Water Contamination at Camp Lejeune Lawsuit – Latest Update

North Carolina is home to Camp Lejeune, a base for the US Marine Corps. Between the 1950s and 1980s, the drinking water at the base was contaminated with toxic chemicals that caused severe health issues for thousands of military personnel and their families. Recently, lawsuits have been filed against the US government for negligence in handling the contamination. This article will provide an update on the latest water contamination at Camp Lejeune lawsuit developments.

Background

The water supply contamination at Camp Lejeune began in the 1950s when toxic chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), were released into the ground. These chemicals seeped into the groundwater, contaminating the base’s drinking water supply. It wasn’t until 1985 that the contamination was officially recognized, and the government began to take steps to address the issue.

Over the years, thousands of military personnel and their families who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune were exposed to the contaminated water. Many have suffered from various illnesses, including cancer, neurological disorders, and birth defects.

The Lawsuit

Despite the government’s efforts to provide healthcare to those affected, many contamination victims felt that the government was not doing enough to compensate them for the harm they had suffered. In 1999, a lawsuit was filed against the US government for those exposed to the toxic water at Camp Lejeune.

The lawsuit alleged that the government was negligent in allowing the contamination to occur and failed to warn those exposed to the contaminated water adequately. The case sought compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Latest Developments

In 2020, the US Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the government in the water contamination at Camp Lejeune lawsuit. This decision cleared the way for the case to proceed in a lower court. The suit is in the discovery phase, where both sides exchange information and gather evidence.

The legal proceeding is anticipated to be drawn out and difficult. However, many contamination victims feel that holding the government accountable for the harm they have suffered is vital. They hope the lawsuit will compensate for medical expenses and other damages.

After the six-month window for filing administrative claims with JAG closed, the very first Camp Lejeune plaintiffs were permitted to file civil cases on February 10, 2023. Since that deadline passed two months ago, 158 civil cases have been submitted in the Eastern Region of the State of North Carolina, according to CLJA.

Additionally, after using up their six-month procedural claim with JAG, 22 additional Camp Lejeune sufferers have since the beginning of this month (March 2023) launched legal action under the CLJA. In the eastern region of the state of North Carolina, 179 Camp Lejeune cases are currently pending. Just fifteen non-Camp Lejeune legal cases are still pending, which helps place the scope of this court’s water pollution litigation in perspective.

If you are a “water contamination at Camp Lejeune” victim, it is vital to learn more about the lawsuit and your legal options. While the case is ongoing, there may be other avenues for compensation that you can pursue. Consult a qualified attorney to learn more about water contamination at Camp Lejeune lawsuits and your legal rights.

Conclusion

The water contamination at Camp Lejeune lawsuit is an ongoing legal battle that seeks to hold the US government accountable for the harm caused by the contamination of the base’s drinking water. Despite the government’s efforts to address the issue, many victims feel they have not been appropriately compensated for their suffering.

The recent decision by the US Supreme Court to decline an appeal by the government is a positive development for those seeking justice in the water contamination at Camp Lejeune lawsuit. While the case is expected to be a long and complex process, it is an essential step in holding the government accountable for its negligence.