SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 – The contamination of the water at the Camp Lejeune military base is one of the most famous cases of water contamination in the United States. Victims are still pursuing justice and seeking compensation. So, let us take a look at what is currently happening with Camp Lejeune lawsuits.
What was the Camp Lejeune water contamination problem?
It was not until the mid-1980s that it was discovered there had been an occurrence of water contamination at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, which is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. But from 1953 to 1987, the Marine Corps personnel and their families who were located at the base used contaminated water, both for bathing and drinking.
After the problem was identified, it was discovered that the harmful chemicals in the water were between 240 and 3,400 times the official safe levels. Many of the people who were situated at the base during that period later developed cancers and other serious health problems.
The victims claim that the leaders of the United States Marine Corps concealed knowledge of the contaminated water and did not act properly to resolve the problem or notify the people who were affected, which is estimated to be as many as 1 million.
Many of the victims have already filed personal injury claims against the government.
What is currently happening with the Camp Lejeune lawsuits?
The latest news concerning Camp Lejeune lawsuits was announced by the United States government on September 6, 2023. The announcement stated that the government has finally begun a system to settle the thousands of claims and lawsuits.
Here are four things about it that you should know.
1. You Could Receive a Settlement of Up to $550,000
If you or a loved one were a resident at Camp Lejeune during the water contamination period and were diagnosed with at least one of the health conditions specified in the Elective Option guidelines, you could receive a settlement of between $100,000 to $550,000.
2. The Settlement Amount Depends on Your Medical Condition
When you or your loved one has a Tier 1 medical condition, you are eligible for a settlement of between $150,000 to $450,000. Tier 1 conditions are bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
For a Tier 2 condition, victims qualify for a settlement between $100,000 and $400,000. Tier 2 conditions are multiple myeloma, Parkinson’s disease, systemic scleroderma and systemic sclerosis, kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease.
3. The Settlement Amount Depends on the Length of Exposure to the Contaminated Water
The exact amount you or your loved one would qualify for also depends on the length of time you were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. For instance, victims who were exposed to the water for 30 days or less would receive a lower settlement than victims who were exposed to the water for years.
4. Families of Deceased Victims Are Eligible for a Wrongful Death Payment
Also, families of claimants who died as a result of either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 medical condition related to the Camp Lejeune contaminated water incident are eligible to receive a $100,000 wrongful death payment.
If You Are a Victim, Make Sure You Consult a Lawyer
The team of professionals at Lawsuit Legal News considers the offered settlements for the Camp Lejeune water contamination injury claims to be insufficient.
So, you should definitely consult a lawyer who is working with victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident to understand your legal options before you decide to take the settlement on offer.
Final Thoughts
Even though each state in the U.S. sets water quality standards, monitors water quality, actively identifies water bodies that do not meet the official standards, and uses EPA-approved pollutant budgets for waters that do not meet water quality standards, water contamination cases continue to occur.
At least, unlike the Camp Lejeune case, they do not seem to take over 30 years to identify anymore.