The Camp Lejeune Contaminated Water litigation advances as the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group and the Department of Justice prepare for the first trials in mid-2025. The parties are in the behind-the-scenes trial preparation phase, known as discovery. During this phase, the parties gather evidence to present at trial. The Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG) is building a case linking the known contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water supply to the injured parties’ injuries.
What is the role of the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group?
The attorneys selected by the Court to serve in the Camp Lejeune Group manage the plaintiffs’ side of the litigation and fight for justice for those harmed by Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water. The PLG oversees discovery, helps choose trial cases, and participates in settlement negotiations. Krause and Kinsman’s co-founding partner, Robert Kinsman, proudly serves on this prestigious committee.
What do I need to do for my claim?
As always, please inform us of changes to your contact information by calling our client service team at XXX-XXX-XXX. Continue gathering and sending us proof of time spent at Camp Lejeune. The Navy is starting the initial review of the over 550,000 administrative claims filed by August 10, 2024, deadline. This process will take time. Our Camp Lejeune team will contact you when we need additional information.
Recent news from the Environmental Protection Agency strengthens the plaintiffs’ case
On December 9, 2024, the EPA announced rules to effectively ban consumer use of known cancer-causing chemical Trichloroethylene (TCE) and phase out the use of the TCE alternative, Perchloroethylene (PCE). TCE is one of five chemicals identified by the PLG as the most harmful and widespread contaminates documented in the Camp Lejeune water supply
Used often as a cleaning solvent, TCE is known to cause liver and kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. TCE exposure is also linked to damage to the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, immune system, and reproductive organs and causes fetal heart defects. The PLG intends to use the EPA’s ruling to support the link between the contaminated water and the plaintiff’s injuries. Read the full EPA news release here.
EPA risk management rules for Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene 12-09-2024
Important Information for Representatives of Deceased Claimants
If your loved one died because of exposure to contaminated water on the Camp Lejeune base, you need to gather essential documents required by the Department of the Navy as part of your wrongful death claim. While these documents were not required to submit a claim, they will be needed as the litigation progresses. These documents are the death certificate and proof of authority to act on behalf of the deceased person.
Death Certificates: These can be obtained from the vital records department of the state where the injured party died. Death certificates are readily available to the decedent’s surviving spouse, parents, children, and siblings. There is usually a small fee for the certificate.
Some states provide veterans’ death certificates to family members at no cost. These states include:
- Pennsylvania
- Illinois
- Connecticut
- Maryland
Please check a state’s vital records website for information. Funeral homes may provide free death certificates for veterans’ families as part of their client service.
Proof that the representative has the legal authority to act on behalf of the injured deceased party: This proof is usually titled Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary. This proof is granted by a probate court in the county where the deceased person was a resident or by the probate court in Onslow County, North Carolina, where Camp Lejeune is located.
Krause and Kinsman attorneys are experts at navigating the Camp Lejeune probate process and are available to guide your clients through this essential step.
Important information for claimants with a Power of Attorney
A “power of attorney” is a legal document in which one person called the principal authorizes a person called the agent or attorney-in-fact to act on their behalf, usually for financial or health care matters.
Before submitting a Power of Attorney document to the Department of the Navy, it’s essential to review the document for the following:
- Does the Power of Attorney document authorize the agent to bring claims or lawsuits on behalf of the principal?
- When does the agent’s authority commence? Is it immediately or when the principal is incapacitated or disabled?
It’s important to remember that the principal’s death terminates the power given to the agent in the Power of Attorney document.
