The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits are the result of a series of events that occurred at Camp Lejeune, near Jacksonville, North Carolina in December 1953. During this time, the U.S. Marine Corps conducted a major water treatment program for the purpose of cleaning up the contaminated water that was affecting the quality of life for many residents of Camp Lejeune. The Marine Corps made a variety of mistakes, leading to widespread contamination.
What Is Camp Lejeune Water Contamination?
Camp Lejeune water contamination is the result of a major mistake by the Marine Corps. This mistake resulted in contaminated water being released into the environment from contaminated wells and from a waste treatment plant. The contamination occurred during two separate periods of time. The first period of contamination began in 1953 and continued until 1957, when the water treatment plant was removed. The second period of contamination occurred between 1962 and 1987, when the contaminated wells were removed.
How Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Affects Residents
The contamination that occurred at Camp Lejeune is often referred to as “Lejeune Water.” Residents of Camp Lejeune have been affected by this water contamination for over 50 years. Over the years, many residents have developed various health conditions (including cancer), as a result of being exposed to contaminated water.
The Lawsuit Process
The first step in any lawsuit regarding Camp Lejeune water contamination is to file a claim with the Marine Corps. This claim can be filed online or by mail. Once a claim is filed, the Marine Corps will investigate your claim and determine if you are eligible for compensation for your injuries or losses. If you are not eligible for compensation, your claim will be denied and you will not receive any compensation from the Marine Corps. If you are determined eligible for compensation, your claim will be reviewed by lawyers from the Marine Corps.
Settling Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits
If it is determined in your case that you are eligible for compensation from the Marine Corps, the Marine Corps will make a settlement offer to you. The amount of compensation that you receive will depend on your personal injury or loss, the amount of time that has passed since the time that your injury or loss occurred and whether or not you are still suffering from your injury or loss. You will have the opportunity to accept or reject the settlement offer that you receive from the Marine Corps. Your decision to accept or reject the settlement offer will not affect whether or not your case will be settled.
Developing Your Case Plan
In order to successfully settle your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you will need to develop a strong case plan. This case plan will include:
- Gathering evidence in support of your case plan
- Identifying potential witnesses and expert witnesses
- Developing a strategy for presenting your case
Finding Potential Witnesses and Expert Witnesses
In order to be successful in your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you will need to identify potential witnesses and expert witnesses for your case. Potential witnesses are people who can provide testimony about your personal injury or loss and potential expert witnesses are people who can provide testimony about your injuries and losses. Potential witnesses and expert witnesses can be identified by:
- Talking with people who have been affected by Camp Lejeune water contamination
- Searching online for information about Camp Lejeune water contamination
Recounting Events of the Accident or Incident
In order to successfully present your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit, you will need to recount events of the accident or incident in chronological order. While this may seem like an overwhelming task, it is important that you not forget any details about what happened during your accident or incident, as they can be very important later on in your case. Your case plan should include a list of all of these events and any other information that you believe is relevant to your case. These events can include things like:
- Date of accident or incident
- Time of accident or incident
- What happened during accidents or incidents
Damages You Can Claim In The Personal Injury Lawsuits
Once you have gathered evidence in support of your case, it is important to develop a damages strategy. The damages that you can claim in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit will vary based on the type of personal injury that you have suffered. In general, however, you can claim:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium (the relationship between you and the person who was injured or lost something)
Punitive Damages In Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits
If the Marine Corps is found to be responsible for your injuries or losses, they may be liable for punitive damages. Punitive damages are an additional type of compensation that you may be able to claim in a Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and deter them from future wrongdoing.
Developing a strong case plan is essential to successfully settling your Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit. By gathering evidence in support of your case, identifying potential witnesses and expert witnesses, recounting events of the accident or incident in chronological order, and developing a damages strategy, you can ensure that you have the best chance of securing a settlement.