The availability of clean and safe drinking water is critical for the well-being and health of an individual. Unfortunately, water contamination incidents are on the rise, leaving communities vulnerable to health risks and financial burdens.
In response, many people are filing lawsuits against companies responsible for polluting their water sources. One of the most high-profile cases of water contamination is the Camp Lejeune crisis, which affected thousands of military personnel and their families.
According to a recent update from AboutLawsuits, an upsurge in claims relating to Camp Lejeune water pollution has recently been registered in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Both plaintiffs’ and government lawyers are requesting consolidation of cases before a single judge or coordination of pretrial proceedings.
This article explores the basics of water contamination lawsuits, the factors that determine the settlement amounts, and the importance of seeking justice for those affected by water contamination.
Water Contamination Lawsuits
Water contamination lawsuits are legal actions filed by individuals or communities against companies or individuals responsible for polluting their drinking water sources.
A Marine Corps facility in North Carolina named Camp Lejeune was found to have trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination in its drinking water supply from the 1950s through the 1980s. It is acknowledged that this is among the worst instances of water pollution in American history.
According to a CNN news report, trichloroethylene, one of the main toxins discovered on the base, was detected in drinking water at 1,400 parts per billion in May 1982, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. That is 280 times the maximum amount now allowed in the US by the EPA.
Following this revelation, military personnel and their families filed lawsuits against the U.S. government for failing to protect them from the contaminated water. The lawsuits seek compensation for damages caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as medical expenses, property damage, and loss of income.
Settlement Amounts
Several factors can influence the settlement amounts in water contamination lawsuits, including the severity and duration of the contamination, the number of people affected, the cost of medical treatments, the level of corporate responsibility, and the strength of the evidence presented.
In addition to the factors mentioned, the choice of law firm can also play a significant role in determining the settlement amount in water contamination lawsuits. Experienced and reputable law firms with a history of successfully litigating water contamination cases may be able to negotiate higher settlements on behalf of their clients.
Law firms that deal with personal injury cases are commonly involved in water contamination lawsuits. These firms build a case on behalf of their clients in order to negotiate reasonable compensation in cases like the Camp Lejeune Lawsuit. TorHoerman Law, LLC is a personal injury law firm that has handled cases related to water contamination, including the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident.
The Illinois-based corporation began operations in 2009. TorHoerman Law, LLC has represented clients in a variety of legal matters.
The Importance of Seeking Justice
Water contamination can have disastrous implications for individuals and societies. It can cause major health concerns, damage to assets, and financial hardship. Seeking justice through legal action can help those affected by water contamination receive compensation for their losses and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
In the case of Camp Lejeune, the lawsuits brought attention to the importance of protecting the health and well-being of military personnel and their families, and spurred efforts to improve water quality standards and regulations.
A significant development in the aftermath of the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident was the passing of a new act known as the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act or the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in the previous year.
According to an article published in Bloomberg Law in February 2023, the first wave of lawsuits has been filed by Camp Lejeune veterans and other affected individuals who claim to have been sickened by the contaminated water at the Marine Corps base. Thousands more such cases are anticipated to be brought in the coming years.
Conclusion
Water contamination incidents continue to pose significant threats to human health and well-being. The increase in lawsuits filed by affected individuals and communities against companies and individuals responsible for water pollution highlights the importance of seeking justice for those impacted.
The settlement amounts in these lawsuits are influenced by various factors, including the strength of evidence and the level of corporate responsibility. Seeking legal recourse can assist impacted persons in receiving compensation and holding accountable those responsible. It is crucial that efforts are made to improve water quality standards and regulations to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
