This article is your go-to resource for finding outstanding Camp Lejeune lawsuit attorneys, spotlighting their proficiency and track record in handling water contamination and related issues at the military base.
It is essential to have a trustworthy advocate on your side if you or someone you love has been impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination and is looking to take legal action. Selecting a knowledgeable and competent Camp Lejeune litigation attorney might significantly impact your quest for justice and recompense.
We have put together a list of the top 7 Camp Lejeune lawyers to assist you in your search. These attorneys were chosen for their knowledge, success rates, and dedication to defending the rights of the water contamination victims like you.
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Pope McGlamry
Attorney Profile: Caroline McGlamry
Since joining Pope McGlamry in 2013, Caroline has devoted the majority of her professional efforts to defending plaintiffs in cases involving mass torts, product liability, wrongful death, and personal injury. In August 2021, Caroline acquired shares of the company.
Her practice areas include but are not limited to the following: Class Action Lawsuits, Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits, Personal Injury, and Construction Accidents.
At the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Pope McGlamry is defending military personnel and their families who have been harmed by contaminated water. Water at Camp Lejeune was tainted from 1953 to 1987 by hazardous chemicals that have been connected to cancer, birth deformities, Parkinson’s disease, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and other diseases..
National Security Law Firm
Attorney Profile: Brett O’Brien
Veteran and cancer survivor Brett O’Brien is the firm’s founding attorney. While serving in Fort Sam Houston, JBSA, Brett was exposed to PFAS—poly-fluoroalkyl substances—harmful chemicals that were present in the base water. These substances were included in the base’s firefighting foam to put out flames. When stationed at JBSA, levels in the base’s water were found to be higher above the EPA’s suggested limit of 10 parts per billion (“ppb”).
In terms of his legal background, Brett’s exceptional mix of knowledge in military law and personal injury is unrivaled. The largest personal injury law company in New Jersey, Levenson Axelrod, was where Brett had his first employment as an attorney. He defended injured persons in their lawsuits against significant businesses, people, and governmental organizations as a personal injury attorney.
His background in military law also offers your case several benefits. The majority of attorneys offering their services as Camp Lejeune attorneys are civilian personal injury attorneys without any background in military law. Aside from not having experience with military matters, civilian personal injury attorneys will not be able to help you with other crucial components of your Camp Lejeune claim, such as requesting VA disability benefits and receiving advice and counsel regarding medical retirement because of your injuries, among other relevant considerations.
White Allen
Attorney Profile: David J. Fillippeli, Jr.
He has been granted permission to represent clients in all North Carolina state courts, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Supreme Court, and the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
David is an affiliate of the North Carolina Bar Association, the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the Lenoir County Bar Association in addition to the American Bar Association. He served as president of both the Eighth Judicial District Bar Association and the Lenoir County Bar Association in the past.
David focuses his practice on litigation with a focus on domestic, criminal, and personal injury law.
Shane Kennedy Law
Attorney Profile: Shane Kennedy
Shane Kennedy was chosen as a Rising Star in 2019 and has subsequently been chosen every year. Rising Stars is a selective list of the best lawyers in a given professional area who were selected after careful consideration of several factors. Family law, personal injury, criminal charges, and traffic citations are just a few of his practice areas.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys
Attorney Profile: Devlin K. Horton
The firm’s principal trial attorney is Devlin. He concentrates on litigating major wrongful death and personal injury claims vigorously. Devlin has tried a number of cases in state and federal court to judgments from juries. Additionally, he has a history of successfully resolving significant disputes for clients before trial.
It matters that Devlin has experience. He spent years defending legal actions on behalf of businesses and insurance providers at a sizable multistate law company. Devlin has an advantage when dealing with the defense during litigation and at trial thanks to this experience.
Buzzard Law Firm
Attorney Profile: Robert A. Buzzard
Richard A. (Tony) Buzzard has more than 20 years of trial experience and is well-versed in both state and federal courts. Tony has a focus on civil and criminal litigation and has defended both the accused and those injured. Tony Buzzard is a second-generation lawyer and the son of Lynn R. Buzzard, a highly regarded legal scholar. Tony is one of a select group of attorneys who have won a jury award in excess of $1 million on behalf of an injured client. Tony has been named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the United States and one of the top ten trial lawyers in North Carolina as a result of his success in court.
Nicolet Law
Attorney Profile: Russel Nicolet
The goal of Russell Nicolet has always been to support people in difficult situations. With the goal to assist individuals through some of the most trying circumstances they would ever encounter, he decided to become an attorney and has since incorporated this personal philosophy into his work.
At all times, Russell wants to put his clients in a better situation than they were before they came to him. Numerous national media sources have interviewed Russell, and he has been cited in renowned periodicals including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Today.com, The Huffington Post, and Today.com. He is a member of a number of organizations, including the Wisconsin Association for Justice, the Minnesota Bar Association, and the Wisconsin Bar Association.
