Lawsuits Progress Slowly as Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cases Evolve into Wrongful Death Claims

Title: Veterans Seek Justice as Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits Proceed Slowly

Introduction:
Last year, Eddie Peterson, a former assistant district attorney in Tennessee, nearly lost his life due to his failing health caused by Parkinson’s disease. Peterson, like many other veterans, had unknowingly ingested contaminated water while stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. It was only years later that the connection between the contaminated water and the onset of serious health conditions was discovered. Now, veterans like Peterson are seeking justice through lawsuits against the government, but progress has been slow. This report delves into the ongoing legal battle and the devastating toll it has taken on the victims and their families.

The Tragic Consequences of Contaminated Water:
Between 1953 and 1987, approximately one million Marines, civilian staff, and their families were exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune. This exposure has been linked to 15 different cancers and conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. Shockingly, the Marine Corps knew about the presence of dangerous chemicals in the water as early as the 1980s but failed to inform the residents until 1999. It was not until 2008 that Congress mandated the Marine Corps to notify those affected about the risks.

Legal Battles and the PACT Act:
For Eddie Peterson and many others, it took more than a decade to connect their health conditions to their time at Camp Lejeune. By the time Peterson received a health questionnaire from the Marine Corps, North Carolina’s statute of limitations for filing a claim had expired. However, in a significant development, President Joe Biden signed the PACT (Preserving Access to Care for Veterans) Act into law last year. This legislation allowed Lejeune water contamination victims to file lawsuits against the government, providing hope for justice.

Lawsuits Proceed Slowly:
While the PACT Act has provided benefits for many veterans, the lawsuits brought by Lejeune victims have been progressing at a sluggish pace. Recently, the Eastern District of North Carolina named a leadership team of lawyers to represent plaintiffs in Lejeune-related civil cases. However, the cases have increasingly turned into wrongful death claims, with several plaintiffs passing away before their cases were heard. The emotional toll on victims and their families is evident, as they navigate the legal system while dealing with deteriorating health conditions.

Seeking Justice:
The legal process has become mentally and emotionally overwhelming for the victims and their families. Attorneys handling the cases, such as Ed Bell of the Bell Legal Group, have observed the need for mental health services for their staff due to the traumatic experiences of communicating with families facing loss. The lawsuits have become a race against time, as plaintiffs who have already passed away are now represented by their loved ones. The determination for justice remains strong, fueled by the belief that those responsible for the contamination must be held accountable.

The Cost of Justice:
Seeking justice for the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination comes with a significant price tag. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the PACT Act, including Lejeune claims, could cost the federal government over $163 billion in the next decade. The Department of the Navy has committed to addressing the claims but acknowledges the extensive financial burden on the American taxpayer.

Conclusion:
As veterans and their families continue to fight for justice, the progress of Lejeune water contamination lawsuits remains slow. The devastating toll on the victims and their loved ones is evident as they grapple with deteriorating health conditions and the emotional strain of legal battles. However, their determination to seek accountability and justice remains steadfast. The cost of rectifying the mistakes made by the military in providing safe drinking water comes at a hefty price, borne by the American taxpayer. The pursuit of justice for those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination remains a pressing issue that demands resolution.

Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-13 23:31:00