Camp Lejeune Water Contamination – Frequently Asked Questions

What Was in the Camp Lejeune Water?

A significant contributing source of the contamination was a nearby dry-cleaner business that dumped common chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process. Some of these chemicals include:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – This is a colorless, odorless chemical that evaporates readily into the air, which is why it is more likely to be found in groundwater than on surface water. It is commonly used in cleaning machinery and is used in other consumer products.
• Perchloroethylene (PCE) – This is a colorless liquid commonly used in dry cleaning. It has a sweet smell when it evaporates into the air. However, when improperly disposed of, it can seep into and contaminate groundwater.
• Benzene – Benzene is either colorless or light-yellow in liquid form. It evaporates quickly into the air, has a sweet odor, and is highly flammable. It is used to make detergents, pesticides, dyes, and other consumer products.
• Vinyl Chloride – This chemical is a manufactured colorless gas that is highly flammable. It is used primarily to create a variety of plastic products.

Is The Water Safe to Drink Now?

Most likely. The contamination occurred in the 1950s. It was discovered to be contaminated in 1982, and by 1985 all of the most heavily contaminated wells were closed.

Who Qualifies for a Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuit?

A recent act made it possible for the marines and their families who were exposed for a period of thirty days or more to the contaminated water to file a suit for compensation. Additionally, anyone who is found to have a medical condition such as cancer or pregnancy complications is allowed to file a claim for compensation. To learn more about the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2021, please visit this website.

What Are the Settlements and Verdicts for Camp Lejeune Lawsuits?

In general, financial compensation for exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water resulting in injury is received in these ways:

Settlements – Ideally, our client’s case will never go to court, and a fair settlement can be reached with the defendant. This would allow you to avoid the courtroom altogether and receive compensation sooner. However, cases of bad faith have been increasing over the years, and sometimes a fair settlement outside of court cannot be reached.

Jury Verdicts – If a fair settlement cannot be reached outside of court, a judge and jury may hear your case. They would decide upon a fair amount in compensation in this case. However, it is important to note that compensation is never a guarantee under these circumstances.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for a Camp Lejeune Claim?

The Law Office of Carabin Shaw operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that we earn a percentage of whatever we win on your behalf. We are confident in our abilities and dedicated to providing the highest level of service. There are no upfront costs when hiring the Carabin Shaw Law Firm to help you receive the justice you deserve.

If you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid, so there is no financial risk for hiring our team.

Not sure if you have a case? Contact Carabin Shaw today at 800-862-1260. You sacrificed for your country. Now let us serve you.

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