The water contamination in Camp Lejeune is a serious matter that has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals. Among them are veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving in the military. Now, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is facing a class action lawsuit for the water contamination at Camp Lejeune.
In this article, we will discuss the Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit and its legal status. We will also provide you with some of the facts that you should know about the contaminated water sources, known chemical contaminants, lawsuits, and court cases.
What Is The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
The Camp Lejeune water contamination is a tragic incident that has impacted the lives of thousands of individuals. The contamination occurred between 1957 and 1987 when the United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was found to be contaminated with a variety of chemicals and toxins. The primary source of the contamination was two nearby industrial facilities that were releasing hazardous chemicals into the water supply.
There have been numerous legal cases and lawsuits associated with the Camp Lejeune water contamination. In 2012, a class action lawsuit was filed against the United States Department of Veterans Affairs by veterans who were exposed to toxic chemicals while serving at the base. The lawsuit is currently in the process of being settled, with a settlement fund of $2.2 billion being set aside for veterans harmed by the contamination.
Exposure To Toxic Chemicals
You may have been exposed to toxic chemicals while serving in the military. This would include exposure to:
- Toxins released during oil spills and explosions
- Toxins released during accidents at military bases and other industrial sites
What Are Contaminated Water Sources?
The contaminated water sources are well-known sources of contamination that are located in Camp Lejeune. Some of these contaminated water sources include:
- Drinking water wells
- Groundwater wells
- Water fountains
- Drinking water storage tanks
- Water used for showering and bathing
- Water for laundry and cooking
Known Chemical Contaminants
The primary chemical contaminants found in the water at Camp Lejeune include benzene, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE). Benzene is a known carcinogen and can cause acute myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Vinyl chloride is another known carcinogen and can cause liver and lung cancers as well as anemia. TCE can cause kidney and liver cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. PCE can lead to kidney, liver, and reproductive system damage and can cause a variety of birth defects. All of these chemicals can cause a variety of health issues and illnesses in those who have been exposed to them.
Known Health Conditions Caused By Contaminated Water
The known health conditions that can be caused by exposure to these chemical contaminants include:
- Acute myeloid leukemia
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Liver cancer
- Renal cancer
- Reproductive system damage, including birth defects
The Camp Lejeune water contamination class action lawsuit is proceeding in federal court. This means that the plaintiffs will have the opportunity to seek damages from the government for the water contamination. The government may be held liable for the damages that have been caused by the water contamination. If you or someone you know was exposed to toxic chemicals while serving in the military, you may want to speak with a lawyer about your legal rights and options. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can provide you with advice and representation in this matter.
The Lawsuit And Court Cases
The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are bringing a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for their role in the Camp Lejeune water contamination. This lawsuit has been filed in federal court in the Central District of California. The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are seeking damages for both past and future exposure to toxic chemicals from tainted drinking water sources on Camp Lejeune. The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are also seeking reimbursement for medical expenses and other costs related to the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
How Long Will it Take for the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit to Be Resolved?
The timeframe of Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of evidence involved. Generally, these cases can take anywhere from one to several years to be resolved. The first step in any legal case is to conduct an investigation to determine the facts and to determine if there is a legal claim that can be pursued. Then, the parties involved must agree on the terms of the settlement or go through a trial. In some cases, the parties may reach a settlement agreement before a trial, which could shorten the timeframe for resolution. Additionally, the court can issue orders to speed up the process, such as requiring the parties to respond to motions or discovery requests within a certain timeframe. Ultimately, the length of the process depends on the facts of the case and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement.
If you or someone you know served in the military and was exposed to toxic chemicals, you may be interested in seeking legal representation for your case. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help get your case resolved.