Camp Lejeune

January 17, 2024 — Camp Lejeune litigants are seeking a lower causation hurdle in their legal battle against the U.S. government. The litigants are individuals who were stationed at the Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base in North Carolina between the 1950s and 1980s and were exposed to contaminated drinking water. Many of them have developed serious health issues, including various types of cancer, due to the exposure. However, the current legal standard for proving causation in these cases is high, requiring plaintiffs to demonstrate a direct link between their illnesses and the contaminated water. The litigants argue that this standard is unfair and unrealistic given the complex nature of the health problems caused by the toxic water.

The litigants argue that the high causation hurdle places an undue burden on them and denies them justice. They contend that it is nearly impossible to prove a direct link between their illnesses and the contaminated water due to the long latency period of many of these diseases. Additionally, the litigants point out that the government has already acknowledged that the water at Camp Lejeune was contaminated and that thousands of people were exposed to harmful chemicals. Therefore, they argue that it should be sufficient for them to show that their exposure to the contaminated water increased their risk of developing a particular illness.

Lowering the causation hurdle would allow more Camp Lejeune litigants to seek compensation for their health issues. It would provide a more equitable approach to resolving these cases by acknowledging the unique challenges faced by individuals who were exposed to toxic substances over a long period of time. It would also send a message that the government takes responsibility for its actions and is committed to providing justice for those affected by its negligence. Overall, it is crucial that the legal system recognizes the need for a lower causation hurdle in Camp Lejeune litigation in order to ensure fair and just outcomes for all those impacted by this tragedy.