Personnel and families that had a connection to Camp Lejeune have been fighting with health related issues due to the water contamination that took place over a long period in the 1950’s to 1980s.
Victims of the incident have been exposed to toxic chemicals from the water, and it is believed that both military personnel and their families have developed cancer as a direct result thereof. In this blog post we will look into how individuals and families uniting with mass torts can get help and support.
Camp Lejeune – The Aftermath
Not only do victims and survivors from the unfortunate water contamination claim to have become seriously ill, but there are also a number of claims pertaining to the fact that management at the camp knew about the issue, and instead of alleviating the problem and notify previous residents, instead concealed the knowledge and evidence,.
Over the years there have been several initiatives put forth, as the U.S. Government initiated an investigation into the matter back in 2009, and President Obama signed the Janey Ensminger Act in 2012, in order to provide access to medical care for affected individuals. In 2014, the CDC found that the water was highly contaminated, and in 2022 the PACT act was signed, which provides further help for veterans and affected family members.
Victims Finding Power in Numbers
While there have already been made some efforts to address the unfortunate situation, some victims have gone the legal route, and opened up lawsuits against the U.S. Government, in order to find justice, spread awareness and seek compensation.
And since mass torts are legal actions, that involve a large number of individuals, this is an effective way of pursuing legal justice in a group, where individuals can keep the costs for lawyers and proceedings down, while also increasing their chances for success.
In the case of Camp Lejeune, the contaminated water served as the common link among the victims. And by banding together in a mass tort, individuals can pool their resources, experiences, and legal efforts to pursue justice against the responsible parties.
If you or your loved ones have been affected by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune, you might want to consult with experienced attorneys such as Shamis & Gentile, P.A. We offer a free consultation or case evaluation, where we can go over the different options you have available, in order for you to get compensation and find justice.
Our attorneys specialize in mass tort litigation, and are well versed in the complex cases and rules surrounding these types of cases. Together we will evaluate the strength of your claims and determine the appropriate legal course of action from there.
Every victim will typically have their own individual lawsuit filed. Once filed, the lawsuits will then be consolidated into a single legal action, hence the name mass torts. This type of case consolidation makes it easier for victims to share evidence between individual claims, gain access to testimony from expert witnesses, and improve their overall legal strategies.
Mass torts are a powerful tool, as they can help reach a settlement, or be used to take the case to trial. Both outcomes can ultimately lead to compensation and a sense of justice. If you are interested in learning more, then please contact Shamis & Gentile, P.A. today for a free case evaluation.
