Sara Papantonio came onto Cut to the Chase: to discuss all the details of the Camp Lejeune case. One of the unique components of this litigation is the initial phase which requires those that believe they were injured or died as a result of the water contamination to file administrative claims with the Navy JAG Corps. The Navy has six months to investigate the claim. The Navy can then either make an offer or not during this timeframe. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/camp-lejeune-get-your-update-on-this-latest-litigation/id1551362164?i=1000591115823
FIRST DEADLINE COMING UP SOON
The first group of claims were filed with the Navy JAG nearly six months ago. In a few weeks, we will see if the Navy is making offers and whether the offers are reasonable. After six months, these claimants can either accept the offer, continue to negotiate, or file their lawsuit in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
HOW DID THE WATER GET CONTAMINATED
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, the water contamination at Camp Lejeune was caused, in part, by the government inadequately disposing oil and industrial wastewater in storm drains, industrial area spills, and leaking underground water storage tanks. Additionally, a dry cleaning business was dumping wastewater filled with dry cleaning chemicals into drains.
OTHER MILITARY BASES WITH CONTAMINATED WATER SUPPLIES
Unfortunately, Camp Lejeune is not the only military base with contaminated water supplies. According to the Environmental Working Group, there are 700 military sites that are suspected or known to be contaminated with PFAS-or what are commonly referred to as forever chemicals. These chemicals are contained in firefighting foams used in military base training exercises. Part 2 of this blog will discuss the extent of this problem and pending litigation.