What You Must Know About Camp Lejeune
In Jacksonville, North Carolina, there is a base for the US Marine Corps designated as Camp Lejeune. It has a long history and is crucial to the military. The base has, however, also been tarnished by a controversy involving water poisoning, which has had serious repercussions for military men and their families. The history of Camp Lejeune, the water pollution problem, its effects, the legal issues involved, and the vital role played by Camp Lejeune litigation attorneys will all be covered as you read on this blog.
The History of Camp Lejeune
In honor of the distinguished Marine leader Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune, Camp Lejeune was founded in 1941 as a training center for the Marine Corps during World War II. The site was crucial in preparing Marines for combat operations, and it has since been a crucial training and operating hub.
Camp Lejeune has played a role in several significant historical events over the course of time. Throughout the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and other military battles, it operated as an instructional area for troops. The facility has also seen improvements in military strategy, gear, and technology. It serves as evidence of the bravery and commitment of the American Marine Corps over time.
The Role of Camp Lejeune in the Military
In the context of American defense, Camp Lejeune is of the greatest significance. It acts as the hub for combat preparedness training, featuring amphibious assault, infantry, and artillery training. Several units and commands that are in charge of crucial tasks all around the world are based at the site. The amenities and strategic position of Camp Lejeune make it an essential resource for the Marine Corps.
Environmental Issues at Camp Lejeune
A base for the US Marine Corps called Camp Lejeune, was founded in North Carolina in 1942. Particular volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found by the Marine Corps in 1982 in two of the eight water treatment facilities on the station.
Understanding the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Scandal
After discovering that the base’s water supply had been tainted for many years, Camp Lejeune’s history took an unfortunate turn. The health and well-being of military men and their families have been significantly impacted by this water-contaminating problem.
Nature and Scope of Water Contamination
Perchloroethylene (PCE) or tetrachloroethylene emerged as the critical contaminant in water coming from the Tarawa Terrace water treatment facility. The waste management procedures at the off-base dry cleaning business ABC One-Hour Cleaners were the cause of the pollution. Historical contaminant concentrations were reconstructed by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) employing data analysis and modeling techniques. ATSDR calculated that between November 1957 and February 1987, a period of 346 months, PCE concentrations in drinking water from the Tarawa Terrace water treatment facility surpassed the current EPA limit contaminant threshold of 5 ppb. In February 1985, the most polluted wells were closed.
At the Hadnot Point water treatment facility, TCE (trichloroethylene) was the primary water pollutant. Other contaminants detected in drinking water were PCE, benzene, vinyl chloride, and trans-1,2-DCE (t-1,2-dichloroethylene), which develops when TCE is broken down. There are several reasons, including industrial spills, underground storage tank breaches, waste disposal facilities, and contaminated supply wells. According to ATSDR’s modeling of the pollution, between August 1953 and January 1985, at least one VOC was discovered to have exceeded the current EPA limit contamination level in drinking water.
Impacts on Military Personnel and Families
The health impacts of exposures to contaminants detected in Camp Lejeune’s drinking water worry ATSDR. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were present in the drinking water coming from the Tarawa Terrace and Hadnot Point treatment facilities prior to 1986. The ATSDR conducts health studies to assess specific birth defects (neural tube defects, cleft lip, cleft palate), childhood cancers (leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), adult cancers, and other chronic diseases due to illnesses resulting from prior exposures to toxic drinking water contaminants at the base. In addition, the controversy has had unintended psychological and social repercussions like family upheaval, financial hardship, and emotional pain.
Official Response and Remediation Efforts
The military authorities responded to the issue of contaminated water by taking appropriate action. The impacted wells were sealed up, and initiatives were undertaken to offer alternative sources of clean water. Large-scale cleanup measures, comprising water treatment systems and monitoring programs, have been made at the site recently. The contamination’s long-term repercussions, nevertheless, are still a cause for concern.
Legal Aspect of the Camp Lejeune Contamination
Several cases have been filed in response to the Camp Lejeune water poisoning crisis, defining new legal standards and posing significant issues of responsibility and restitution.
Overview of Lawsuits Associated with Camp Lejeune
Individuals impacted by Camp Lejeune water poisoning have filed several lawsuits. These legal actions sought redress, damages, and acknowledgment of the harm the tainted water had caused. Military soldiers, their relatives, and rights advocacy organizations have all participated in the legal dispute.
Legal Precedents Set by Camp Lejeune Cases
Military and environmental law has been significantly impacted by the Camp Lejeune trials. They highlighted the significance of holding liable those who are guilty of their actions while simultaneously ensuring that military members and their families are shielded. The verdicts in these cases have changed legislation pertaining to military base operations and environmental stewardship and established precedents for future environmental litigation.
The Role of the U.S. Government and Veterans Affairs
The U.S. government has come under fire concerning the management of the Camp Lejeune water pollution issue. While others claim the government’s response was insufficient, others insist that there were actions made to solve the controversy. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the connection between pollution and health concerns, which served a significant role in offering medical assistance and benefits to afflicted veterans and their families.
