Krause & Kinsman Camp Lejeune Lawsuit: Allegations of Toxic Water Exposure and Health Injuries
Krause & Kinsman, a law firm specializing in environmental and toxic tort litigation, has filed a class action lawsuit against the United States government on behalf of individuals who lived, worked, or attended daycare at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 and were exposed to contaminated drinking water. The lawsuit alleges that the government was negligent in failing to prevent the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune, which resulted in widespread exposure to harmful chemicals, including benzene, vinyl chloride, and trichloroethylene (TCE).
Key Allegations Against the United States Government
The primary allegations against the United States government include:
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Negligence: The lawsuit alleges that the government was negligent in its oversight of the water treatment facilities at Camp Lejeune, failing to properly monitor the water quality and take necessary steps to remediate the contamination.
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Failure to Warn: The lawsuit alleges that the government failed to adequately warn individuals at Camp Lejeune about the contamination of the water supply, exposing them to a known health hazard without their knowledge or consent.
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Health Injuries: The lawsuit alleges that exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune caused a variety of serious health problems, including cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
Legal Actions Against the United States Government
The Krause & Kinsman Camp Lejeune lawsuit is one of several class action lawsuits that have been filed against the government over the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune. The lawsuits are seeking compensation for individuals who have been harmed by the contamination, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In 2012, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file claims for compensation without having to prove that the exposure caused their health problems. The law has been criticized for its narrow scope and its exclusion of certain types of health claims, but it has provided some relief to individuals who were harmed by the contamination.
United States Government’s Response
The United States government has denied the allegations against it and has maintained that it took reasonable steps to address the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune. The government has argued that it was not aware of the extent of the contamination at the time and that it took swift action to remediate the problem once it became aware of it.
The government has also argued that it is not liable for the health problems of individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water, as there is no definitive proof that the exposure caused their illnesses. However, the government has agreed to pay compensation to individuals who have been diagnosed with certain cancers that are presumed to be linked to exposure to the contaminated water.
Impact of Lawsuits
The Krause & Kinsman Camp Lejeune lawsuit and other lawsuits related to the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune have had a significant impact on individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water. The lawsuits have raised awareness of the health risks associated with the contamination and have provided some financial relief to individuals who have been harmed.
The lawsuits have also put pressure on the government to take further action to address the contamination and to provide more comprehensive compensation to individuals who have been harmed. The government has launched a long-term health study to assess the full extent of the health risks associated with the contamination, and it is considering expanding the scope of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act to provide compensation to more individuals.
Conclusion
The Krause & Kinsman Camp Lejeune lawsuit and other lawsuits related to the contamination of the water supply at Camp Lejeune are an important reminder of the need for environmental protection and the importance of holding the government accountable for its actions. Individuals who were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune should continue to monitor the developments in the lawsuits and seek legal advice if they have been harmed by the contamination.
