiff has suffered an injury that results in financial loss. The compensatory damages can include medical expenses, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and other expenses that are directly related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The original lawsuit sought to recover compensatory damages for each plaintiff in an amount equal to $50 million per plaintiff. However, in March of 2019, the plaintiffs amended their lawsuit to seek compensatory damages for each plaintiff in an amount equal to $1 million per plaintiff.

Was The Government Aware Of The Water Contamination?

In recent news, it’s been alleged that the government knew about unsafe water poisoning at the base. The government has been accused of knowing about the water contamination at Camp Lejeune for many years. The first time the government was made aware of the contamination was in 1980 when a Marine Corps water quality specialist tested the water and found that it was contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE).

The government was made aware of the contamination again in 1982 when a water sample taken from Camp Lejeune tested positive for TCE. The government did not take any action to address the contamination until 1987 when it finally issued a health advisory to warn people of the potential health risks associated with the contaminated water.

Were Military Members The Only People Impacted?

No, this tragic event has had many impacts on many people. The original lawsuit named all military members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune as plaintiffs. However, the amended lawsuit expanded the list to include all military members who worked at Camp Lejeune or who were stationed there during the time that the contamination occurred, which is any person who was stationed at Camp Lejeune between January 1, 1953, and September 30, 1987.

What Are The Medical Signs Of Water Contamination?

There are a variety of medical conditions that have been linked to the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. These conditions include:

• Breast Cancer
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Bladder disease
• Leukemia
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Aplastic anemia
• Scleroderma
• Neurobehavioral effects
• Birth defects

If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions, you may be eligible for compensation under the lawsuit.

What’s The Process Of Hiring An Attorney?

If you believe you may be eligible for compensation under the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will review your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation. If you are eligible, your attorney will file a claim on your behalf and represent you throughout the legal process.

Water contamination at Camp Lejeune has had a devastating impact on many people. If you are a military member who may have been impacted by the water contamination, you should contact your legal counsel right away.