The Honoring Our PACT Act of 2022 was enacted by the Presidential Proclamation on August 10, 2022. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (CLJA), Section 804, permits persons who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to initiate new cases.
The Crucial Role of Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Lawyers
Lawyers from Camp Lejeune have been extremely important in advocating for those afflicted by water contaminants and battling for their liberties and recompense.
Choosing the Right MDL Lawyer
It is essential for people taking legal action relating to Camp Lejeune to choose the best attorney. It is crucial to take experience, environmental legal knowledge, and prior experience taking situations similar to yours into account when selecting representation. Clients should assess the attorney’s capacity for empathy and assistance throughout the legal procedure as well as their communication abilities.
How Lawsuit Lawyers Aid in Camp Lejeune Cases
Lawyers for the Camp Lejeune case are essential in helping their clients through all stages of the legal process. For them to establish a strong case, they first meticulously gather evidence, which involves gathering medical records, getting expert testimony, and looking at historical information about the water contamination.
Additionally, these attorneys ensure that their clients fully comprehend their rights, available alternatives, and possible results by guiding them through the complicated legal difficulties regarding Camp Lejeune matters. Finally, these lawyers give advocacy and representation in court, fervently defending their clients’ interests, putting out strong arguments, and securing a positive outcome. Their knowledge and dedication are crucial in the fight for restitution and justice for Camp Lejeune’s water-contaminating victims.
Success Stories of Camp Lejeune Lawsuit Lawyers
On the side of their clients, Camp Lejeune litigation attorneys have won a number of notable cases. These triumphs have highlighted the value of environmental stewardship and accountability while also providing impacted parties with justice and compensation. The success tales serve as illustrations of how taking legal action may change things and inspire others to look for justice.
According to the U.S. Navy, 5,000 claims about the tainted water at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina have been made in the first month since new laws removed barriers for the cases, perhaps creating one of the biggest mass legal cases in American history. A million individuals are believed to have been subjected to contamination, according to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and lawyers anticipate that up to 500,000 claims may be initiated.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which was integrated into the PACT Act, was written by Edward Bell of Bell Legal Group. He said that his firm submitted 2,900 claims on its initial day and an additional 3,000 in the first month.
The Bottomline and Path Forward
The Camp Lejeune water contamination issue has had a significant impact on military personnel’s and their families health and well-being. It acts as a sobering reminder of the significance of environmental responsibility and concern inside military organizations.
The military community and surrounding areas are now better protected because of improvements in environmental and health regulations and legislation brought about by what was experienced at Camp Lejeune. The future of Camp Lejeune-related cases is still being shaped by ongoing litigation, which may have an influence on environmental regulations and the rights of those who are harmed.
Tribeca Lawsuit Loans could provide you with legal funding if you intend to pursue or have already filed a Camp Lejeune contaminated water case. Seeking to determine the funds that we are able to deposit into your account in a matter of days will definitely help you as you traverse your legal proceedings. Contact us at (866) 388-2288, we will be pleased to lend a hand. Or, to reach us online, go to our Apply Now page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical costs of hiring a Camp Lejeune lawyer?
The expense of engaging a Camp Lejeune litigation attorney could vary. Many attorneys only get paid if they win the lawsuit and get their clients’ money, which is known as a contingency fee arrangement. It is recommended to talk about costs and payment plans with the attorney during the first meeting.
Can military personnel sue the government for incidents like Camp Lejeune?
Yes, military soldiers and their families have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the government for occurrences like Camp Lejeune water contamination. However, when the government is involved, the legal procedure and criteria may be different. To fully grasp the precise alternatives and processes available, it is essential to speak with an expert attorney.
How do I know if I’m eligible to file a lawsuit related to Camp Lejeune?
It relies on several variables, including exposure to the contaminants, the associated health issues, and the relevant legislation, whether or not a Camp Lejeune claim is admissible. A Camp Lejeune attorney you consult with can assist you determine your eligibility based on your particular situation.
What is the typical timeline for a Camp Lejeune case?
The timing of a Camp Lejeune lawsuit can change based on a range of variables, including the intricacy of the case, the parties involved, and the legal processes. While some lawsuits may be settled through settlement negotiations, others can proceed to trial, lengthening the process overall. With the help of your attorney, you may better comprehend the particulars of your case by talking about timetables.
How has the Camp Lejeune case impacted environmental laws in the U.S.?
Environmental legislation in the US has been significantly impacted by the Camp Lejeune water contamination case. To prevent such occurrences, it prompted legislative action, policy modifications, and tighter controls.
The incident brought attention to how important it is for military and governmental organizations to safeguard people’s health. The case’s legal precedents had an impact on environmental law, highlighting corporate responsibility and the rights of people who were impacted. Overall, Camp Lejeune was a catalyst for change, highlighting the value of environmental responsibility and taking legal action to hold people accountable.